OFFICIALS in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, were jubilant after Filipino boxing champ and Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao cruised to a unanimous decision victory over Adrien Broner at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada to retain his secondary WBA welterweight title on Sunday, January 20 (Manila time).
Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. congratulated the Filipino boxing icon for defending his WBA welterweight crown.
“Senator Pacquiao again showed the world that with long years of championship experience and hard work, one would be able to overcome any challenge in the ring,” the governor said.
"Our boxing hero's latest triumph will certainly inspire many young athletes who dream big," he added.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who carried the Philippine flag during the fight, said life begins at 40.
“This is what Senator Pacquiao has just proven in Las Vegas. He did not only beat Broner, but he also beat ‘father time.’ It was amazing to watch a 40-year-old boxer still with so much speed and power. While other boxers see their careers decline upon reaching the 30s, Manny is even still peaking up,” he said.
“What we just saw was the same Manny Pacquiao at the prime of his boxing career...So, the Manny Pacquiao mystique goes on. The MGM Grand Arena was still full to the brim. The huge crowd still adore him. The millions of Filipino still get glued to live TV coverage. And it looks like it will still be a long, long time that he'll rule the fascination and adoration of the Filipinos,” he added.
“As our adopted son of Bacolod City, we join the rest of the country in celebrating and savoring this big victory. Thanks much to Manny, for another moment, he brought us all together as one to cheer our flag and the beloved Philippines,” the mayor said.
Acting Mayor El Cid Familiaran said it was a convincing win for Pacquiao.
“I have my predictions that if Broner will engage with Pacquiao, it will not last until seven and eight rounds. Pacquiao won in all rounds, he controlled all the rounds,” he said.
He added that Pacquiao proved that he is still there, capable, strong and very quick.
“I am hoping that the Pacquiao-Mayweather return bout will soon realize,” Familiaran said.
He said that it’s not a time for Pacquiao to retire from boxing.
Acting Vice Mayor Caesar Distrito also said Pacquiao has once again proved to the whole world the Filipinos’ supremacy in the field of boxing.
“He never failed to bring pride to the Filipino nation by giving another victory that all of us carry such tremendous honor,” he said.
“Making the nation stand still, works stop, traffic is clear, crime is zero, and it is a normal phenomenon once Pacman is in the ring. But he never failed all of us,” he added.
Meanwhile, there were no significant crime incidents recorded in Bacolod City and in Negros Occidental during the fight of Pacquiao and Broner.
Chief Inspector Edison Garcia, public information officer of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said the province was peaceful.
Also, the Police Regional Office (PRO)- Western Visayas joined the nation in celebrating Pacquiao's victory against Broner.
“Senator Pacquiao is truly an inspiration and glory to the Filipino nation,” said Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, director of PRO- Western Visayas.
“Let us continue to be united and supportive of our Filipino athletes who are modern day heroes by bringing honor and glory to our dear country,” he added.
Bulalacao congratulated Pacquiao for not only being a champion boxer but also for being a true gentleman and sportsman. (with reports from Glazyl Y. Masculino)