I’m Gonna Watch Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto Live on a Big Movie Screen at SM City

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I can hardly think of a fellow Batangueño who isn’t a fan of Manny Pacquiao. The whole nation idolizes him, and it’s no different here in Batangas than Pacquiao’s hometown in General Santos. Yes, the US media is correct—we are a Pacquiao nation. And I’m the greatest Pacquiao fan you never heard of. Why? Read on.

I have watched most of Pacquiao’s latest fights first on live streaming video over the Internet (which were laggy and low quality and not to mention unofficial), and then on uber-delayed national TV broadcast with typhoon-ondoy rain of commercials. Both of course have been dissatisfying. I immediately forget my dissatisfaction though because Manny has won all of the time.

This November 15, Pacquiao faces an equally formidable foe in Miguel Cotto, in a fight appropriately dubbed Firepower. I have the same respect for Cotto as I do for Pacquiao, and to tell you the truth, I will take Cotto’s side for all of his fights, except this one with Pacquiao. That’s how much I like this Puerto Rican boxer after seeing some of his bouts, reading about him, and watching his Knockout highlights in Youtube. I mean, if you really think Pacquiao’s gonna trample on Cotto like what he did with Oscar Dela Hoya and Ricky Hatton, then you better watch (at least) this HBO Greatest Hits special feature on Miguel.

Cotto is a smart boxer and has the best body shots in the business. Pacquiao is fast fast fast, but Cotto has handled speed before quite well with Shane Mosley. They’ll be weighing in at 145 lbs, and Cotto, the natural welterweight at 147 lbs, will definitely make the weight. These are the reasons why I think Manny Pacquiao will face his toughest opponent yet on November 15 (November 14 evening in the US).

Does it scare me that Pacquiao might lose? Of course. Do I think Pacquiao will still win? I honestly don’t know. Win or lose though, I believe Pacquiao is a HERO not because he’s proud to be a Filipino or he’s the #1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world BUT because, on a personal level, he takes the greatest risks to be the greatest. With the realization of this belief, my respect for Pacquiao takes on a whole new meaning, very much apart from the pride he brings to our country, or the millions of dollars he gets when he fights. I have become Pacquiao’s GREATEST fan.

And yes, as I have mentioned, I’m tired of scouring for the best “illegal” video of a Pacquiao fight over the Internet, and angry at myself for cursing over 15-minute commercials in-between rounds of his fights. Perhaps Pacquiao deserves something better from his greatest fan, knowing fully well that Pacquiao, for the first time since I know him, might lose. Perhaps it’s time to join the thousands of Filipinos who watch, curse on, and celebrate a live boxing match inside a mall theater with a big screen. After Manny’s boxing career, that’s where he might end up anyway–on the big screen.

***
The live feed at SM is the closest thing to the Pacquiao Vs Cotto fight at MGM Grand, Las Vegas. If you would like to join me, head on to SM Lipa and purchase a ticket at their selling booth. I’m stil verifying if SM Batangas will also have the Pacquiao fight. Purchase the ticket this weekend (October 16-18) and you will get a complimentary movie pass from SM Cinema. Tickets cost P400 each.

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