Manny Pacquiao comes to Big D, retains world
welterweight title in world’s biggest indoor
stadium
welterweight title in world’s biggest indoor
stadium
spectacular venue. Almost 51,000 boxing fans were mesmerized by the state-of-the-art stadium which at night looked like a giant space ship
from a Hollywood sci-fi movie.
There was not any doubt in the minds of those who came that the magnificent stadium and the glitzy production more than made up for the
championship main “non-event”. The new stadium was a big hit to basketball fans when it hosted the last NBA All-Stars game, but the last
Pacquiao fight brought it to an even higher level of awareness and amazement worldwide. Once again, the giant high-definition video board the
size of a basketball court was mesmerizing and the presentation around the ring was electric. It was a tremendous spectacle never before
seen in the sporting world.
This writer, a Texas community and business leader, has lived in Dallas for 35 years and has been a Dallas Cowboys fan since 1975,
watching them win Super Bowls. It never ceases to amaze what Jerry Jones has done building and promoting the largest indoor stadium in the
world that will host the 2011 Super Bowl, and hopefully, Pacquiao’s next super fight as well.
The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders sang the national anthem and showed better moves in the ring than the unworthy challenger Clottey.
Arnel Pineda, the young Filipino lead singer of popular band Journey, sang the Filipino national anthem.
Gaylord Texan transformed into a Filipino Town
Although a bit disappointed that they did not see what they are used to seeing their hero do – knock out his opponents in the early rounds –
the thousands of Filipinos who came from all over the world enjoyed the week of the fight watching Pacquiao work out, connect with his fans
and freely give away his very intricate autograph.
The 5-star Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center was virtually transformed into a Filipino town, with groups of well-dressed Filipinos
roaming the halls and pathways of the elegant 500-room hotel. Pacquiao himself had an entourage of 140 – bigger than Mohammad Ali’s. The
members of Team Pacquiao who were resplendent in their red-white-and-blue jackets came in a colorfully decorated Pacquiao Express bus
and a private jet dubbed the Pacquiao Air. His entourage includes members of the Philippine media.
The Filipino guests and their local hosts were seen mixing it up with, and getting autographs from local and national celebrities which
included Dallas Cowboys hall of famers, Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars players and cheerleaders, NASCAR champions, boxing legends
and former champions at all weight classes.
Among the Philippine dignitaries seen at the Gaylord Texan were First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, House Speaker Prospero Nograles,
perennial Pacquiao companion Chavit Singson, and several other Philippine congressmen and governors.
The Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Texas, led by president Ethel Mercado, hosted a private dinner reception at the Riverwalk
restaurant in the hotel the distinguished Philippine guests.
Known for their hospitality and wealth of local talents, the Filipino community of Texas helped organize a “Post-Fight Party” with Manny
Paquiao in attendance, win or lose. The late party was held in nearby Texas Rangers ballpark in Arlington and was attended by several hundred
guests. The indefatigable champion showed up after a long final press conference and obliged the adoring crowd with eight songs, joined on
the stage by Arnel Pineda and by his backup singer Madonna Decena, arranger Lito Camu and the MP Band. The party lasted until 4:00 in the
morning, to the delight of the star-struck local Pinoys.
What is in the future for Manny Paquiao?
The final press conference that followed the 12-round bout was very revealing as to what the future holds for the world champion. Trainer
Fred Roach intimated that Pacquiao would probably fight two more championship bouts then possibly retire. Roach and Bob Arum expressed
strong desire that one of those would be against undefeated Floyd Mayweather.
What would be a fitting end for those impressive victories in seven incremental weight classes are not nearly as impressive as the world-
class fighters whom Pacquiao has beaten as he has grown in size and stature over the years. His victims include Cotto, Hatton De La Hoya,
Barrera and Morales – a veritable murderers row of champions, which makes him the champion of champions.
“I have been around Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, and I can say that Manny Pacquiao is the best fighter I have seen,”
says Bob Arum who has promoted many of the biggest names in boxing for more than 40 years.
While waiting for Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee who were freshening up in a nearby dressing room, I asked Bob Arum: “We the faithful fans
will support Manny whatever he decides to do. But we all know about his third love – politics (and singing) – and God forbid, he may leave
boxing for Philippine politics. How would all this fan out?”
The effervescent Bob Arum gave a witty response: “Manny asked me to go to the Philippines to support his candidacy and I declined. I told
him it would be illegal for me to do so, and luckily I don’t have to contribute to his campaign either!”
Arum later added: “There is no doubt he will win as Congressman, and he can become President of the country if he wants to. But I think he will
continue boxing. And if the Philippine Congress is like the U.S. Congress where the Congressmen do absolutely nothing, then it will be just fine
for Manny!” That brought the house down.
In his native country, Pacquiao casts a giant shadow
What a week it was! It was not one of Manny’s most memorable performances, but the greatest active fighter in the world delivered, in
more ways than one. He brought honor to his millions of fans the world over, and especially to his countrymen and to his native country, where
he casts a giant shadow.
To wit: The streets of the Philippines are deserted during his telecast fight. People can pitch a tent in the middle of an intersection without
any danger of being hit, as everybody is glued to the TV set or fills thousands of movie houses that show his fight. Even his country’s army and
the rebel insurgents agree to a seven-hour ceasefire so both sides could watch his fight. The predominantly Catholic country reduces the
number of Sunday masses on Pacquiao Sundays. Men folks do not go to church, afraid that there may not be a priest there to say Mass.
In a country that has never won a gold medal at the Olympics, Manny Pacquiao is a precious, national treasure. May we see more of him where
his greatness reigns supreme – the boxing ring.
hank you, Manny Pacquiao, for making us proud to be Filipinos. And thank you for your wonderful and unforgettable visit to our town. Dallas
loves you!
