Suddenly, there’s nothing clear on the mysterious next fight of Manny Pacquiao. Promoter Bob Arum has been asking: Where’s the money ($38 million)? Arum has promised to help set up the Pacquiao fight against Amir Khan, but only if the enormous purse proves to be real.
Latest news feeds say there’s no definite site nor date for the proposed superfight between Khan and Pacquiao. So far, there’s nothing clear. Both parties have been at a loss. For one, the proposed April 23 date had been overruled. But the May 20 proposal for the bout would conflict with Pacquiao’s schedule in the Senate.
There are fears that if ever it would push through, it cannot be held in either June or July because this would fall on the feast of the Ramadan.
Meanwhile, here’s part of a letter sent by youth and sports development guru Dr. Aparicio Mequi to responsible basketball people, headed by tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan:
“The perennial shame and embarrassment caused by the BAP in fielding mediocre Philippine basketball teams to the biennial Universiade, considered the biggest sports spectacle next to the Olympic Games, was avoided in 2015. This coming August 19 to 30, 2017, the XXIX Summer Universiade will be held in Taipei and it is expected that the Philippines, through a “dubious” athletic association that calls itself Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (Fessap), will field teams gleaned from athletes of higher education institutions (HEIs). I recommended to PSC Chair Butch Ramirez that Commissioner Ramon Fernandez meet with the officers of Fessap and come to an agreement for the Philippines to send the best collegiate players of the country. I likewise advised Bernie Atienza to take advantage of the nonfielding of a basketball team in the last staging of the Universiade as an opportunity for UAAP and NCAA officers to take the initiative of forming a competitive team.
“I am sending you this e-mail because of the fact that the SBP which you head should correct what has long been an anomaly in Philippine basketball participation in the Universiade. This concern had been brought to your attention two years ago and Mr. Vargas said he’d look into the matter.
“For your information and favorable action. Para sa Bayan.”
Dr. PERRY H. MEQUI
From teacher Aimee Apolinario of Xavier School:
“Just to inform about the honor given to two of our students in the last Philippine Sportswriters Association awards: Adam Bondoc, G10, Milo Male Athlete of the Year (karate), and Jacob Ang, special citation (karting).”
Congratulations Xavier. Mabuhay teacher Aimee. More, more!