THE RESULT of the third bout between Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez was so controversial that even the boxers of the famed ALA boxing stable were torn in their opinions after witnessing the fight yesterday at the Radisson Blu Hotel.
Amidst all the speculation of Marquez allegedly getting robbed of the victory, ALA chief trainer Edito “Ala” Villamor was resolute in his belief that the Filipino legend won the fight in convincing fashion.
“Sakto man ang scoring. Kulang pa gali ‘to. Dapat gali unanimous ‘to ang scoring,” said Villamor, who is in the thick of things preparing his fighters for the upcoming Pinoy Pride 10 boxing card next month.
World champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes also shared his trainer’s sentiments.
“Wala man jud ko matingala ato na decision. Labaw jud si Pacquiao atong duwaa. Justified ra ‘to nga decision by the judges,” he said.
Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, who watched the game at the Victoria Hall of the Parklane International Hotel Cebu, also believed Pacquiao won.
“He deserves the win,” sad Rama. “I did not expect that the fight will go the distance because my prediction was Manny Pacquiao will knock out Marquez in the fifth round.
Regarding the complaints about the judges’ decision, Rama said we shouldn’t blame them.
“Di nato mabasol ang mga judges kay wala man ta didto sa away.”
Still, there were those that differed in their opinions regarding the fight.
Antonio A. Aldeguer, founder of the famed ALA Boxing Gym, said Pacquiao didn’t perform as expected.
“I don’t know the reasons behind it but his performance was below par,” said Aldeguer.
Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista, who will headline the Pinoy Pride X on Dec. 10, saw it as a draw.
“At least unta, draw ‘to siya. Grabe kaayo ka-condition si (Juan Manuel) Marquez. Pero unsaon ta man, ang judges na ang nahibalo ana,” said Bautista.
Flyweight champion Milan Melindo took the praise even one notch higher.
“Nakigkumbate jud si Marquez atong duwaa. Laliman ka, 12 rounds against ni Pacquiao and wala jud siya natumba. No matter what, idol jud gihapon nako si Marquez.” /Correspondents Jonas Panerio and Dale Rosal and editorial assistant calvin cordova