Tale of fighting unwashed foe provides comic relief for Pacquiao’s Palace call

Boxing champ and Sarangani Congressman Manny Pacquiao pays a courtesy call to President Benigno Aquino III in Malacanan on Monday. GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines–How does it feel to trade punches over 12 rounds with someone who hasn’t taken a shower for a week?

Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, who outclassed Timothy Bradley Jr. to regain his WBO welterweight belt in Las Vegas on April 13, knows the answer, given that such is the bizarre pre-fight ritual of his American foe.

For some reason, Bradley’s “no-bath pre-bout” ritual was brought up by a Pacquiao assistant during the international boxing icon’s courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III on Monday.

It provided some comic relief to the rather formal meet and greet, during which Pacquiao informed the President of the “lawless elements” that have been delaying the infrastructure projects in his province.

Pacquiao’s tax problems—the Bureau of Internal Revenue claims to be owed some P2.2 billion by the boxing hero—was not discussed during the courtesy call, the Inquirer learned.

Unlike in the past, there was no exchange of tokens between Mr. Aquino and Pacquiao. Instead, they “exchanged pleasantries for about 40 minutes,” said Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma in a statement.

Coloma said Pacquiao conveyed his “excitement in welcoming the newest member of his family,” his fifth child with wife Jinkee. The baby is to be named Israel.

But Pacquiao also got down to business. Coloma said the congressman relayed his concern about farm-to-market road projects in his province “being delayed because of attacks made by lawless elements who have gone to the extent of burning road construction equipment.”

“The President said he [would] instruct law enforcement authorities to take action on this matter,” Coloma said.

Pacquiao also visited the Manila City Hall on Monday where he accepted a city council Resolution No. 133 Series of 2014 congratulating him for his victory over Bradley.

The one-page document said Pacquiao was an adopted son of the city since it was there that he first showed interest in boxing.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada told the media that Pacquiao is the hero that the country needs today. With Maricar B. Brizuela

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