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28 March 2024

UAE Filipinos proudly back Pacquiao after big fight

Fans watch the fight of Manny Pacquiao (R) of the Philippines and Floyd Mayweather of U.S. on a live telecast monitor along a busy street in Manila May 3, 2015. Floyd Mayweather Jr. cemented his place among the pantheon of boxing greats by improving to 48-0 with a unanimous decision over Manny Pacquiao on Saturday in a fight that lived up to its immense hype and price tag. (REUTERS)

Published
By Sneha May Francis

Although Philippine’s Manny Pacquiao might not have been able to crack Floyd Mayweather in the big fight today, his loyalists in the UAE are still 'mighty proud' of him.

“It might not have lived up to be the ‘Fight of the Century’. Floyd has won the title but we are still mighty proud of Manny,” said Melany Demetillo-Reyes, a media professional in Dubai. “Still, congratulations to both fighters.”

Another UAE resident, Erdie Cambina remained Manny’s true loyalist. “There’s no doubt that Manny is a the best fighter of our generation.

“Floyd, however, is the best boxer! Not only that, he is also the best waltz dancer by swaying side-to-side evading from the murderous punches of Manny. He is also ‘obviously’ the best running boxer of all time, I think he had completed also 12 miles of running within the whole 12 rounds of fight!”

Erdie pointed out that the social impact on Floyd will be “really devastating and it has already started. He may have won the fight but not a single heart from anyone one of us”.

“On the other hand, Manny has lost it… but he has indeed won respect from the people who witnessed this ‘Fight of the Century’.”

“We are disappointed and sad about his defeat, but even if he failed, we are proud of our national hero," said  a Filipina expatriate in the UAE, enjoying vacation back home and watching the national hero on television.

"We were watching the match in Manila and I think he has all the right to be the next President of Philippines and fight for our country and people. We are still proud of our National First. Many people are sad but want a rematch because it is not yet time for him to retire.”

John Gomez thought the “fight was boring, the only exciting thing happened in round 4 when Pacquiao hit Mayweather hard with a left hand, and after that they were just sparring”.

Riva Jill Dolia, a Filipina worker, expressed disappointment at the defeat. “For us, even if he lost, he will always be a winner for us.”

Despite not being able to watch the match live because she was working, she was able to get regular updates through social media networks like facebook.

While the entire world was gripped by the boxing mania, a young Filipino worker Mike confessed to not being able to watch the match. “I just woke up. I was at work late, so I couldn’t watch the match. Can you tell me what happened?”