Bob Arum brings house down with STAR story

LAS VEGAS — Before a jampacked press conference, Bob Arum, the legendary boxing promoter, made special mention of a recent Philippine STAR article where a Filipino bishop said it’s not a sin to place bets for the coming fight.

"This morning, as I was browsing the Internet, I came across an article that came out at Philippine STAR," said Arum over the microphone as he prepared to formally introduce Manny Pacquiao and Erik Morales to the press.

"They had an article quoting Bishop (Deogracias) Iñiguez of a certain diocese that it’s not a sin to bet on this fight," said Arum, drawing a burst of laughter from the audience, and setting the tone for the press conference.

The bishop said there’s nothing immoral about betting on the much-anticipated event or any other big sporting event because it is among those considered by the Church as "pure entertainment."

The bishop said fight fans don’t have to worry about trooping to the confessional box after watching the fight.

"Gambling can be a legitimate form of entertainment so there’s nothing wrong with betting on this fight," said the bishop.

Iñiguez added that the Catholic hierarchy does not consider betting on boxing bouts as something immoral.

Arum readily agreed.

But he said he assumed that "it’s okay as long as they (Filipinos) bet on Manny Pacquiao," drawing some more laughter from the more than a hundred media men who attended the press conference.

"I think the same thing goes in Mexico that there’s nothing wrong to bet as long as you bet for Erik Morales," said Arum.

With all the blessings, from the bishop and the fight promoter, it’s time to place your bets. — Abac Cordero