JEDDAH/RIYADH/DAMMAM: Filipinos in the Kingdom celebrated the victory of Manny Pacquiao over Ricky Hatton, boosting their morale at job sites and triggering a surge of national pride.
Here are the random interviews conducted by Arab News.
Rams Gunao, a mechanical engineer with Abdullah Hashim Co., community leader in Jeddah and chairman of the Western Province Basketball League (WPBL) who has had a chance to meet with fellow GenSan native Pacquiao during his vacation in April 2007: “We are very proud of Manny Pacquiao. He again raised the Filipino image in the eyes of the whole world. We might never see another of his kind. We idolize him for his special boxing skills and because of his exploits boxing is again enjoying renewed interest in the sports world. Hatton was unable to match his speed and power.”
Oca Domingo and Tony Lizardo, restaurateurs in Riyadh: “Hatton fought with a wrong strategy. You do not come forward against an opponent who is quick powerful. As a result, Pacquiao dropped him like a hot potato. Pacquiao’s punch was so strong it tore through the gloves of Hatton. The end was so quick that it was over the moment I returned from the comfort room to pee. For all the long wait and excitement we’re a bit disappointed the fight ended so fast. But once again he proved to the world that he is the best pound-for-pound boxer. Techically speaking, Pacquiao and Hatton are poles apart.”
Noel Alipoyo, a senior cameraman at OR Madarat who is based in Riyadh: “I’m happy Pacquiao won though the fight was a bit “bitin” (wanting). I had hardly warmed my seat when the fight ended. Pacquiao has a solid and very well-trained feet. He’s so good and lucky in the sense that he gets the opportunities to really land solid blows. For all his fame and fortune Manny is so humble. That is why he is blessed.”
Simon Elmer D. San Miguel, group operations manager, Al Rushaid Construction Company, Juaymah: “Manny should be called “Super Pinoy.” His success is a source of pride to Filipinos everywhere and he made the world to again marvel at the Filipino with his skills and intelligence. His success is success for all of us Filipinos. Long live the Filipino race! Short fight but sweet result.”
Michelle Yusay, staff nurse, King Fahd Specialist Hospital, Dammam: “You can’t measure up Manny’s performance and what Hatton suffered was pathetic. The one strong message is that we can excel and make a mark in the world. I just hope there are many more Pacquiaos to bring laurels for our native land.”
Mary Jane Tupaz, nursing director, Mohammed Al Dossary Hospital, Alkhobar: “Truly I admire Manny no end. It’s (victory) another feather on our cap. Bringing another glory to our country definitely means pride and honor to our country. Now, they knew the Pinoy greatness is something else. The world salutes you, Manny. Keep it up!”
Nars P. Tolentino, planning & programs, Saudi Aramco, Rastanura: “It’s well deserved win for Manny. Evidently he is the more prepared and more intelligent boxer than Hatton. With the way he won he only proved that he is now the single force to reckon with in the boxing arena.”
— With input from Kim G. Cortez
