Manila mayor defends Pacquiao victory

MANILA, Philippines—Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim expressed full support and excitement for boxing champion’s Manny Pacquiao’s win over Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez.

“Suntok, takbo, suntok, takbo ang ginawa ni Marquez kaya tama ang desisyon. (Punch, run, punch, run was what Marquez did so the decision is correct.) Congratulations, Manny! You are still our champion forever and ever,” Lim told reporters after watching the fight at the free public screening at the city’s San Andres Sports complex, as is his habit.

Lim had predicted Marquez would be knocked out by the third round. Although it did not come to pass, the mayor expressed that he thought Pacquiao’s victory was clear enough.

“Marquez had nothing [on Pacquiao]; he didn’t want to attack simultaneously. He kept evading. If he sparred [with Pacquiao] simultaneously, he would have been knocked out. Manny is still the champion,” Lim said, in Filipino.