Pacquiao’s problem: No worthy foe

WITH Manny Pacquiao finishing another fight, pundits in Congress are divided on whether the Filipino boxing icon should retire with no worthy opponent in sight.

Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said Pacquiao should hang up his gloves if he could not find a challenger who could match him in the ring, punch for punch.

“I would advise him against moving up in weight. There is no one left to fight except Mayweather who is ducking him and there is nothing to prove in fighting Marquez. He might as well focus on politics and public service,” said Angara.

In a press conference yesterday, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama reiterated that last Sunday’s fight between Pacquiao and Sugar Shane Mosley was a disappointment, even an embarrassment.

Rama said Mosley’s lackluster performance only showed that he was after the US $5 million prize rather than putting up a real fight against Pacquiao.

He said the fight was more of a sparring session that a championship bout.

Rama also questioned why the American referee declared that Pacquaio was knocked down by Mosley in the 10th round.

The referee later apologized for declaring a knockdown on Pacquiao.

“Overall, it was not as what we were led to anticipate,” the mayor said.

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone agreed, saying the next matches could become a bore and a turn-off to fans.

“He can focus on his commitment to alleviate the plight of the poor. That will be the biggest challenge outside of the ring,” Evardone said.

With Pacquiao still the best pound-for-pound boxer, Evardone said he could still make one or two fights before thinking of retiring.

Other lawmakers aren’t so agreeable. Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao said Pacquiao should continue to fight.

“He should not retire just yet. He should fight not for the money, but for the thrill and the sense of national pride and unity that he is able to engender. It will be eons before we see the likes of another Manny,” said Aggabao.

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said the fight was just a “money-making show.”

Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez described the Mosley bout as Pacquiao’s “least exciting” among all his fights.

“Mosley showed good defense but he had zero offense,” said Golez, a former boxing champion during his years at the US Naval Academy.

While the fight was a snore, most Filipinos still eagerly watched the fight including those in typhoon-battered Albay. /Inquirer with a report from UPV-Tacloban intern Joy Cherry S. Quito