Boxing “experts”

All the so-called experts seem to be telling us that this Sunday’s bout between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez for the World Boxing Council super featherweight crown is a done deal.

Pacquiao will win it via a knockout and he will at last become a legitimate world champion and not just some “people’s champion,” which sounds more like what we’d call a politician who is known for his appeal to the masses.

Would it really be that easy for Pacquiao? 

As a Filipino I surely hope so, but then Marquez would not be climbing the ring unprepared nor would his hands be tied so couldn’t punch back.

While many sports aficionados would really lap at any analysis on a fighter’s chance in a bout, predictions are just what they are.

I do sincerely wish that Pacquiao will beat Marquez soundly like the “experts” say he would.

What just ruins my appetite for a good fight is when just anybody with a very little relation to boxing would suddenly feel he is an expert and has to be quoted by media.

Let us enjoy the fight and I hope that if the outcome is otherwise, the Filipino people would not rise up in arms and go after all the “experts” for telling lies.

That is of course an exaggeration since Filipinos are so used to the lies of our politicians that when they tell the truth we can’t anymore realize that they are doing so.

Go Pacquiao!

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A fellow sporting parent sent me email last week about her son’s activity, which is actually quite popular in many areas around Cebu, but since there is no formal competition, it doesn’t get so much attention.  This is about skateboarding.

Here is the email:

Sir, why not feature also in your column “skateboarding”.

As you know, I’ve a son, who is fond of playing skateboard, but ever since I did not see him playing the same.  Sometime, if I see somebody bringing a skateboard, I will tell about my son. From them, I’ve learned that he is known for being a good player of this. And also told me the skateboard is not “known” since there is no one who can feature and sponsor the same.

I believe, this can also keep away to teens doing bad vices by having a fond time of the skateboard.

Thank You and more power to your column.

Emma A. Morales

Talamban, Cebu City

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Thanks for the email Emma.  I know how you feel as a parent and I surely wish that some kind sponsors or interested organizer would do something for skateboarding soon.

For those who wish to communicate, do send me email to [email protected].

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MILESTONE: Belated happy birthday to Ivy ‘Ibyang’ Cortes, who turned a year older the other day.

More power Byang and good luck in your studies.