Sport | Other Sports
Filipino fans eagerly await 'Dream Match'
There is talk of ceasefire so soldiers can watch Pacquiao battle De La Hoya.
- By Gilbert Felongco, Correspondent
- Published: 23:53 December 6, 2008
- Image Credit: AP
- Oscar De La Hoya (left) stands with WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao as fighter Bernhard Hopkins stands between them after the weigh-in for their upcoming non-title welterweight boxing match in Las Vegas.
Manila: The world will stop for several hours for many Filipinos today as the "People's Champ" Manny Pacquiao takes on Mexican-American Oscar de la Hoya, in a fight headlined as "Dream Match".
As in the past, matches billing the 29-year-old boxer from Southern Philippines against other opponents, has seen traffic vanish from the road.
The military, which had drafted Pacquiao as a sergeant in the army, is expected to declare a unilateral ceasefire, if only for a few hours, so that soldiers can watch the fight on television.
For many Filipinos, the fight is not just a test of skill and endurance between two seasoned boxers but a match between an apparent underdog and a 35-year-old former Olympic fighter.
Pacquiao is shorter by four inches against his opponent and boxing is a sport where height is an advantage.
Your comments
It is a good thing it's Eid al-Adha and we will be able to watch the people's champ take down another opponent. Nothing beats eating sinangag and tuyo while watching Pacman fight knowing that all your countrymen around the world are watching the same thing!
John
QC,Philippines
Posted: December 07, 2008, 09:17
As a Filipino, I vehemently say that Pacquiao plays an important role in our country. His fight has a tremendous effect to our country because it unites the people of the Philippines. I am also happy that people in the Philippines are proud and willing to give their support to Manny. I believe that Manny has the great chance to win because he knows how to handle every fight and he is always using his brain in every fight aside from his strong fist.
Edwin Ibañez
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 08:13
I know Manny can win this match because he is the most disciplined boxer.
Claude
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 06:07
The fight is big here in Kuwait. Mexicans and Philippinos will be at my place to watch the big fight. Good luck to both
Lorenzo Bailey
Kuwait,Kuwait
Posted: December 07, 2008, 01:48
The people champion will win this match and he will show the whole world that filipinos can be and always will be champions.
angeli
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 07, 2008, 01:13
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