Pacquiao recounts, revives 'Blow by Blow' boxing show

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Manny Pacquiao the “private citizen” has his eyes glued to boxing once more.

First, he’s focused on training for an exhibition bout with South Korean martial arts expert DK Yoo in Seoul on December 11.

Second, the former senator and presidential candidate is busy setting the stage for the revival of the famed boxing program “Blow by Blow.”

At the packed ballroom of the Grand Summit Hotel here Sunday, the 43-year-old icon aired his excitement 

“I’m happy to be here,” he told the audience as he looked forward to returning to the ring almost 16 months since his last bout.

Pacquiao is in the thick of training, too, and has taken it quite seriously like he’s up against a legitimate champion and not for a six-round show.

Then comes the boxing program that many believe served as a stepping stone to Pacquiao when he launched his pro career in 1995. 

The program lasted until 1999, and was revived in 2016 only to fold up anew when Pacquiao became a senator.

“Ngayon, itutuloy na natin. Hanggang saan pa umabot,” he said on stage where he was joined by Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos, Games and Amusements Board officer-in-charge Atty. Ermar Benitez and Von Reinhart Gaa, Channel Manager for Sports of Cignal TV.

Also on hand were former two-division world champion Gerry Penalosa, who will oversee the “newer, bigger and bolder” boxing program, and noted sportscaster Quinito Henson, a “Blow by Blow” pioneer.

The program takes off with a heavy 10-match card on Nov. 20 at the 2,000-seat Mandaluyong City College Gymnasium, and will begin airing every Sunday at 8:30 p.m. on Cignal TV beginning in January.

Abalos described Pacquiao as “the son of Mandaluyong,” having fought in the city seven times, and revived great stories of Pacquiao starting off as a pro boxer.

“I’ve seen his dedication as a boxer when he was young. I’ve seen him wash his own clothes, cook his own food. I hope we can find another one like Manny Pacquiao,” said Abalos.

“Dito ako nagsimula sa ‘Blow by Blow’ kaya gusto ko buhayin ulit. Sixteen years old pa lang ako noon nung lumalaban ako dito for P15,000,” said Pacquiao.

Asked if he could fight before local fans in Mandaluyong under the “Blow by Blow” program, Pacquiao’s eyes lit up.

“Maganda yan. Kahit exhibition. Planuhin natin. Yan ang pangarap natin,” said Pacquiao.

Abalos welcomed the idea of hosting a Pacquiao fight — sooner or later. 

“Anytime,” he said.