Pacquiao FTW!!! (and Lupang Hinirang)

It is super exciting to watch boxing here in the Philippines. The Pinoy are certainly passionate about their boxing, particularly when it comes to one of the best pound for pound fighters of today – Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

La Diva, from Manila, sang the Philippine National Anthem to open the “show”. For those who haven’t heard the Anthem “Lupang Hinirang” (meaning chosen land), it’s really beautiful. I can sing it almost all the way through, despite not knowing exactly what I’m saying. Haha!

Filipinos are full of pride for their country, so their national anthem is sung and played anywhere and anytime possible. It’s nice. After looking it up, I learned that the song is also known as “Bayang Magiliw” (Beloved Country) is the wiki link that shows the lyrics in Tagalog and English. Everybody should look it up. There are interesting “usage and legal regulations” regarding the who, what, when, where, how, and why of using the anthem.

Anyway, that’s off course. The fight! We got two of our guards and our helper to watch with us. They would have watched it on delay and with loads of commercials. We thought it would be a nice treat for them to see it live and hear what the corners had to say, etc. It’s also funny because they aren’t used to how much and how loud Americans can cheer for sporting events! I think it’s cute to see their reaction – usually hushed “whoa”, “doh”, “wah” and stuff. Any anger or disappointment is displayed as laughter.

The hoopla surrounding the Pacquiao v Cotto fight has been insane! There were 7,000 fans watching the weigh-ins and they turned away so many others. Seems like the whole world has adopted “our” Pacman. He’s fought, AND WON, seven times since we moved to Cebu. That makes it feel like he’s the “home team”.

First, let me say, Cotto was knocked down twice, and probably would have gone down more had it not been for the ropes. The slow-mo replays from Manny’s punches showed such impact that Cotto’s EARS wobbled from the shockwave! Manny took Cotto’s punches like they were light as a feather. Sure, his head snapped back a time or two, but he never seemed dazed in the least bit. His face was clean and perfect following the fight.

From previous fights, Cotto had taken so much abuse that his face was full of scar tissue – making it easier for him to get cut. I was right, he had a few places open up. He looked like he’d been run over by a mac truck! I did get frustrated because instead of Pacman throwing speedy, hard singles and doubles, I wanted him to keep going like he was hitting a speed bag when he had the many, many opportunities! Guess I watch too much MMA. The fight would have been over much sooner.

In the 10th round, Cotto’s wife and son left ringside. It was getting to be too much. His corner kept suggesting stoppage, but I felt the same as Miguel… he needed to stick it out and go all the way. Hell, there’s always a punchers chance. Also, it was his belt to lose, so he needed to fight to the end. The end was a TKO about a minute into the 12th round… so he did stick it out.

Now, Manny is the WBO Welterweight champ! Mabuhay Pacman!!