Does Manny Pacquiao really need a rematch against WBO world welterweight champion Jeff Horn of Australia?
This reporter made a mini survey and majority of people we talked to, some citing health reasons, said they were not comfortable with the rematch.
One expert, international matchmaker Jun Sarreal, in fact, said that the Games and Amusements Board, instead of seeking an investigation into the “Battle of Brisbane,” should’ve sought a timely and thorough medical check on Pacquiao, to determine his exact condition this late in his demanding and brutal career.
The revered sportsman Tony Aldeguer of Cebu said the rematch should be a big no.
He said: “As a boxing purist who admires the iconic accomplishments of Pacquiao and his generosity to his people, I would give him the same advice as what his wife and his mother gave: RETIRE. But for the boxing fans, they would still want Manny to seek a rematch to avenge the Filipino pride.”
Correct. There were people who sounded they cared for Pacquiao, but were actually concerned only with themselves.
“No, he should not do a rematch,” said the multiawarded international referee Bruce McTavish. “It’s just too bad that too many people are taking advantage of Manny.”
Out in the Mandaluyong City Market, wet section people, all Pacquiao admirers, were divided on whether the Filipino boxing superhero should continue fighting or not.
“Kung talo, talo, he lost so accept it,” said bare-chested Bobby de los Santos, main man in the Munting Palengke meat section.
Romy Rambo, burly pork and beef seller, said Pacquiao had been cheated, the reason he must seek vengeance. (Hindi maganda ’yun, dinaya manok natin, kailangan gumanti.)
Friends along the murky fish section were one in claiming Pacquiao had clearly been cheated.
From Joseph Dumuk of San Fernando, La Union: “Good day, I watched the replay and it brought to mind my thoughts that MP retire from boxing many years back. Not having KOed or TKOed any of his opponents the last 8 years is a manifestation of the decline of MP and his loss to Horn is a low point in his career. If he retires he will still remain a boxing legend but he will have more time with his loved ones and put more attention to his role as a senator.”
From one top-notch sports medicine expert: “I guess depende sa kalaban. Gaya niyong iniwasan niyang si Crawford, hindi na. Na-underestimate si Horn. Pero may kailangan yata si Manny.”
Joel Negro, dusky, long-haired helper in the Hulo Talipapa, claimed having read in the Internet how referee Mark Nelson had supposedly told Horn after the brutal ninth round, which the Australian gallantly survived, that he was there to protect the battered Horn.
“Talagang dinaya, bakit niya protektahan si Horn?” the boy protested.
Joel was told it was the official duty of the referee to protect both fighters, the reason he warned Horn he would stop it in the 10th if he did not show anything.
“OK, so si Freddie Roach ang kailangan ng rematch, bugbog sarado siya sa trainer ni Horn.”