Shortly
after Bob Arum’s announcement of Manny Pacquiao’s world tour this year, the
latter also disclosed his plan to fight his nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez here in
the Philippines before the end of the year. In case Juan Manuel Marquez is agreeable
to Pacquiao’s proposal, the fight would surely go down in boxing history like
the Ali-Frazier’s Thrilla in Manila way back in 1975. Like that historic heavy
weight title fight, the “final” match between old time rivals Pacquiao and
Marquez if held in the country would have a tremendous impact on Philippine sports
tourism.
Here’s
a short flashback on the Pacquiao-Marquez rivalry. The two boxing greats, Pacquiao
and Marquez, fought in four meetings starting with a controversial draw in
their first encounter in 2004. Pacquiao then escaped with close decisions in
their 2008 and 2011 rematches. Their 4th fight was held on December
8, 2012, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Márquez defeated Pacquiao
by knockout with one second remaining in the sixth round. It was named Fight of
the Year and Knockout of the Year by Ring Magazine.
But
for the Pacquiao-Marquez to transpire, of course aside from a final nod from El
Dinamita, Pacquiao needs Php2.5 billion to Php3.5 billion (or more or less $60
million) to bankroll the fight. The
SenaPac has asked Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Tulfo Teo for said amount. Tulfo
Teo said the only thing that would make it possible for the Department of
Tourism to shell out money is if Pacquiao faces a big name. If thing would fall
into places, Pacquiao’s request will be granted and his only problem is Arum
and the Top Rank supremo’s plan. That is if the Mexican could agree to the financial
and other considerations that Pacquiao would offer. But let us remember, Arum
said prior to Pacquaio’s 2015 mega-fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr that he
wanted to stage the PacMan’s farewell fight in the Philippines someday.
In
December last year, the House Committee on Tourism approved a proposal to
designate SenaPac as spokesperson for the tourism department’s campaign to
promote Philippine attractions here and abroad. I go for the Pacquiao-Marquez 5
in Manila and it would be a sure fire hit, tourism-wise. Marciano Ragaza,
Vice-Chair of the Philippine Travel Agencies Associations (PTAA) said that the
fight “would have a bigger impact than Miss Universe.” Pacquiao wants the fight
and Philippine tourism needs further global promotion. The question is this: Can
tourism department afford the amount without hurting its budget or its coffer, without sacrificing its other programs?
If
the fight is held in the Philippines there is also a big chance for Occidental
Mindoro, specifically Sablayan town, to showcase its own tourism potentials. The
respective tourism offices of said LGUs could find ways to find something
attached to the event to attract sports tourists from around the globe who will
be coming over. For sure, the DOT is open from proposals coming from local
governments with regards to uplifting our tourism industry. Occidental Mindoro
through Sablayan was host to first two professional fights of Manny Pacquiao
which catapulted him to fame and to everything what he is now.
But
between Top Rank and Philippine Tourism to be placed in extra advantageous gain,
I go for the latter…
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(Photo:
Fightsaga .com)
