Manila, Philippines – Congressmen who were at ringside during the Pacquiao-Marquez bout in Nevada last week have disclosed that hot-headed Mexicans were close to lynching them as they engaged in partisan cheering at the height of the fight.
This was disclosed by Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing, chairman of the House Committee on Games and Amusement, as he and several other solons who cheered for Pacquiao at MGM Grand Garden chided critics for claiming that challenger Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez was robbed of ring victory.
Rep. Ben Evardone (LP, Eastern Samar) admitted that he nearly came to blows with a Mexican had it not for former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto Paras who pacified him.
Evardone said Paras’ timely intervention saved them and other Filipinos from being mauled as Mexicans in the arena who clearly outnumbered pro-Pacquiao audience at least 20 to 1.
According to Bagatsing, the former Negros Oriental lawmaker quickly intervened when he saw the burly Mexican trying to get something from the bag of female companion.
“It could be a knife or any weapon but it was clear that he was infuriated at Rep. Evardone cheer for Pacquiao,” Bagatsing said.
Negros Occidental Alfredo Benitez revealed that many Mexicans could be seen drinking liquor and have become rowdy especially when ring announcer, Michael Buffer, announced Pacquiao’s unanimous victory over Marquez.
On the other hand, Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy said Pacquiao would have been the first to give up the crown if he had suspected the decision was rigged.
“I do not have any doubt that Congressman Pacquiao will be the first to grab this rare chance if presented. But such scenario never existed in any of Manny’s fight, especially last Sunday. The Filipino boxing icon won his assignment against Marquez fair and square,” Herrera-Dy said in a statement. (Ben R. Rosario)