Before HBO secured the much awaited
Pacquiao vs Marquez fight,
Manny Pacquiao revealed to his fans that he is also a fan of the Azkals. It surely surprised the underdog Azkals that one of the well known athlete that the Philippines ever produce is their fan. Well, this surely has boosted the moral of the Azkals amidst the rape controversy that some members are currently facing. You can read the whole interview to Manny Pacquiao below.
MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao has so many secrets – some must remain as secrets, though. But last Saturday, he revealed one.
To the surprise of a huge, animated crowd, Pacquiao admitted that he’s also one of the many who were caught up in the football fever that swept the country the past months following the sucess of the national football team.
His revelation further energized the crowd, especially the enthralled Azkals squad.
“Dati po hindi ako mahilig sa football. Pero ngayon mahilig na ako dahil sa Philippine Azkals,” said Pacquiao during the annual Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night at the historic landmark Manila Hotel.
The revelation came as a piece of good news for Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta and members of the Philippine Azkals, who were bestowed with the Presidential Achievement award.
The Azkals sparked a football buzz after their historic semifinal finish in the Suzuki Cup last year.
The eight-division world champion claimed that he was rooting for the Mexican football team before.
But when the Azkals shocked defending Suzuki Cup champion Vietnam, 2-0, his admiration for the Azkals got bigger.
“Dati Mexico ang pinapanood kong team. Ngayon Azkals na,” said Pacquiao who is set to fight Shane Mosley for the Filipino’s World Boxing Organization’s welterweight title on May 7 in Las Vegas.
The Azkals sustained their sizzling run last month by beating Mongolia, 2-0, in the first leg of their AFC Challenge Cup qualifier.
Pacquiao also had a fond memory of international boxing referee Carlos Padilla, Jr. – one of the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement awards.
He said in jest that Padilla helped him during his fight with Nedal Hussein of Australia.
“Nong natumba ako, matagal ako binilangan ni Mr. Padilla, syempre para maka-recover ako,” said the smiling Pacquiao.
Luckily for Pacquiao and Padilla, the fight was held in Antipolo City in 2000. Had it been fought somewhere else, a riot could have ensued.
“Andito na tayo sa Pilipinas, ginamit na niya ang pagka-advantage natin,” said Pacquiao who eventually stopped his foe in the 10th round. This was published in Manila Bulletin
Before HBO secured the much awaited Pacquiao vs Marquez fight, Manny Pacquiao revealed to his fans that he is also a fan of the Azkals. It surely surprised the underdog Azkals that one of the well known athlete that the Philippines ever produce is their fan. Well, this surely has boosted the moral of the Azkals amidst the rape controversy that some members are currently facing. You can read the whole interview to Manny Pacquiao below.
No comments:
Post a Comment