Photo by JTF Marawi
Manny Pacquiao, a reservist in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, has told Filipino soldiers they’re the real heroes.
“I’m just a boxer, but you give your lives for your country,” Pacquiao was quoted as saying by the Agence France Press from war-torn Marawi.
Pacquiao, who last scored a stoppage in 2009, didn’t have to throw a single punch, but succeeded in scoring what could amount to a knockout when he stepped into the war zone in Marawi on Friday.
Pacquiao’s visit, the first by an incumbent Philippine senator, definitely boosted the spirits of gallant Filipino soldiers, who also received relief goods from the international boxing superhero.
Pacquiao, vibrant in Marawi, looked every inch a fighting leader in his officer’s beret and complete uniform.
As could only be expected, there followed hushed talks that Sen. Pacquiao looked very much like a possible top bet in the next presidential polls.
Meanwhile, reports yesterday quoted veteran promoter Bob Arum as advising that Pacquiao has got only three weeks to honor or disregard his rematch against WBO welterweight champion Jeff Horn of Australia.
Pacquiao had seemed very eager about the rematch immediately after his controversial upset loss to Horn, an unbeaten former school teacher from Brisbane.
Recent developments however tended to leave that rematch dangling.
Has Pacquiao been entertaining other options?
Maybe not, but the forthcoming bout of Floyd Mayweather Jr. against mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor may have played into the picture.
Wouldn’t a win by the unbeaten Floyd Jr. over McGregor provide avenues to pursue a Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch?
Your guess is just as good as mine.