Pacquiao’s fight promotion under scrutiny

By Don Tagala, ABS-CBN News North America Bureau

August 8, 2013

NEW YORK CITY – Community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis leads hundreds of Filipinos around the world in boycotting everything about China since the latter started bullying its way to claim a million square miles of the South China Sea including some Philippine territories.

“We are always standing up for the Philippines, that is part of our National Anthem, sa manlulupig di ka pasisiil,” Lewis said.

A group of young Filipino-Americans is singing its protest – more than a dozen of them came together to create an MTV against China’s aggression towards the Philippines.

But while self-proclaimed patriotic groups have advocated a boycott of China, Philippine boxing champ Manny Pacquiao is singing praises for the Asian neighbor now perceived by many as the most powerful country in the world.

Pacquiao’s crucial comeback fight will happen at the Venetian in Macau which is seen as a big push to promote China as the next boxing capital of the world.

“We want to raise the visibility of Macau as a tourist destination in China,” Sands China CEO, Ed Tracy said, “Clearly we have made a step in the global ring with this event.”

“Manny wants to perform well and please his fans and also give fans from all over that part of the world an opportunity to come and see his fight live,” Pacquiao’s Manager, Michael Koncz said.

“This is a good chance and a great opportunity to promote boxing not only in America but in China,” Pacquiao said, “Remember China has 1.4 Billion population.”

The boxer who wears another hat as Philippine legislator said his fight promotion should not be juxtaposed with the Philippines’ territorial dispute with the Chinese.

“Pino-promote natin ang boxing sa China,” Pacquiao said, “I’m promoting boxing so not the land.”

Pacquiao refused to entertain further questions on the matter.

As Manny Pacquiao starts to train for his November fight in China, Lewis said many Filipino groups are also getting ready for another round of anti-China protest on August 21st to commemorate the heroism of the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. who fought and died to free the Philippines from oppressors.

You may contact Don Tagala at don_tagala@abs-cbn.com for more information.