RICKY Vargas, who has been the president of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (Abap) for eight years now, was so devastated when his two boxers came home from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics empty-handed.
Vargas’ immediate reaction was to step down from the boxing association and give way to someone who could do a better job.
The first name that came to Vargas’ mind was eight-division world boxing champion Sen. Manny Pacquiao.
Needless to say, the plan immediately reached Pacquiao who reacted positively to the proposal.
“Kung ibibigay sa akin, bakit hindi? Susuportahan ko ang boxing. Dyan ako galing. Naniniwala ako na diyan manggagaling ang unang gold natin sa Olympics. (If it will be given to me, why will I not accept it? I have been in boxing for most years of my life and I feel that our first Olympic gold will come from this sport),” said Pacquiao.
The scribe who interviewed Pacquiao is certain the lawmaker would accept the job as Abap president if offered to him.
“Aayusin natin ang (I will put) Philippine boxing (into order),” Pacquiao vowed.
Vargas’ plan to shake up the boxing association came in the wake of Charly Suarez and Rogen Ladon’s failure to win a single bout in the Rio Olympics.
According to Vargas, he was so disappointed with our performance in Rio.
“We tried our best,” Vargas said in a statement. “It’s about time to hand over the leadership torch.”
* * *
Fans should not be disappointed that Pacquiao’s next opponent will be WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas on his comeback fight on Nov. 5.
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum also said Pacquiao will have two more fights next year.
Arum mentioned Floyd Mayweather Jr. as one of the opponents, confirming reports his fight with Vargas would only be a prelude to Pacquiao’s most ardent wish for a rematch with the American boxer.
Pacquiao’s fans say he might find it difficult to divide his time between boxing and his work as senator.
But Arum said Pacquiao will do his training in the evening and sees no conflict with his schedule in the Senate.