Manny offers 1,000 tickets to early fans

Boxing hero Manny Pacquiao has pledged P100,000 to the 76-round benefit card organized for former two-time world champion Luisito Espinosa.

Pacquiao will shoulder the tickets of the first 1,000 spectators who will watch two Philippine title fights on Nov. 5 at the San Andres sports complex.

Braveheart Promotion, which hopes to raise P500,000 for Espinosa’s legal battles, said the card has to be moved a week from it original Oct. 29 playdate due to the unavailability of the venue.

"Manny’s gesture will surely go a long way in our desire to help Luisito," said North Cotabato Gov. Manny Pinol, the event’s prime mover.

Eric Barcelona of Bukidnon and Fernando Montilla of Davao will defend their respective RP crowns in a pair of 12-round bouts.

Barcelona risks his RP super flyweight crown against Celso Danggod of Muntinlupa while Montilla stakes his RP lightweight title against Dexter Delada of Cebu City.

Espinosa, who is locked in a nine-year legal battle against former business manager Rodolfo Nazario, is expected to attend the benefit card.

The United States-based Espinosa failed to collect his $150,000 purse following his win over Carlos Rios of Argentina in 1996. His case remains pending at the Manila City Court.

Six eight-rounders and a four-rounder complete the card.

Eight-round bouts pit Mike Farinas of Cebu City against Rod 4K Kevkache, Dennis Juntillano of Kidapawan City against Roger Mananquil of Pasay, Rex Penalosa of Kidapawan against Rommel Bongon of L&M gym, and Tomy Terado of Kidapawan against Danny Linasa of Tanza, Cav