Binay asks: Has spiritual Pacquiao become too kind in the boxing ring?

Manny Pacquiao. AFP/JOE KLAMAR

MANILA, Philippines — “Mukhang mabait siya sa laban kahapon (It looked as if he was kind in his fight yesterday).”

Vice President Jejomar Binay was referring to boxing idol Manny Pacquiao, who lost on Sunday, to American pugilist Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Nadala siguro sa kadadasal (He was overcome by prayers),” Binay told reporters, on Monday, after a speaking engagement at the National Defense College of the Philippines in Makati City.

Asked about the judges’ controversial decision, declaring Bradley the winner of the fight, he said, “medyo may diperensya yata, eh (There is a big discrepancy [between the judgment and the actual fight].”

But Binay expressed confidence the Sarangani legislator would win in the rematch scheduled for next November.

“Ay, oo…Pero kung kilala ko si Cong. Manny, tulog sa susunod na labanan si Bradley (Oh, yes, … With the Congressman Manny I know, Bradley will be knocked out in the next fight),” said the Vice President.

When asked about his overall view of Sunday’s fight and split decision, Binay pointed out, “talagang minsan may mga trahedyang ganyan na nangyayari (Tragedies sometimes happen).”

“Pero sa puso ng lahat ng nakapanood, sa bawat Pilipino, Congressman Manny, ikaw talaga ang nanalo (But in the hearts of all who viewed the match, to every Filipino, Congressman Manny, you are the real winner),” Binay added.

On Sunday, the Vice President issued a statement citing Pacquiao as a “source of inspiration for the Filipino people,” adding “Manny fought hard and has shown he has the true heart of a champion.”