The price of Manny

(Veteran Inquirer boxing analyst and columnist Recah Trinidad starts today his daily notes on the coming Pacquiao-Rios fight in Macau. — Ed)

MANNY Pacquiao is assured of at least $16 million in prize money for Sunday’s crucial duel against Brandon Rios.  It’s not exactly Pacquiao’s biggest fight money, but the Pinoy superhero himself considers the outing priceless.

First, he did not have to be told that, until he suffered a dismal fall at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez last year, he continued to be a prized national treasure.

A win on Sunday would restore hope and prop the spirits of Filipinos, including the luckless living victims of Supertyphoon Yolanda.

***

Yesterday, Pacquiao told GMA 7 in an exclusive interview he would’ve hung his gloves last year yet if he did not value the hopes of his countrymen.

“I did not have to quit after losing, I’ve to go on and win big again mainly for my beloved countrymen,” he explained.

Pacquiao, 34, knew how he had been the pride and joy of countless Filipinos, to whom he dedicates Sunday’s scheduled struggle.

He’s a solid favorite, thanks to experience, superior speed and style.

Still,  Rios, 27,  cannot be brushed off as a ready gift package—a tuneup boy—for Pacquiao.

The former world lightweight champion, although basically slower, has the big punch and staying power enough to upset Pacquiao and his anxious admirers.

***

Fight week schedule

Nov. 19, Tuesday Grand Arrivals Venetian Main Porte

9 p.m.—Brandon Rios

9:30 p.m.—Manny Pacquiao

Nov. 20, Wednesday, Undercard Workout

2:30 p.m.—West Lobby,  Venetian Macao

9:30 p.m.—Main Press Conference, Venetian Ballroom, Venetian Macao

Nov. 21, Thursday

11 a.m.-1 p.m.—Undercard Fighters Round Table, Media Center

Nov. 22, Friday Trainers Round Table

10 a.m.—Freddie Roach and Robert Garcia, Media Center

Nov. 23, Saturday, Weigh-in

7:30 a.m.—Venetian Ballroom

Nov. 24, Sunday  Main Event

8:10 a.m.—First Bout

10 a.m.—HBO PPV begins

12 nnn—Approximate start of  Main Event