Pacquiao fans call for rematch against Mayweather
Fans in the Philippines saddened by Pacquiao's loss 02:16
Story highlights
- Floyd Mayweather beat rival Manny Pacquiao in most lucrative boxing match in history
- Pacquiao's fans in the Philippines aren't happy -- they want to see a rematch
Manila, Philippines (CNN)Their hometown hero may be nursing his wounds, but Manny Pacquiao fans in the Philippines are already calling for a rematch.
"We are not satisfied," said Gel Bucani, 19, a Manila shopkeeper. "Rematch!" she added.
"For
all of us Filipinos it's disappointing. He did everything, but nothing
happened," said Mike Camenza, 23, who insisted he was still proud of the
Philippines' most famous son.
Love for the "Pacman" runs deep here, even after his loss to American Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas.
Philippines: 'We're still proud of Manny' 02:45
The
country's President, Benigno Aquino III, issued a statement Monday via
his press spokesman thanking "Pacman" for his efforts.
"Filipinos
can hold their heads up high... Pacquiao did us all proud when he stood
his ground against one of the best boxers of our time, Floyd
Mayweather," said Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr.
Coloma
said the President also thanked Pacquiao "for serving as an inspiration
to every Filipino in overcoming the daily challenges in the pursuit of a
better life and future.
"He is a
worthy exemplar that the Filipino is able to compete in the global arena
-- for as long as there is a level playing field."
The statement also appeared to suggest it was time for Pacquiao to hang up his gloves.
"Hopefully,
Manny may now be able to devote more time with his family and that he
is able to maintain good health that will serve him in good stead in all
his future endeavors."
Rags-to-riches story
Pacquiao is a huge star in his home country, where his rags-to-riches story connects to locals.
He
is not just a boxer, but also a congressman, singer, basketball coach
and owner of everything from a bottled water brand to a shopping mall.
Millions
in the Philippines watched the fight, which was broadcast on all major
television networks, shown in stadiums and parks, and even in movie
theaters. Even a heat index of upwards of 40 degrees in some parts of
the country wasn't enough keep the fans away.
Some 10,000 gathered for a free screening in a basketball stadium in the Manila neighborhood of San Andres.
Pacquiao Mayweather Reaction 7 photos
The
crowd responded boisterously when Pacquiao entered the ring to a
self-recorded song, entitled "I will fight for the Filipinos." They
cheered every time Pacquiao landed a punch and rarely missed an
opportunity to boo his opponent, at times breaking out into chants of
"Manny, Manny."
Celebrity
attendees at the match in Las Vegas -- including Mark Wahlberg and
Michael Jordan -- were also popular with the crowd, though they didn't
have much time for Justin Bieber, who had thrown his support behind
Mayweather.
No signal scare
Near
disaster struck for the San Andres viewers in the 8th round, when the
local satellite feed cut out and the big screen at the end of the
stadium broadcast the message "no signal." Some frustrated fans started
to leave the stadium, before the signal was restored to a reception of
joyous shouts in the 10th round.
"It was just a technical problem," explained Sally Ramillo, duty officer of the San Andres Sports Complex.
After
twelve rounds without a knockout, fans held out hope that the judges
would rule in Pacquiao's favor, but it was not to be.
Disappointed after the unanimous points decision in favor of Mayweather, they quickly shuffled out of the stadium.
Less
than two hours later, fans on the street were not eager to talk about
the blow to their idol. But they were sure of one thing: they definitely
want a rematch.
READ: Mayweather still undefeated after win over Pacquiao
Comments
Post a Comment