More lawmakers in the House of Representatives want to see Manny Pacquiao return to the ring.
Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) party-list Rep. Mark Sambar supported Pacquiao’s decision to continue his boxing career despite a devastating loss to Mexican boxer Juan Manuel Marquez on Sunday.
“I think he can still continue fighting but he needs to rethink his strategy and pace himself. By all accounts, Manny was actually winning the fight except for the lucky punch that caught him off guard,”
Sambar said.
Sambar, vice chair of House Committee on Youth and Sports Development, reiterated it is still too early for the best fighter in the world to hang up his gloves.
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Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao also expressed belief the Sarangani lawmaker can still get back at Marquez, who knocked the Filipino out on sixth round in their fourth rematch in a new bout.
“Retiring is not an option now. Manny was winning and the aggressor, eager to put a definitive finish. Then the Sunday punch came. Another fight must be held,” Aggabao said.
“The fourth was for Marquez who was screaming for vindication. The fifth should be for Pacquiao. Let (Top Rank promoter Bob) Arum handle this. Let us give Manny also a chance for vindication,” he added.
For his part, Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing urged Pacquiao to run after Marquez for another rematch, saying the right hook that got him sleeping on the canvass on Sunday was “just a fluke.”
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“It was a lucky punch. If only Manny allowed that round to end, Marquez will be facing knockout because of the pain caused by his broken and bleeding nose. He was winning the fight. I am for part five,” Bagatsing stressed.
Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara is convinced Pacquiao still has “one to two” great fights left in him, cautioning the Filipino boxing champion from fighting too long.
“It has been a mistake that many great fighters committed like Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard. Whatever his decision, he has already cemented his place in boxing history,” Angara pointed out.
Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares still wants Pacquiao to get a clear decisive win over Marquez without “risking his life.”
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Only AGHAM party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones urged Pacquiao to settle for retirement and focus his strength on his legislative duties.
“Pacquiao is still the best boxer of the decade, but it’s time to focus on his legislative work. As a sportsman, he has nothing to prove,” he said, lauding Pacquiao’s legendary boxing feat.
But House Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. expressed firm belief that Pacquio can immediately recover from the loss.
“I am certain he can rise above this setback and still inspire our own people, especially those in the south who are slowly picking themselves up after the very recent devastation brought on by typhoon Pablo,” Belmonte said.
Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman Jr. noted Pacquiao’s loss “cnnot obliterate the illustrious boxing career of Manny Pacquiao.”
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