Philippines celebrates Pacquiao victory
Agence France-Presse
First Posted 13:50:00 03/16/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- Filipinos set aside political problems Sunday and celebrated boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao's sensational WBC superfeatherweight victory over Mexico's Juan Miguel Marquez.
Construction workers in Manila's Makati financial district crowded around a radio which broadcast the fight live and erupted in cheers as judges announced a split decision in favor of the Filipino, making him world champion.
The military, which earlier declared a special ceasefire to allow soldiers to watch the fight, put up a giant screen at the army headquarters.
President Gloria Arroyo, who has rejected calls to step down over alleged corruption, watched the match from the presidential palace with family and friends.
"Once again, the Pacman has proven that the Filipino can excel in any endeavor and that we can all be united as a nation for the interest of our country," Arroyo spokeswoman Lorelei Fajardo said in a statement, referring to the boxer's nickname.
"The president has watched the game and she's very happy for Manny's victory," she said.
Arroyo also personally greeted Pacquiao on the telephone, she said.
"This was the toughest fight for me," Pacquiao said over Manila radio station DZBB. "This fight was not just for me, this was for the Filipino people."
"Pacquiao was so good. We were initially afraid he was going to lose, but he felled Marquez in the earlier rounds and all was good," said Hector, a laborer as he held a beer in one hand.
Separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels who are negotiating a peace settlement with the government also eased their patrols to watch the fight.
MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu said guerrillas were also told to enjoy the fight, and rally round a fellow Filipino.
"There are no longer Muslims and Christians. Manny is a great Filipino today. Today, there is no war. We are busy celebrating," Kabalu said from his base in southern Mindanao island.
In a sizzling rematch of their 2004 fight, which ended in a draw, one judge gave Marquez a 115-112 decision while another saw Pacquiao the winner by the same margin. The decisive third judge gave the bout to Pacquiao 114-113.
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