The winds blew, the rain poured, classes were cancelled and Manila was flooded. Not even the 5-star Sofitel was spared as it saw waist-deep waters inside its quarters for the first time ever. But as Filipinos feared a re-run of “Typhoon Ondoy” eight-division boxing champ Manny Pacquiao stayed put in his camp in Baguio City.
Despite storm signal warning No. 3 being raised, the pound-for-pound King stood firm and focused in his preparations for his arch-rival Juan Manuel Marquez for their upcoming third clash on Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao also expressed his symphaty to the thousands victimized by “Pedring.”
“I hope they won’t feel defeated or lose hope, these are only trials in our lives and they shouldn’t forget to pray to the Lord, Almighty and thank him for our health and the blessing he has given us. These are only challenges that we can overcome,” Pacquiao told GMA-7.
Pacquiao and his team will remain in Baguio until Oct. 8, then move camp to Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.
HURRICANE IN MEXICO
Three-time women’s boxing champ Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton also sent her well-wishes in a two-way video conference interview. Julaton will be facing Jessica Villafranca in Yucatan, Mexico tomorrow.
“I wish everyone the best. I remember when I was in the Philippines last year and there was a typhoon. Everyone out there has a big heart, and I know they can endure all of that. I wish everyone out there all the best. Back over here in Mexico, I’ve been training really hard and just knowing deep in my heart and in my head everyday, when I go out there everyday, I represent Filipinos. I take that to heart. I want to make sure I put on a great performance. I wish everyone the best,” Julaton said.
As fellow champions going up against tough Mexican opponents, both Pacquiao and Julaton are confident in each other’s chances.
“Ana Julaton will win and the Philippines is proud of her,” Pacquiao said pointing out Julaton’s power, speed and skill that he said will help her successfully defend her title in Mexico.
Considered as the king and queen of Philippine boxing, Pacquiao and Julaton were both featured by the Topps trading card company in their recent Allen & Ginter special collector’s edition. /philboxing