Political instability jeopardizes Pacquiao bout; RP Open badminton postponed

A lot of people are probably keeping their fingers crossed that the current political situation in the country, which is now under a state of national emergency, won’t jeopardize Manny Pacquiao’s plans to hold his next fight in Manila in May.

Pacquiao is tentatively scheduled to face former World Boxing Council super-bantamweight champion Oscar Larios of Mexico on May 20 or 21 either at the Araneta Coliseum or in an open-air arena at The Fort in Taguig.

Negotiations are underway for the 10-round, non-title fight where Pacquiao, probably the hottest boxer in the world today, stands to receive at least $1 million or roughly P52 million. Larios will get much less, probably $200,000.

San Miguel Corp., which recently inked a lifetime partnership contract with the Filipino boxer, is being considered as the bout’s main presentor. HBO (Home Box Office) is coming over to air the bout but not on a pay-per-view basis.

But the political situation in the country, should it remain unstable or even get worse, may have ill effects on all these plans. HBO is surely monitoring the situation in the country being besieged by continuing threats of a coup.

A negative reaction from HBO, just in case it reconsiders its plans of coming over to Manila for the Pacquiao fight, will be a big blow to the organizers. Solar Sports can surely step in. But can it do the job the way HBO would is the big question.

If this happens, it might create a domino effect on the other possible fight sponsors who will have to think twice in throwing in their money for such a big event when there is confusion or even chaos prevailing in the country.

Top Rank of Bob Arum and Golden Boy Promotions of Oscar dela Hoya also have their eyes on the May fight since the two big-time promoters are eyeing Manila as the venue of future Pacquiao fights, including the rubber match against Erik Morales later this year.

If plans push through, Pacquiao will start promoting his own fights since his two-fight contract with American promoter Gary Shaw has already expired. Pacquiao’s battery of Filipino consultants believes that the boxer can do without an exclusive promoter like Shaw.

President Arroyo last Friday placed the entire country in a state of emergency after the government averted another serious threat by civilian and military oppositionists to overthrow the current administration.

But the situation remains very shaky, and the first major sporting event to be affected was the 2006 Philippine Badminton Open where 10 of the world’s top 12 players were scheduled to see action from March 1 to 5 at the Philsports Arena.

The event has been postponed indefinitely.

"In view of the current situation, participating countries have been duly advised by their respective governments against traveling to the Philippines for the time being," the organizers said in a statement.

Organizers of the $120,000 event are working with the IBF (International Badminton Federation) to find a suitable date within the international calendar.

Nevertheless, all foreign players have reiterated their desire to come and play in the Philippines when the blue-ribbon event is finally held later this year, when the situation has normalized.

Meanwhile, ticket holders are advised to hold on to their tickets as these will still be honored on the new event dates. For refund, contact Ticketworld.

Over 200 players from 15 nations have earlier confirmed their participation in the five-day event, the first-ever four-star tournament to be held in the country.