That pretty much summarizes what happened in that bout.
That Saturday was pretty packed. Still agonizing from my gout attack, I drove our son to his HSPT prep class in Milpitas in the morning. After breakfast with the wife, we proceeded to run some errands, which included picking up an altered jacket and doing grocery shopping for the evening's fight. By the way, we were hosting this 4th version of the Pacquiao-Marquez fight. The hours went by quickly, and we had to swing by Milpitas to pick up our son from his class. Then, off to lunch and more errands.
We got home with a few hours to do whatever we needed to do. We unloaded the groceries and tidied up the house. Out came the paper plates, cups, plastic spoons & forks, napkins, and other party paraphernalia. White wines were chilled, reds were rotated, glasses were washed, ice bucket cleaned, and cork screw set aside. Peanuts, chips, and even bags of chicharon were all neatly stacked on one side. Although I ordered food for that evening, I had to cook on dish -- steamed fresh shrimp, then quickly sauteed in sesame oil.
Our boy's 8A basketball team had a scheduled game that same afternoon, but, for some strange turn of events, it was postponed to a later day. Good for us because, for one, 3 of our players weren't available to play that game, plus we didn't have to cram and stress out preparing for this party. I guess our opponent requested the cancellation because their coaches were Filipinos, too, and probably had their own Pacquiao party to go to. It was a blessing in disguise.
At around 5:30pm, I went out to pick up the food I ordered, and bought 2 bags of ice on the way back. As soon as I got back, I proceeded to cook rice, then seasoned my shrimps for later. Suddenly, the doorbell rang and our first guests arrived.... an hour too early. I thought they were just dropping off their dish before they headed off to a prior commitment. But it was cool. I led them in and told them to make themselves at home, while I took a quick shower.
There were a lot of activities happening that evening and it all conflicted. Most of our guests were attending a Christmas concert at St. Joseph church, while the others were coming from different Christmas parties. This was why the invite was for 7pm, instead of the usual 6. Knowing that those attending the concert won't be back till close to 9pm, we all hoped that the main fight won't begin till then. Fortunately, it did. All three undercard fights went the 12-round distance, and the guests started milling in as the national anthems for the main event were being sung. Perfect timing. What else could go wrong?
Then, it happened.
Pacquiao received a right hook from Marquez that sent him down in the 3rd round. We were all shocked. We couldn't believe it !!! He picked himself up quickly and was raring to go, his eyes were raging with anger. The battle became fierce. Marquez got a taste of Pacquiao's fury, as his knees buckled and was counted for a knock down in the 5th round. That added fuel to the fire as Pacquiao became even more enraged. The exchanges became more aggressive and violent, until he careless swung and missed, and headed straight into the full force of a vicious right from Marquez, which sent the fighting Congressman, from Saranggani province in the Philippines, crashing face first on the canvass, with just one second left in the round.
For at least 20 seconds, he was motionless. His wife, Jinkee, was crying as fight promoter, Bob Arum, comforted her.
It was a disaster. A horrible nightmare!!!
Thoughts and images flashed quickly in my mind. No more Pacquiao nights. No more parties. No more get-togethers. It was the end of a tradition. What are we to do???
I didn't mean to be selfish, but it's true. I think Pacquiao is quite selfish, too. With back-to-back defeats, it's a clear sign from above. I think it's time for him to hang up his gloves and just concentrate on being a statesman and philanthropist. He has already made a mark in history by being the only 8-division world boxing champion. And he has tons of money, for even his children's grandchildren to spend. What else does he need to prove?
Knowing Manny, he will take a break, regroup, and come back, even if he has to work his way up again. But for what? Fame? Money? Pride? Are these consistent with this "new road" he has taken on his spirituality?
Mayweather is certainly no longer interested in him at this point. And a 5th sequel to the Pacquiao-Marquez drama is outrightly pure GREED to me. At the end of the day, it is all about money, including this last devastating encounter. For a bible-preaching, self-proclaimed Mr. Clean, he's talking on both sides of his mouth.
Where do you draw the line between the love for (more) money and the love for your Creator??? Practice what you preach. You decide. As for me, this is where I stop.
What about a Donaire night? Sounds promising to me.
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