50-50

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

BY the time you read this piece, I believe the much-publicized and much-touted Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez fourth collision might still be in progress or is already over. Yes, it’s been the talk of the town for the past few weeks by boxing aficionados (most of them Pacquiao fans) whom I have encountered, chitchatted with. I had been asked who I think would be the winner this time but playing safe and to avoid arguments turning ugly, I just simply told them, “50–50“. These barbers, jeepney and tricycle drivers, ambulant vendors, jueteng collectors, gamblers, athletes, etc. whom I met were curious to know whom I would pick to win knowing me as an avid boxing fan aside from being half-Filipino and half-Mexican.

I could be wrong but I told them that my analysis says this fourth battle will be another close fight and the result might produce another controversy like what happened in their first three encounters. And if that happens, the real winner will be promoter Bob Arum who heads Top Rank Promotions. We have to expect a fifth battle ‘ika nga. I made it clear to them that whoever scores a knockdown in this fight will be on the main road to victory. The two ring warriors are evenly matched and their last three meetings were clear proofs. I could be wrong again but I believe there could be a knockdown this time, but no knockout despite the firm prediction of the two.

FROM THE FILES—Mexican boxing icon Juan Manuel Marquez is interviewed by The PUNCH columnist/sports reporter Jesus A. Garcia, Jr. weeks before the third match with Manny Pacquiao. With Marquez are his assistant trainer Jaime Quintana and his head coach and chief trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain (holding the speed bag). (Punchphoto)

The counter-puncher expert Marquez, 39, who became a friend of mine, is nearing the sunset of his sterling career and this could be his last hurrah against Pacquiao, and so must win convincingly to get the clear nod of the judges and the world. For the puncher-aggressor Pacquiao, 34, yes, he has to win convincingly to erase the doubts in their controversial three fights and this will be his last chance that to lead to the much-awaited megabucks battle with the flamboyant Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Expect the expected that the Philippines will again be paralyzed on December 9 due to this fight. For sure there will be a few commuters on the road, cockfighting will be slowed down, dates of sweethearts will be postponed, farmers will delay their work, but for sure drinking of beers, wines and chitchats will be the main events in many places, especially if Pacquiao wins. I will be doing that with media colleague JunV and our friends will surely join. Si, dicen que este va a ser un gran peligro para Pacquiao ahora, pero yo creer la casual esta cincuenta-cincuenta porsiento. (Yes, they say that it may be a great danger for Pacquiao this time, but I believe the chance is fifty-fifty). Let’s wait and see.

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As I’m writing this piece, Pangasinan team basketball 3-on-3 head coach Kelly Sespene texted to inform our kabaleyans that our young boys in the Batang Pinoy Games being held in Iloilo City just won the championship match. Sespene said the Pangasinan boys, mostly from Lingayen, demolished all their opponents during the elimination and semifinal rounds, and they are thanking all the people who prayed for their victory.. Mabuhay ka Kelly and to our Pangasinan boys.

In chess, Pangasinan Chess Federation/Pangasinan Chess League top leaders Juan. V. R. Sison and Ron Vergara texted to invite all interested chess players in all levels, especially our local bets, to join the Fourth Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. Open Chess Tournament to be held on December 15-16 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen. The two said major prizes are at stake, but did not elaborate. For more info please contact their cp numbers 09205037104 or 09277081901.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism; One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. EPHESIANS 4: 4-6

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