Find dSource on Facebook and on Twitter
Recent Articles: Why people hate Floyd Mayweather, Jr. / From beginning to end, ‘Star Power’ took a page from the WWE playbook
Manila, Philippines – 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”, 8-division boxing champ Manny Pacquiao stayed put in his camp in the City of Pines.
Despite storm signal warning number 3 being raised, estimated winds of 15 to 25 mm per hour within its 650-kilometer diameter coming from PAGASA, and “Pedring” being first spotted 70 km west-northwest of Baguio City last Tuesday, the Pound-4-Pound King stood firm and focused in his preparations for his arch-rival Juan Manuel Marquez for their upcoming third clash on November 12 at the MGM Gran in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao sent a message to his countrymen from Baguio in an interview by GMANews.tv.
“Wag silang mapaghinaan ng loob o mawalan ng pag-asa. Mga pagsubok lang sa buhay natin yan at wag natin kalimutan mag-dasal palagi sa Panginoon at magpasalamat sa lakas ng katawan na ibinigay at mga biyaya na binigay sa atin. Mga pagsuboklamang yan na kaya natin lampasan.”
“I hope they won’t feel defeated or lose hope; these are only trial in our lives and I they shouldn’t forget to pray to the Lord, Almighty and thank him for our health and the blessing he has give us. These are only challenges that we can overcome.”
Pacquiao and his team will remain in Baguio until October 8, then move camp to Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.
Hurricane looming in Mexico
3-time Women’s Boxing champ Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton also sent her well-wishes in the 2-way video conference interview. Julaton will be facing Jessica Villafranca in Yucatan, Mexico this weekend, September 30.
“I wish everyone the best. I remember when I was in the Philippines last year and there was a typhoon also that hit there. 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 heard 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.
OTHER RECENT STORIES: Gesta’s trainer Carl Penalosa aching to rejoin his ward; asks Pacquiao for help / Donaire breaks down possible Gamboa fight and Pacquiao’s street fight mentality
As fellow champions going up against tough Mexican opponents, both Pacquiao and Julaton are confident in each other’s chances.
“Si Ana Julaton ang mananalo at pinagmamalaki siya ng sambayanang Pilipino,”
“Ana Julaton will win and the whole nation of the Philippines is proud of her,” Pacquiao said and pointed out Julaton’s power, speed and skill will help her successfully defend her title in Mexico.
Julaton, on the other hand, remembers how Pacquiao would always tell her “walang takot (No fear)” when they first started training together at the Wild Card Gym back in 2006. Julaton and Pacquiao are both trained by Roach. “Manny all the way against Marquez,” Julaton predicted.
Considered as the king and queen of the Philippine boxing scene. Pacquiao and Julaton were both featured by the Topps trading card company in their recent Allen & Ginter special collector’s edition trading cards set.
– DG – (www.dSourceBoxing.com)
(CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO OF MY POST-FIGHT INTERVIEW WITH DRIAN FRANCISCO AND ELMER ANURAN FROM PINOY WARRIORS)
** Recent interviews: Mercito Gesta / Nonito Donaire, Jr. / Glen Johnson / Seth Mitchell
Filipino Sports Examiner Dennis ‘dSource’ Guillermo is a freelance sports writer. You can find his articles on TV 5’s Interaksyon.com, BoxingScene.com, The SunStar newspaper in the Philippines and SportsManila.net.
Featured Story: ‘Money Pacquiao’: How Manny Pacquiao became Floyd Mayweather, Jr.’s ‘daddy’
BALCO’s Conte finds comedy in USADA’s statements in response to Arum
Earned Respect: Mercito Gesta story
Brandon Rios: Too real to fake it
