Sideshow in Pacquiao training: ‘Biggest loser’ tilt

Manny Pacquiao. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

GENERAL SANTOS CITY—Boxing superstar and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao took a break from training for his Nov. 23 fight with undefeated American boxer Chris Algieri to launch a weight-loss contest that offers cash prizes worth more than $11,000 (P489,170).

More than 100 people showed up for the weigh-in last week at Pacquiao’s Wild Card Boxing Gym here. Unlike the previous “biggest loser” contest he sponsored, this one was open to the public and no longer exclusive to members of Team Pacquiao.

“This is not just to instill discipline among you participants but to also let you appreciate the value of regular exercise. I want you to experience firsthand the hard work and hardship of attaining the weight limit for a boxer,” Pacquiao told them.

A member of the provincial legislature, a retired police colonel, government employees and workers of Pacquiao Group of Companies were among those spotted during the weigh-in, which Pacquiao supervised himself.

The final weigh-in on Oct. 19 will determine the biggest loser, who will get the $10,000 (P444,700) grand prize. All those who succeed in shedding 10 percent of their total body weight will receive around $1,100 (P50,000) each.

According to the world champion in eight boxing divisions, the contest is his way of making people happy by sharing his blessings. “As Christians, we should share whatever blessings we have in life. We cannot bring these worldly treasures when we make our final rendezvous with our Creator,” Pacquiao said.

A week before the contest ends, Pacquiao said he would invite the participants to a sumptuous banquet. “I will order all the delicious foods you want. There will be roasted calf, pig and chicken. Then you may decide whether to continue or back out,” he told the participants, laughing.

The previous weight-loss contest was held while Pacquiao was training for his rematch with American boxer Timothy Bradley on April 12. Even those who backed out were happy, as they were given $1,000 (P44,470) each as consolation prize. Aquiles Z. Zonio, Inquirer Mindanao