Brownouts may frustrate some of Pacquiao’s fans in Mindanao

Manny Pacquiao is shown training with coach Freddie Roach Wednesday April 2, 2014 at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles. AP/Nick Ut

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines—The power outages that have been afflicting several Mindanao areas, sometimes lasting up to seven hours each day, may be a source of frustration for the legions of fans of Manny Pacquiao.

But not in this city where officials said they don’t want any brownout to spoil the day for Pacquiao fans, who have eagerly awaited his rematch with Timothy Bradley.

Mayor Joseph Evangelista said the city government has decided to put up a big screen at the city gym to allow boxing enthusiasts to watch the fight on Sunday.

“And the show will go on even if a power outage occurs,” Evangelista said, adding that the big screen will be powered by an emergency generator set. “This will give an opportunity to our constituents, especially those coming from the barangays, to watch the fight.”

But Evangelista warned people planning to watch the fight at the gym here not to place bets or they would be charged with illegal gambling.

“Let us just enjoy and support our Filipino icon. Join your city officials as we will witness the Pacquiao-Bradley rematch,” Evangelista said.

In Buluan, Maguindanao, Governor Esmael Mangudadatu said he had also ordered the installation of a large screen so that boxing enthusiasts could watch the fight live.

“This is free and we also prepared a simple merienda for those coming to the gym,” he said.

In General Santos City, Pacquiao fans told the Inquirer that they were optimistic the Sarangani solon would defeat Bradley this time.

They said they had closely followed Pacquiao’s progress during the pre-match training and they disagreed with US sports analysts that the odds were in Bradley’s favor.

“Hindi siya dehado. Kaya niya si Bradley,” said Ramoncito Ang, a tricycle driver.

But he said while he was sure that Pacquiao would win, he was unsure if the southpaw would knock the American out.

“Matibay din siya,” Ang said.

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