Manny P18 million richer, rules own derby

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao is unbeatable in the cockfighting arena as he is in the boxing ring.

Pacquiao emerged champion in his own “Pacman 330K Big Event” 7-cock derby last Wednesday and based on insider accounts took home at least P18 million ($375,000) in winnings.

Pacquiao’s MPBR Queen Elizabeth (named after his youngest child) entries posted seven victories in as many fights and emerged champion in the year’s biggest derby so far.

Of the P8 million purse, Pacquiao won P4.5 million while the rest went to his close friend from Ilocos Sur, National Security consultant Chavit Singson who posted six wins against a lone defeat.

It was almost 5 in the morning when the derby ended, and Pacquiao came out of the San Juan Coliseum probably as happy as he was when he came out of the MGM Grand last May 2.

Pacquiao’s adviser, Wakee Salud of Cebu, said the boxer won around P30 million ($625,000) during the derby. The amount was confirmed by another member of Team Pacquiao.

“Mahigit (More than) P30 million,” he said.

But Pacquiao’s friend, Jake Joson, said the figure mentioned by Salud may be a little exaggerated.

“There were other losses. He had a number of entries and entry fee was around P350,000 per cock. And he also bet on those entries. I guess P15 million to P18 million is the safe number,” he said.

Pacquiao reportedly had P4.5 milliion going in the derby’s final match.

Still, whether it’s P15 million or P18 million, it still means a lot. But probably not to Pacquiao because it may be considered loose change as compared to his earnings on the ring.