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BY MAE SINGUAY
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BACOLOD City – Free-viewing sites were filled with “thousands” of locals who watched Manny Pacquiao — an “adopted son” of this city — clobber the American Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas yesterday.
Crowds in all five viewing venues cheered when Pacquiao was announced the new welterweight champion after a 12-round bout.
More so because their mayor, Evelio Leonardia — known to be the boxing icon’s “lucky charm” — was seen on the screens bearing the Philippine flag at the senator’s first fight since announcing his retirement from boxing.
Around 5,000 flocked to the BAYS Center, one of the free-viewing sites, according to city hall’s Public Information Office (PIO).
There were 1,000 viewers in Barangay Sum-ag Gymnasium, 400 in Barangay Taculing Hall, 1,800 in Banago Elementary School, and 600 in Barangay Granada gymnasium, the PIO said.
Among the audience was Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, now the acting mayor.
He was glad the “Pambansang Kamao” won via unanimous decision.
“While Vargas threw more punches, the senator landed more punches,” Familiaran said. “But age is already catching up on Pacquiao.”
According to the acting mayor, the fight was “a test of endurance” for Pacquiao.
“His opponent is 27 years old and taller, while the senator is 37 years old,” said Familiaran. “Pacquiao’s speed remains but his power has waned. Still, he is a fighter to reckon with in the next two years.”
Pacquiao was the first Philippine senator to win a world title in boxing.
No crimes were reported in the city during Pacquiao’s fight./PN
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