Tagbilaran City residents watch the Pacquiao-Matthysse fight on a small TV screen on July 15, 2018. LEO UDTOHAN/Inquirer Visayas
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The world stopped for a while in this city on Sunday as people gathered to watch the fight of Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao and Argentinian boxer Lucas Matthysse in their homes or communities.
On Maria Clara Street, at least a hundred men watched the fight on a small TV screen set up outside a business establishment. Since there were no chairs, they had to stand for hours.
It also caused light traffic in the area since motorcycles and tricycles came early. The police from the Tagbilaran City Police Station helped ease the traffic flow.
Driver Ivan Lim was among those who watched the fight on Maria Clara street.He said he was for Pacquiao but acknowledged that Matthysse is a formidable opponent who could end Pacquiao’s career.
“Dili sab angay mukumpiyansa ta (We should not be confident),” he said before the fight.
When Pacquiao won, his fear was gone, affirming that the thrill of watching the legendary Filipino boxer hasn’t declined.
Meanwhile, Venancio Lovino and his friends watched the fight over tuba (fermented coconut wine) and pulutan (appetizer) in Barangay Booy in this city.
Lovino, 62, a certified Pacman fan, said that he expected Pacquiao would win.
“ Walay makakuha sa isang style niya nga pagkaboksidor sa tibuok kalibutan. Maskin kinsa pa nga champion musangka niya siya gihapun ang mudaog,” he said.
(His style in boxing remains unbeatable. No matter who his opponent is, he still emerges as the winner,)
He added that Pacquiao’s style remains unbeatable even as he ages.
“Bisan unsaon walay makapildi ni Pacman. Pacman gihapun (No one can defeat Pacman. It’s still Pacman),” Lovino said. /ee
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