BEVERLY HILLS – Ron Artest, the “big, bad boy” of the NBA, was very far off that image yesterday when newest Laker showed up at the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto press conference at the Beverly Hills Hotel here in Los Angeles.
The 29-year-old, 6-foot-7 Artest, known for his defensive skills as well as his outbursts on and off the court, came to the press conference, sat briefly on a table, where Pinoy scribes were seated, and was later called to get up the stage.
In a purple and yellow attire, Artest gave the two boxers a hug, and got the ballroom packed with mediamen and boxing officials going when he said, “My son is Filipino but he’s been living in Puerto Rico now.”
Pacquiao, of course, is Filipino while Cotto, the reigning WBO welterweight champion, is from Puerto Rico.
The two boxers flanked Artest for a photo-op, and Pacquiao, just a shade taller than 5’6” stood on his chair to make it pretty even once the photo comes out. It brought cheers from the crowd, and Pacquiao smiled no end standing beside the NBA star.
Artest, a Chicago Bulls pick in 1999, made a name for himself not only for his tough, tenacious defense that earned him the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year, but also for the infamous Pistons-Pacers brawl that same year.
Artest attacked a fan after an on-court squabble went out of control, and was suspended the rest of the season. But he managed to return, and just the other day found himself landing a slot with the LA Lakers.
He refused to pick the winner between Pacquiao and Cotto.
“I can’t choose a fighter but I want to see a great fight. I just can’t wait to see a great fight,” said Artest, who drew a lot of attention from those present in the ballroom as he carried the WBC diamond belt over his shoulders.
“Too bad I can’t catch it live because of the NBA. But I’ll catch it on pay-per-view. I really can’t wait,” he said. – Abac Cordero