Pacman talks politics while Rios refrains from trash talk

By Steve Angeles, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

August 9, 2013

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif–It was the last stop for the global media tour for Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios.

The two will clash in Macau in November. “I picked Rios because I believe he can give a good fight. He is an aggressive fighter. He throws a lot of punches,” said Pacquiao.

“I’m going to ready 100% I have to be. Because he ain’t no joke,” said Rios.

Pacquiao will train in the Philippines for the next two months. While the General Santos training will minimize fatigue and jetlag, it will also keep Pacquiao closer to his duties as a congressman as proposals to junk pork barrel has risen amid the alleged pork barrel scam. The Pacman said leaders need to continue having funds for projects that can help their community.

“Yung isyu sa mga PDAF or isyu sa mga budget ng mga congressman in a position, para sa akin kailangan ‘yun dahil ang mga tao pag ikaw ang isang leader hinahapan nila ang mga proyekto (We need the PDAF. Our constituents come to us expecting projects in the districts. Not everyone will understand it if you say we only file bills. If you’re the leader they expect you to initiate projects.),” said the fighting congressman.

The fight in Macau comes amid the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China.

Pacquiao believes his Macau fight can help usher peace in Southeast Asia. Despite the Pacman’s good will,
Filipino activists who are leading global efforts condemning China’s actions during the maritime dispute believe boxing may not solve the tensions.

“This is besides Manny Pacquiao this problem is between the Philippine government and Chinese government so as long as the Philippine government holds talking to the Chinese government nothing can be achieved,” said activist Arturo Garcia who also attended the press conference.

In the meantime, Rios who is known for his antics and trash talk, has been well behaved. The Southern
California-based Mexican American has been focusing on what is expected to be the biggest fight of his young career. “Me and Manny we respect each other. He’s not bad mouthing me, I’m not bad mouthing him so at the end of the day we’re just ready to fight and I feel great that I got the opportunity to fight Manny Pacquiao,” says the Mexican.

After their worldwide press tour that took them across China, Rios admits after the fight he would like to visit the Philippines for a vacation.

You may reach Steve Angeles at steve_angeles@abs-cbn.com for more information.