Arum messes up Chavit's name

LAS VEGAS - Luis “Chavit” Singson, the big-time supporter of Manny Pacquiao, must have felt so embarrassed.

But he tried not to show it.

In Wednesday’s press conference at the packed Hollywood Theater of the MGM Grand, the former governor of Ilocos Sur sat at the presidential table but was wrongfully introduced by Top Rank big boss Bob Arum.

Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times wrote that Arum “absolutely butchered the introduction of a Filipino dignitary” but added that “Arum’s linguistic battle was so hilarious, I was crying, as were other reporters at my table.”

Here’s what happened.

Arum was doing the roll-call of those seated beside Pacquiao, from trainer Freddie Roach to lawyer Franklin Gacal and matchmaker Wakee Salud when he missed the name of Singson, a very powerful man back home.

Arum gently walked to his left and leaned toward Pacquiao asking for the name of the former governor who can’t be missed with his bright orange long-sleeved shirt.

Arum returned to the microphone and said, “We also have sitting next to Wakee a very famous personage from the Philippines... Governor Takasan... Taka-Jingson... whatever.”

And there was laughter.

To Singson it wasn’t funny at all.      – Abac Cordero