Transform street thugs into boxers, world champ asked

From out of the slums will rise a future boxing great.

President Arroyo expressed this hope yesterday as she tapped International Boxing Federation (IBF) world super bantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao for her administration’s outreach program in urban poor areas.

"I think you should join me in my visits to these slum areas. Para yung mga butangero doon ay mag-train na lang para sa boksing(So that the thugs there would train instead for boxing)," Mrs. Arroyo told Pacquiao, who accepted the challenge.

"I’m sure the people there will be excited to see you," the President added.

She was obviously referring to the slum areas she has been visiting in Metro Manila and various parts of the country following the May 1 attack on Malacañang by supporters of her deposed predecessor Joseph Estrada, who were armed with clubs, stones and sticks.

Accompanied by his wife Jinky and Philippine boxing officials, Pacquiao presented to Mrs. Arroyo a video of his title match for the IBF title which he wrested from South African Lehlohonolo Ledwaba via sixth round knockout in Las Vegas, Nevada last week.

Pacquiao paid his courtesy call on the President after arriving back in the country Sunday. Before winning the IBF title, Pacquiao took the World Boxing Council international super bantamweight title last year. He is also a former WBC flyweight champion.

Dressed in barong Tagalog, Pacquiao, whose light brown streaks of hair were obviously gelled to keep them in place, said he will first visit his family and relatives in General Santos City before he joins the President in her visits in the slums next week.

He also gave Mrs. Arroyo a t-shirt on which was imprinted the figure of the champion in a fighting stance, with the words "The Return of the Champion."

Taking a look at the t-shirt, the President quipped: "Parang dito ang bagsik-bagsik ng dating mo. (You’re look very ferocious here) But in person you’re very humble."

Except for promising continued support by the government to his training in boxing, the President sidestepped questions about financial rewards for Pacquiao.

"I’m very proud of him (Pacquiao). He brought honors to the Philippines," she said.

She noted how the boxer was "like a son" to her since the Cotabato native is a close friend of her son, Mikey.

The younger Arroyo and Pacquiao appeared in two movies together where they played best friends.

But unlike another famous boxer who retired into showbiz, Olympic silver medalist Mansueto Velasco, Pacquiao said he plans to stay longer in the sport "because I love boxing."

The latest boxing champion is a provincemate of former world boxing champion Rolando Navarette, aka "the bad boy of Dadiangas" (now General Santos City).

At the Manila City Hall, Mayor Lito Atienza welcomed Pacquiao amid cheers from employees and residents as the "Rocky" theme played in the background.

Manila considers Pacquiao an adopted son since the boxer is a long-time resident of Pacquita street in Sampaloc. He started his boxing career at the Lainez-Mondejar (LM) gym located on the same street.

Atienza said Pacquiao’s victory brought great honor to all Manileños. – Marichu Villanueva