Bacolod mayor to carry PH flag in Pacquiao fight

BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia will join Team Pacquiao in Las Vegas, Nevada to carry the Philippine flag during Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquaio’s fight against Adrien Broner on January 19.

Leonardia said on Wednesday, January 9, he received a letter from Senator Pacquiao inviting him to be part of the team.

“May I invite you to come into the ring with me, together with a few other trusted friends, to carry the Philippine flag before the fight begins, as in my previous fights, your presence in the ring will be a great moral support for me, particularly as this promises to be an exciting fight knowing that Broner is a four-division titleholder, Pacquaio said in a letter to Leonardia dated December 11, 2018.

The boxing champ said he is inspired to do his best when he can feel the support of his fellow Filipinos and especially his family and friends, like Leonardia, in the crowd, rooting for him.

Leonardia said Pacquaio, an adopted son of Bacolod, also invited his wife Elsa and daughter Loren Kara, to join his cheering squad at the ringside during the fight night with other members of Pacquiao family and friends.

He added that former Philippine National Police chief Ronald “Bato” De la Rosa will also carry Pacquiao’s belt.