MANILA, Philippines – November 15, 2009: It was one Sunday that Filipinos of this era will never forget, surely even something that the next generations can take pride in.
For Filipinos who waited in anticipation of the Pacquiao-Cotto showdown, no task is ever so important that one cannot set it aside. People abandoned the streets: no traffic jams, no sign of criminals anywhere, the entire nation seemed like a ghost town from outside. While Churches were rather almost empty, it was like a sin to miss the most exciting match in Philippine Boxing history, as Filipino boxing icon Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao faced his Puerto Rican opponent Miguel Cotto for the World Boxing Organization welterweight crown.
Time ceased, not only for the boxing enthusiasts, but probably the greater Filipino populace who believed in Manny’s gift and had faith that the Filipino can surpass what other nations have done in the past, at least, in the boxing arena.
TV / cable / radio networks, stadiums, business establishments, even police precincts showing the Pacquiao-Cotto match served as refuge to passersby who wanted to get a glimpse of the unforgettable fight.
The “Firepower” bout also gathered some of Hollywood’s top celebrities and athletic superstars. Among those who watched were Oscar-nominated actor Mickey Rourke, Mark Wahlberg, basketball legend Magic Johnson, Shane Mosley, New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs, Derek Jeter of the World Series champs New York Yankees, reigning International Boxing Organization light heavyweight titlist Chad Dawson, former boxing champions Roberto Duran and Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns, light middleweight king and a current middleweight contender Winky Wright as Pacquiao wrested the WBO welterweight belt from Miguel Cotto Saturday in Las Vegas (Sunday in Manila). Also at ringside were celebrities like Paris Hilton, Joe Pesci, Will Ferrell, Jeremy Piven, R&B singer Sean “P. Diddy” Combs.
One notable presence was Philippine First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo’s, who reportedly missed the APEC, particularly the so-called “Singapore Evening at the Esplanade”.
It may be recalled that the First Gentleman failed to show up at a Senate Inquiry in connection with his alleged involvement in the World Bank Scandal to avoid “stress”, having claimed to be under chronic fatigue which left him with “not enough energy to withstand the two-hour trip to and from the Senate”. However, he afforded to fly to Las Vegas just to watch the bloody boxing event.
Vice President Noli De Castro, Mayor Bing Leonardia, Deputy National Security Adviser and former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson were also among the local politicians who came to Las Vegas to cheer for Pacquiao.
Miguel Cotto was swift to display his power jabs in the first two rounds with Pacquiao on the defense. Unknown to most, Manny was deliberately allowing Cotto to hit him, tasting his power, measuring then knowing that he can take it all and not lose steam. It was a reckless and dangerous strategy magnificently orchestrated that worked into Manny’s favor. Now he has Cotto’s numbers and power rating, it was time for him to unleash his.
The speed was lightning fast. Like the German blitzkrieg the combination of Pacquiao’s punches dropped the Puerto Rican fighter with a right hand early in the third round, but Miguel stood up to finish the round strong. However, Cotto was never the same again after Pacquiao put him on the canvas with a big left hand late in the fourth round.
Pacquiao knocked down Cotto twice, turning his face into what looked like a river of blood before Cotto’s camp finally surrendered to Manny’s beating at 55 seconds of the 12th round.
Coach Freddie Roach did it again with his mind trick games, playing the opposite strategy which Pacquiao beautifully executed, and which dismantled Cotto in 12 rounds.
“Our plan was not to hurry but to take our time,” Pacquiao said. “It was a hard fight tonight and I needed time to test his power.”
Cotto simply couldn’t stop Pacquiao from bouncing in and out and hitting him with swift, power punches, blow after blow.
“I didn’t know from where the punches were coming,” Cotto said. “Manny Pacquiao is one of the best boxers I ever fought.”
Toward the end of the fight, Cotto began to slow down and was fighting backward most of the way simply trying to survive, while Pacquiao pursued him relentlessly until it ended Cotto’s dream.
With Manny’s speed and power from both hands, it was way too much for Miguel Cotto’s strength.
Cotto’s sportsmanship was, nevertheless, admirable as he humbly submitted to Pacquiao’s power and gracefully accepted his defeat. He finally recognized the greatness that is Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao reportedly earned $13 million (P611, 000,000) from the megafight, sealing his stature as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, while Cotto pocketed $7 million worth of jabs and punches from the new WBO welterweight king.
Indeed, it was that one Sunday when a Filipino made the IMPOSSIBLE, POSSIBLE, achieved what no brave fighter has ever achieved, a mark in history that even the greatest boxers alive have witnessed in awe.
inset photo by Ronnie Reyes
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