Minoza says Pacquiao’s a knock-out

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino veteran Frankie Minoza is hoping a pro-am round with revered boxer Manny Pacquiao will leave him fighting fit in his bid to claim a third title at this week’s ICTSI Philippine Open.

The 52-year-old Minoza, who won Asia’s oldest Open in 1998 and 2007, called the WBO welterweight champion an inspiration for his country, still reeling from a deadly tropical storm late last year.

“He’s inspired the whole country with his achievements,” Minoza said on Wednesday. “It was a pleasure to meet him for the first time. He’s done a lot for the Philippines and has helped many people.”

Pacquiao helped raise 105,960 pesos ($2,464) for the victims of tropical storm Sendong (International name: WASHI), which washed away whole villages last year and left about 300,000 people displaced and needing urgent humanitarian help.

“I’ve not practiced the last three years. I feel tight. I need to practice more. Before, I used to play every day,” Pacquiao said. “I’m focused in golf, like in boxing. I like boxing but I also like golf.”

Minoza is up against a list of strong contenders including Japan’s Tetsuji Hiratsuka, second on the 2011 Asian Tour’s money list, and Australian Kieran Pratt, who won last week’s Myanmar Open.

Former Philippine Open champions Angelo Que and Elmer Salvador and Bangladeshi Siddikur, making his season debut, will also be looking to dethrone defending champion Berry Henson of the United States in the $300,000 event.

No fewer than 38 players in the starting field of 150 have won tournaments on the Asian Tour. But Minoza’s confidence is high after he won a domestic competition at Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club in December.

“I like this golf course. When you’re 52 years old, it’s a good feeling when you can still beat the young boys,” said Minoza. “Golf is a funny game, you just never know.”