Guns fall silent, crimes down as Pacquiao faces De la Hoya

 

Karlos Ransa, YouTube Review

The Philippine military expects an “absolute ceasefire” with rebel groups as police predict crime rate to drop to zero. Political bickering will come to a halt across the archipelagic Southeast Asian nation of 90 million.

This as Filipino folk hero Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao steps into the ring Saturday (Sunday in the Philippines) for the much-awaited face-off with boxing superstar Oscar “The Golden Boy” de la Hoya in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Politicians in major cities across the country are scrambling to setup venues for free live viewing as pedicab, tricycle and jeepney drivers are expected — as in his past fights — to stop plying their routes to watch “The Dream Match.”

And the national headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will open its gates to civilians as early as 9 a.m. Sunday as it airs for free the biggest fight thus far of Pacquiao, an Army reservist.

President Gloria Arroyo, an avid fan of Pacquiao, has once lauded the 29-year-old native of the southern General Santos City as “icon of the masses” who unites the country in “times of divisiveness.”

And the 29-year-old Pacquiao, touted as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world, is grateful for this.

“I feel their strength behind me,” said Pacquiao, the reigning World Boxing Council lightweight champion ahead of the smash hit battle in the world’s gambling capital of Las Vegas. “Whenever I fight, I fight for my country.”

Dubbed as the “Mexican Assassin,” Pacquiao has won four world titles. The southpaw is known for his speed and non-stop punches that could make an aging fighter look bad.

Says YouTube Review reader Mario: “I want Oscar to win… ‘Pacman’ has been a thorn for so many Mexican fighters. It’s just not funny anymore. “

But Pacquiao is determined to win the non-title match where he stands to make at least $15 million.

“It’s going to be boxing history if I win this fight,” he said. “I believe my power and my speed can beat him.”

And as Pacquiao readies for the scuffle, his mother back home is praying “doubly hard.”

“I am very nervous,” said Dionisia Pacquiao, who during his son’s previous fights stayed away from TV to say the novena.

But her son is ready for the brawl.

“I am prepared. This will be a good fight,” Pacquiao said. “I am focused on the fight. I am ready, I am excited.”