MANILA, Philippines — When it was announced that the decision in the match between Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and American boxer Keith Thurman was not unanimous, the crowd at a viewing party in a Makati City mall became silent.
But as it was revealed that two of the three judges sided with Pacquiao, the silence turned into deafening celebration.
Crowd roars as Pacquiao beats Thurman. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/YmB5KdSITl
— Neil Arwin Mercado (@NAMercadoINQ) July 21, 2019
Several senators and congressmen gathered in Makati City to watch the match of Pacquiao, who is also one of the 24 senators of the 18th Congress.
Among the senators present were Senate President Tito Sotto, who was accompanied by his son, Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto.
By the end of the 12th round, without knowing the results, Sotto gave Pacquiao a standing ovation.
After the final round, Senate President Tito Sotto gives Pacquiao a standing ovation. Crowd awaits match results. pic.twitter.com/Ekg6RcQape
— Neil Arwin Mercado (@NAMercadoINQ) July 21, 2019
“Kitang-kita pa rin talagang andun pa rin ‘yung lakas ni Manny tsaka ‘yung power niya, ‘yung galing niya. Kinabahan lang ako ng konti dahil hindi unanimous decision. Nakapagtataka. Tingin ko out of 12 rounds, mga sampung round ang kay Manny,” Sotto told reporters following Pacquiao’s win.
Neophyte senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa was also very active during the match, jumping up and down as Pacquiao converted his punches into points.
When Pacquiao knocked down Thurman late in the first round, Dela Rosa rose to his feet, mimicking his fellow senator’s jabs.
Senator Bato dela Rosa rejoices as Pacquiao knocks down Turman in the first round and plays aggressive in the second round. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/OsEWxkFX21
— Neil Arwin Mercado (@NAMercadoINQ) July 21, 2019
The former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief said that the crime rate in the country may have dropped to zero as Filipinos monitored the senator’s match.
“Kinabahan nung sinabing split decision, bakit naging split ‘yun? Very one-sided naman ‘yun. Kinabahan ako pero confident ako na siguradong mananalo tayo. I’m very proud of my kumpare Senator Manny Pacquiao. Very proud once again ang Pilipinas ay masaya ngayon. Siguro, zero crime rate na naman tayo ngayon,” Dela Rosa said.
Also present was Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco.
“Nakita naman natin today kung gaano kagaling si Senator Manny… Para talagang 40s is the new 30s. Nagpapasalamat tayo kay Senator Manny for bringing back the glory again to the country,” Velasco said. /je