Manny vs Bata

If uncrowned world featherweight boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is thinking of embarking on a second professional career in billiards, he’s got the perfect opportunity to test his skills against the inimitable Efren (Bata) Reyes in a proposed exhibition match.

A letter proposing the match was sent to Pacquiao’s business manager Rod Nazario last Saturday. The letter was signed by Geri Ong of PRO Solutions Management Inc., public relations counselor for ESPN/Star Sports and Dinzo Tabamo, special projects coordinator.

The Pacquiao-Reyes dream duel was originally planned as the highlight of the fifth and final leg of the San Miguel Asian 9-ball Tournament here on May 28-30. But organizers decided to make it a separate event to be held in a later date.

Reyes, Django Bustamante and Warren Kiamco are among the stars competing in the San Miguel Asian 9-ball Tour.

"It’s well known in the sporting world that Manny has a passion for pool," wrote Ong and Tabamo. "And Bata knows this, even hinting that he would like a friendly match with Manny if they happen to cross paths in the US."

The idea is to pit the two Filipino heroes in a celebrity game where they can treat their fans to a display of cue artistry.

Pacquiao is no slouch in the pool hall. He’s joined competitions before. Sure, he’s been victimized by hustlers but that’s part of the learning experience. Pacquiao is no stranger to licking his chops. He knows the game of give and take.

The match wouldn’t be about one-upmanship. It’d be about sportsmanship. Reyes is by far the more skilled player and he could probably beat Pacquiao with one arm. But you never count out the kid with the big heart.

Pacquiao bought himself an expensive stick in the US and uses it to clean up the table. He’s candidly admitted considering a career in billiards after hanging up his gloves.

For sure, Reyes wouldn’t mind obliging Pacquiao in an exhibition even if he’s got nothing to gain and everything to lose. Pacquiao takes the challenger’s role in such a matchup and he’ll be the underdog. Pacquiao plays harder when the odds are against him.

"For Manny, it would sustain the media coverage on him while at the same time not focusing on boxing, allowing him to rest and recuperate in that aspect," wrote Ong and Tabamo. "The exhibition game will show that he is a champion who has other passions outside of the ring, that for him life goes on. When it’s time for rest and recreation, he plays with the best and when it’s time to go back to the gym to train, he can defeat the best."

The Pac-Man versus Bata may not be the mismatch it appears to be.

*****

Is there truth to the rumor that Press Secretary Milton Alingod, a long-time friend of sports media, is being hounded by unscrupulous backstabbers to leave Malacañang and become a full-time Ambassador on some distant shores?

If these malefactors succeed in easing out Alingod, they will have done a huge disservice to the President.

It’s no secret that Alingod has established solid relations with members of the press, including those in sports. Who can forget Alingod’s involvement in producing the TV broadcast of the country’s victory in the Jones Cup in 1985 or his role in promoting the Philippine Basketball Association during its early years or his participation in the telecast of world championship fights?

Not too many people know that Alingod was instrumental in encouraging Murad Muhammad to fight for justice in protesting the controversial draw in the recent Pacquiao fight against Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas. He was the bridge that linked Pacquiao to President Arroyo in cementing government support for the fighter.

Alingod has done more than enough to earn an extension as Press Secretary. His conscienceless detractors, foisting a hidden agenda, should be exposed for their devious conspiracy.