They still try to call it a showdown, the third meeting between Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley slated in Las Vegas on April 9.
Sorry, but of the 10-something local Pacquiao fans initially polled on the alleged grudge bout, over a dozen frowned on the idea of their national boxing idol concluding his great career with what is generally considered a stale, tasteless final bout.
“Takot, he was afraid to lose, as it could tell on his political plans,” cried veteran Dagupan-based newsman Jun Velasco, a faithful Pacquiao follower.
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Out in the wet market sports hub in Mandaluyong City, all the boxing followers who have tuned into the Pacquiao adventure theater since Day One decry the prevailing absence of uncertainty in the third match-up between Pacquiao and Bradley, who have split their lackadaisical two previous bouts.
The general feeling: there was nothing significant to expect or explore.
If to a debate, the issue has long been settled. Bradley is not in Pacquiao’s class.
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So let it be, cried the more considerate among Pacquiao diehards.
There were those who would say Pacquiao deserves this relatively easy exit, all for the undeniable fact he has provided the boxing world more than its share of greatness and excitement.
Here at home, his league of devotees cannot ask for more, with majority claiming they should’ve, in fact, allowed Pacquiao to exit many years ago yet.
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Does Pacquiao need a sure win in order to enhance his political career and plans?
Not anymore, if we are to go by his consistent solid placing inside the winning circle in the popularity survey for this year’s Philippine senatorial race.
If to a boxing bout, it’s a mismatch: Pacquiao clinching a Senate seat is a foregone conclusion.
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Not only that. Pacquiao beating a more dangerous opponent, like the unbeaten WBO light welterweight Terence Crawford, may no longer play a big factor in his sensational political run.
In short, he no longer needs more pogi points for the purpose of name recall.
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Still, not a few fans insist Pacquiao should exit in a blaze of glory.
Why? A conquest of the strong and ferocious unbeaten Crawford should more than make up for Pacquiao’s comprehensive defeat in the hands of the flamboyant Floyd Maywether Jr. last May.
Many of his fans still want to remember Pacquiao as a great winner, not a desperate losing whiner.