‘Battle for Greatness’ gets max airing

UNTIL we heard it straight from GMA 7 newscaster Mike “Imbestigador” Enriquez during the “Battle for Greatness” press conference at Solaire Hotel and Casino recently, we were not sure if the much awaited May 2 fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. would be aired live or on a slightly delayed basis.

Speaking in flawless English, Mike said his network is proud to air another Pacquiao fight, this time simultaneous with two other free TV channels, ABS-CBN and TV5, in response to a request from Pacquiao himself.

“The Battle for Greatness can be watched by fans from across the nation live as it happens in the three free-to-air channels, as well as Solar All Access Cable,” Mike announced.

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Anson Wainwright, who attended the presscon, was curious to know how much each of the three channels paid for the broadcast rights.

However, when he got the chance to get hold of the mic, the Briton from Wales got cold feet and changed his  question.

Anson writes for Ring Magazine and Ring TV. He’s the same guy who predicted a win for Mayweather on points in the Battle for Greatness on May 2, a highly successful comeback for Nonito Donaire Jr., a continuing championship reign for Donnie Nietes and a knockout victory for “The Prince” Albert Pagara. The last three boxers fought in Pinoy Pride 30 “D-Day: Donnie and Donaire” at press time.

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Head coach Alvin Pua hopes that the partnership formed by Cagayan Rising Suns with Gerry’s Grill in the PBA D-League will prove auspicious.

Now playing under the Cagayan Gerry’s banner, the Rising Suns are off to a 1-1 start in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup.

Runner-up to Hapee Toothpaste in the recent Aspirant’s Cup, the ball club was re-launched in a press conference at Gerry’s Plus at the second level of UP Town Center along Katipunan Road in Quezon City.

“This is a dream come true for us,” said Gerry’s co-owner Jerome Ngo. “Given a little more motivation, this team could go all the way to win the championship.”

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HOOPVINE: While Ryan Gregorio and Perry Martinez both eventually declined being considered for the position of PBA commissioner, they accepted the invitation for an interview with Rey Canilao. Ryan is currently Meralco alternate governor in the PBA board of governors while Perry works for Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos … Who is Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Pia Wurstbach really dating? One TV station announced it was no less than President Aquino, while another said it was Azkal Phil Younghusband… Incidentally, one candidate in the same pageant, Wynwyn Marquez, is the daughter of actress Alma Moreno and ex-PBA player Joey Marquez … I haven’t had time to verify but people are talking about a towering twosome in the sporting community making beautiful music: The almost 7-feet June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer and the 6-foot-1 Lady Eagle Aerieal Patnongon.