Short, brutal bout impresses Pinoys

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino fight fans were hardly surprised Manny Pacquiao beat Ricky Hatton but they were surprised on how the Filipino boxing sensation demolished the British champ.

As Top Rank’s Bob Arum later toasted Pacquiao as “the greatest fighter that ever lived,” not a few Filipinos readily concurred, amazed by the manner he dismantled Hatton for a 10th win in a row in the prizefight’s grandest stage.

It was so quick many begged for more.

Press Secretary Serge Remonde, in a radio interview, admitted they were not able to watch the fight live as they’re in a conference, but extended congratulatory message to Pacquiao just the same.

“I’d just taken my seat and it was over,” said Alfernando Espesor, a Central Bank employee who watched the fight in a Pay-Per-View TV in Valenzuela.

“I expected the Pacquiao victory but not that kind. I didn’t see the brawl I expected,” said Carlo Callos, a factory supervisor also from Valenzuela.

“I nearly missed it as I went to the john. Manny was already delivering the knockout punches when I returned to my seat,” said Edmond Dungca, councilor of Barangay Katipunan, Quezon City.

But everyone rejoiced as referee Kenny Bayless, seeing Hatton lay motionless, waved his hands without even counting him out, giving Pacquiao the victory after two minutes, 59 seconds of the second round.

The Pacquiao legend simply grew.

“I agree with Bob Arum. Manny is now the greatest fighter that ever lived,” said Juan Panopio, an engineer who watched the fight at SM Fairview.

“Will anyone dispute that Manny is the greatest fighter in the world today? I don’t think so. Manny just proved to the world that he’s really the best,” said Joseph Lopez, sports and music shopkeeper in Quiapo.

There were those who creased their brows, though, when Pacquiao was introduced as a fighter from Saranggani province in Mindanao. Pacquiao has announced in interviews that he intends to run for a congressional seat in that province.

“Hopefully, he gives it a second thought. We all salute him as a boxer. But as a lawmaker? I doubt if he knows anything about it,” said storeowner Sammy Talon.

“He’s our national treasure as a super boxing champ. My unsolicited advice is for him to stick to boxing and continue to make us proud,” said Joaquin Policarpio, also a businessman.

“Forget politics. Leave it to the politicians. Boxing is your cup of tea. Just stay there,” said Pio dela Cruz, a native of the nearby Gen. Santos City, also as advice to Pacquiao.

No sooner had Pacquiao defeated Hatton than Filipino fight fans started looking forward to his next fight.

Most want former undefeated and undisputed champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. as Pacquiao’s next foe.

“That would be the greatest fight for Manny. Nothing would beat that,” said Espesor.

As in Pacquiao’s recent fights, streets in the entire country were virtually empty as Filipinos from all walks of life stayed glued on television or giant screens in movie houses, rooting for the Filipino world-beater.

And they were all ecstatic after the fight.