PostHeaderIcon Pacquiao wins over De la Hoya on a 9th round TKO



When I attended the Simbang Gabi sa Katedral at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, New York a few hours before Manny (Pacman) Pacquiao faced “golden boy” Oscar de la Hoya on the welter-weight boxing ring, Fr. Jose Marabe asked those present if they prayed for the Filipino fighter to win.

The hushed laughter in the packed gothic cathedral on December 6, 2008 seemed to confirm that many sought God's help for the most famous Filipino pugilist. The trust on Manny's winning was as high as the people's trust in God. Manny's fans knew the power of faith.

I too offered prayers for Manny to win. I wanted to have that good news for the country, something that most kababayans could relate to. After all, Manny is among the few Filipinos who captivates and inspires the nation. When he fights, Manila literally stops. His homegrown fans in the Philippines go wild watching the TV beamed from Las Vegas.

When I arrived home from church, the game was already underway. It was Manny who was dominating the fight. De la Hoya seemed worn-out to match Manny's solid jabs. The famous 10-time world champ and 1992 Olympic veteran wobbled as he took Pacman's strikes.

By the 8th round, the Mexican-American boxer got his puffed eye which proved too cumbersome for him to go on. The befuddled De la Hoya soon lost the match on a technical knockout (TKO) after failing to answer the 9th round bell.

It was a glorious moment for Pacquiao, a beaming instant for Filipinos. Manny said he felt early on that he would win. Riding high on adrenaline, he wanted to fight again when the pay is right, perhaps after some rest. He set a personal record by wrecking the stellar reputation of the famous De la Hoya.

Manny demonstrated to be the better boxer. Prayers did work for him. On his return to the Philippines its the same prayers (add praises and admiration) that await him.w He once more raised pride for his people. He is an excellent boxer--- better than the aspiring politician from Gen. San he wanted to be. (Photo Credits: AP/ Mark Terrill; AP/ Jamison, E; AP/ JaeChong; AP/ Jamison, E) =0=



RELATED BLOG: "A Postscript To Manny Pacquiao's Outstanding Wins" posted by mesiamd, Wednesday, 07 July 2004 11:54.


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