aquariusone
07-26-2010, 10:57 PM
This is a copy of the letter sent to a few of the Philippine Media today:
"Let me start by saying that we are devoted fans of Manny Pacquiao. We are all over the world. We also believe that as much as we would enjoy seeing Manny inside the ring with anyone, we are content of what he has already accomplished – Best Boxer of the Decade, Top Pound-for-pound boxer of the year, one of 100 Most influential People in the World. Add to that his successful bid for a seat in the Philippine Congress representing people of Sarangani province.
"Thus, we are deeply concerned over his proposed fight against Antonio Margarito for a vacant WBO Junior Middleweight title, as promoted by his agent Bob Arum of Top Rank.
"Let me tell you why. The whole world wanted a fight to resolve the question of who is really the best boxer in the world – against Floyd Mayweather. Mommy D and Jinkee want Manny to retire from boxing out of concern for the high risks associated with the sports and also so that he can concentrate on his challenges and opportunities in the Philippine Congress. To get him in the ring with a boxer with black marks whose license in California has been suspended, regardless of his past record (Antonio Margarito) is senseless and meaningless. It is simply a fight with a lot of risks and very little rewards.
"With the mega-fight prospect with Mayweather out the window, those of us who understand boxing and its psychological implication amongst fans are not enthusiastic about Manny winning another world title belt, if it has to come from a fight that is very close to being tainted. It is tainted because there is no legitimacy for Margarito contending for the title. It is tainted because the only reason for Margarito being chosen in the arranged fight is the fact that he is under contract with Top Rank for his fights. It is tainted because Margarito’s license suspension is still very much up in the air. Even if it is to be lifted for this one fight, his misdemeanor against Cotto remains a black mark that ingratiated him with previous followers. His last fight against Roberto Garcia generated a paltry gate. It is tainted because of the disparity in size, weight, and reach that Pacquiao’s handlers are demanding a catch weight of no more than 150 pounds for a 154 pound Junior Middleweight title.
"Congressman Pacquiao has a big heart who loves to please his people in addition to a very impressive non-stop work ethics. However, he is surrounded by advisers and a promoter in it mostly for the money. They could care less of the boxer’s health and welfare unlike those who love him most – Mommy D and Jinkee.
"If this could very well be his swan song – his ultimate glory in the ring - he deserves a much better opponent or full immediate retirement as the most colorful and exciting best pound-for-pound boxer in the world of the last decade.
"We urge Manny to reconsider this bad decision by Bob Arum. Alternatively, we would want to see him, for the last time, against a worthy opponent."
"Let me start by saying that we are devoted fans of Manny Pacquiao. We are all over the world. We also believe that as much as we would enjoy seeing Manny inside the ring with anyone, we are content of what he has already accomplished – Best Boxer of the Decade, Top Pound-for-pound boxer of the year, one of 100 Most influential People in the World. Add to that his successful bid for a seat in the Philippine Congress representing people of Sarangani province.
"Thus, we are deeply concerned over his proposed fight against Antonio Margarito for a vacant WBO Junior Middleweight title, as promoted by his agent Bob Arum of Top Rank.
"Let me tell you why. The whole world wanted a fight to resolve the question of who is really the best boxer in the world – against Floyd Mayweather. Mommy D and Jinkee want Manny to retire from boxing out of concern for the high risks associated with the sports and also so that he can concentrate on his challenges and opportunities in the Philippine Congress. To get him in the ring with a boxer with black marks whose license in California has been suspended, regardless of his past record (Antonio Margarito) is senseless and meaningless. It is simply a fight with a lot of risks and very little rewards.
"With the mega-fight prospect with Mayweather out the window, those of us who understand boxing and its psychological implication amongst fans are not enthusiastic about Manny winning another world title belt, if it has to come from a fight that is very close to being tainted. It is tainted because there is no legitimacy for Margarito contending for the title. It is tainted because the only reason for Margarito being chosen in the arranged fight is the fact that he is under contract with Top Rank for his fights. It is tainted because Margarito’s license suspension is still very much up in the air. Even if it is to be lifted for this one fight, his misdemeanor against Cotto remains a black mark that ingratiated him with previous followers. His last fight against Roberto Garcia generated a paltry gate. It is tainted because of the disparity in size, weight, and reach that Pacquiao’s handlers are demanding a catch weight of no more than 150 pounds for a 154 pound Junior Middleweight title.
"Congressman Pacquiao has a big heart who loves to please his people in addition to a very impressive non-stop work ethics. However, he is surrounded by advisers and a promoter in it mostly for the money. They could care less of the boxer’s health and welfare unlike those who love him most – Mommy D and Jinkee.
"If this could very well be his swan song – his ultimate glory in the ring - he deserves a much better opponent or full immediate retirement as the most colorful and exciting best pound-for-pound boxer in the world of the last decade.
"We urge Manny to reconsider this bad decision by Bob Arum. Alternatively, we would want to see him, for the last time, against a worthy opponent."