MAY 3 (Reuters) — Boxing fans in the Philippine capital were stunned after seeing Manny Pacquiao defeated by Floyd Mayweather during the much-hyped fight in Las Vegas on Sunday (May 3).
Shocked silence replaced the usual cheers for about three thousand fans who packed the free live viewing at Freedom Park in the eastern suburb of Marikina.
Fans stayed to watch the fight on the large LED screen despite a brief heavy downpour that occurred during the awaited fight.
“On the bright side the awaited fight happened, but Filipinos are dismayed and I think other people around the world are disappointed by the decision. We saw the fight and we don’t agree with the decision. I hope there will be a rematch,” said Ramil Villeral, a government employee.
Taxi driver Noel Macheso, a fan who never misses Pacquiao’s fights, hoped for a rematch.
“For me, I want a rematch so Manny can show that he’s the real champion and prove the world that he’s the best.”
In Sarangani Province where Pacquaio was elected congressman, more than a thousand fans packed a covered gymnasium to watch the match live on a wide screen monitor.
Technical difficulties in the first few rounds prompted the provincial governor to narrate what was happening using his mobile phone until the signal resumed.
Fans were disappointed when they saw the results.
“He should take a rest first and focus on politics,” said boxing fan Levi Biteros.
Others said it was a fair match.
“Even if our ‘Nation’s Fist’ lost, we can’t be disappointed because that’s how the fight is. There’s a winner and a loser,” said farmer Nerissa Jose.
Pacquiao, a sitting member of the Congress, is regarded in the Philippines as a national idol, earning him the nickname “Pambansang Kamao” which translates into “nation’s Fist”.
The showdown between the two best boxers of their generation has been more than five years in the making and is expected to be the biggest-grossing prize fight of all time.