Thus said Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Eric Buhain moments after Pacquiao, the hard-hitting boxer from Gen. Santos City, was dragged into a pounding 12-round, split draw against the reigning WBA and IBF featherweight champion.
Pacquiao floored the stone-faced Marquez thrice in the opening round but, his left hand hurting, failed to finish off his opponent the rest of the scheduled 12-rounder. They stood toe to toe until the end, and the judges ruled it a split draw, meaning Marquez gets to keep his titles.
"Yes, we fell short. But still, there’s this sense of fulfillment for all of us. We’re very proud of our Manny Pacquiao," said Buhain, who watched the fight on a wide-screen television that was set up at the parking lot of the PSC administration building.
"This should serve our national athletes well when they compete in the Athens Olympics in August and the Philippine SEA Games next year. What they saw in this fight is that the Filipino athlete is truly world-class. I’m sure they’re all idolizing Pacquiao now," said the PSC chief.
Joining Buhain in the makeshift, open-air theater were a group of national athletes, some PSC officials, pedicab and jeepney drivers, and even passersby. They turned the PSC parking lot into their own MGM venue, cheering each of the 148 punches landed and 639 thrown by Pacquiao.
"It has brought a lot of inspiration to these athletes looking at Pacquiao fight for flag and country. And I saw how the people reacted to it. It’s so inspiring. This fight has gotten the country together. Right now, I’m here with the people of the streets and the athletes," he said.
Buhain said even those in politics "were one and the same" in watching the fight and praying for a victory.
"It’s too bad we fell short. And a draw is a draw. But to our eyes, Manny Pacquiao is our people’s champion," Buhain added.