Pacquiao-Mayweather fight welcomed

MANILA, Philippines — While they expressed their support for a possible rematch between boxing superstars Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, pro-administration members of the House of Representatives said yesterday Mayweather should make their next fight more exciting.

“We expect Mayweather to make an exciting fight with our People’s Champion by avoiding hugging and running,” House Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu said in jest, referring to the duo’s previous match in 2015 wherein the American boxer practically did nothing but duck, weave and run away. 

Among the others who supported the possible rematch were Reps. Albee Benitez (Negros Occidental), Ben Evardone (Eastern Samar), Jericho Nograles (PBA), Robert Ace Barbers (Surigao del Norte), Gus Tambunting (Parañaque) and Winston Castelo (Quezon City). 

“An exciting match but better if it was Pacquaio vs (Juan Manuel) Marquez,” Benitez, chairman of the House committee on housing and urban development, said. 

“I hope he (Floyd) will really face Manny Pacquiao as a boxer. Many fans were disappointed the last time he faced Manny because he keeps on running inside the ring. Manny should take that challenge and prepare for the biggest fight of his career,” Evardone said. 

“Until there is a real deal, there’s no fight. Whether it will be Mayweather or someone else, I think the senator wants to fight someone before the year ends, and I am sure the country will be right behind him,” Nograles, who hails from Davao City, said.