Monday, April 16, 2007 Pacman KOs Solis By Erwin Ambo Ambo S. Delilan
PHILIPPINES rejoiced anew after boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao demolished Sunday Mexico's Jorge Solis in the 8th round of their 12-rounder fight at Alamadome in San Antonio, Texas.
Although Pacquiao suffered a cut by an accidental head butt in the sixth round, yet he struggled to victory and retains his WBC (World Boxing Council) super featherweight belt.
Solis, the brother of IBF light flyweight champion Ulises Solis, lost for the first time in 35 fights. His victory over Solis also made him WBC's No. 1 contender to the super flyweight title held by Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico.
Pacquiao (44-3-2, 34 knockouts) said he will immediately return to the country, as he takes care of his congressional aspirations in a bid to knock out the incumbent Darlene Antonino-Custodio in the May 14 polls.
Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Pacquiao's belt hoister during the latter's two previous bouts, prioritize his campaign in Bacolod than to act again as belt hoister.
Leonardia, along with his partymates in Grupo Progreso (GP) was in City Heights Subdivision doing handshaking with the residents when Pacquiao was battling against Solis.
Vice Mayor Renecito Novero said he and Mayor Leonardia were happy with Pacquiao's victory.
"We congratulate Pacquiao for winning but we in Bacolod should also be proud and happy for him because Pacquiao is our adopted son," Novero said in a phone interview.
Asked why Leonardia hasn't fly to Texas, USA, Novero said, "We're busy for our campaign right now. Nevertheless, we are very, very happy with his (Pacquiao) victory."