(About the author: Gus Mercado is a successful Dallas-based Filipino business entrepreneur and civic leader whose part-time hobby is
journalism. He never collects any honorarium for his articles. When he was Texas correspondent of ABS-CBN for several years, he asked them
to donate his fees to Philippine charities. He was recently awarded as one of “Twenty Outstanding Filipinos Abroad” (TOFA) for 2009 by
Ambassador Willy Gaa and the Fil-Am Image Magazine, and “10 Most Outstanding Filipino Businessmen in 2010” by the Greater Chicago
Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife are leaders of the Texas Phil-Am Chamber of Commerce and many other civic groups. Reactions to this
article may be sent to: gusmercado@verizon.net)
from a Hollywood sci-fi movie.
There was not any doubt in the minds of those who came that the magnificent stadium and the glitzy production more than made up for the
championship main “non-event”. The new stadium was a big hit to basketball fans when it hosted the last NBA All-Stars game, but the last
Pacquiao fight brought it to an even higher level of awareness and amazement worldwide. Once again, the giant high-definition video board the
size of a basketball court was mesmerizing and the presentation around the ring was electric. It was a tremendous spectacle never before
seen in the sporting world.
This writer, a Texas community and business leader, has lived in Dallas for 35 years and has been a Dallas Cowboys fan since 1975,
watching them win Super Bowls. It never ceases to amaze what Jerry Jones has done building and promoting the largest indoor stadium in the
world that will host the 2011 Super Bowl, and hopefully, Pacquiao’s next super fight as well.
The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders sang the national anthem and showed better moves in the ring than the unworthy challenger Clottey.
Arnel Pineda, the young Filipino lead singer of popular band Journey, sang the Filipino national anthem.
Gaylord Texan transformed into a Filipino Town
Although a bit disappointed that they did not see what they are used to seeing their hero do – knock out his opponents in the early rounds –
the thousands of Filipinos who came from all over the world enjoyed the week of the fight watching Pacquiao work out, connect with his fans
and freely give away his very intricate autograph.
The 5-star Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center was virtually transformed into a Filipino town, with groups of well-dressed Filipinos
roaming the halls and pathways of the elegant 500-room hotel. Pacquiao himself had an entourage of 140 – bigger than Mohammad Ali’s. The
members of Team Pacquiao who were resplendent in their red-white-and-blue jackets came in a colorfully decorated Pacquiao Express bus
and a private jet dubbed the Pacquiao Air. His entourage includes members of the Philippine media.
The Filipino guests and their local hosts were seen mixing it up with, and getting autographs from local and national celebrities which
included Dallas Cowboys hall of famers, Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars players and cheerleaders, NASCAR champions, boxing legends
and former champions at all weight classes.
Among the Philippine dignitaries seen at the Gaylord Texan were First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, House Speaker Prospero Nograles,
perennial Pacquiao companion Chavit Singson, and several other Philippine congressmen and governors.
The Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Texas, led by president Ethel Mercado, hosted a private dinner reception at the Riverwalk
restaurant in the hotel the distinguished Philippine guests.
Known for their hospitality and wealth of local talents, the Filipino community of Texas helped organize a “Post-Fight Party” with Manny
Paquiao in attendance, win or lose. The late party was held in nearby Texas Rangers ballpark in Arlington and was attended by several hundred
guests. The indefatigable champion showed up after a long final press conference and obliged the adoring crowd with eight songs, joined on
the stage by Arnel Pineda and by his backup singer Madonna Decena, arranger Lito Camu and the MP Band. The party lasted until 4:00 in the
morning, to the delight of the star-struck local Pinoys.
What is in the future for Manny Paquiao?
The final press conference that followed the 12-round bout was very revealing as to what the future holds for the world champion. Trainer
Fred Roach intimated that Pacquiao would probably fight two more championship bouts then possibly retire. Roach and Bob Arum expressed
strong desire that one of those would be against undefeated Floyd Mayweather.
What would be a fitting end for those impressive victories in seven incremental weight classes are not nearly as impressive as the world-
class fighters whom Pacquiao has beaten as he has grown in size and stature over the years. His victims include Cotto, Hatton De La Hoya,
Barrera and Morales – a veritable murderers row of champions, which makes him the champion of champions.
“I have been around Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, and I can say that Manny Pacquiao is the best fighter I have seen,”
says Bob Arum who has promoted many of the biggest names in boxing for more than 40 years.
While waiting for Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee who were freshening up in a nearby dressing room, I asked Bob Arum: “We the faithful fans
will support Manny whatever he decides to do. But we all know about his third love – politics (and singing) – and God forbid, he may leave
boxing for Philippine politics. How would all this fan out?”
The effervescent Bob Arum gave a witty response: “Manny asked me to go to the Philippines to support his candidacy and I declined. I told
him it would be illegal for me to do so, and luckily I don’t have to contribute to his campaign either!”
Arum later added: “There is no doubt he will win as Congressman, and he can become President of the country if he wants to. But I think he will
continue boxing. And if the Philippine Congress is like the U.S. Congress where the Congressmen do absolutely nothing, then it will be just fine
for Manny!” That brought the house down.
In his native country, Pacquiao casts a giant shadow
What a week it was! It was not one of Manny’s most memorable performances, but the greatest active fighter in the world delivered, in
more ways than one. He brought honor to his millions of fans the world over, and especially to his countrymen and to his native country, where
he casts a giant shadow.
To wit: The streets of the Philippines are deserted during his telecast fight. People can pitch a tent in the middle of an intersection without
any danger of being hit, as everybody is glued to the TV set or fills thousands of movie houses that show his fight. Even his country’s army and
the rebel insurgents agree to a seven-hour ceasefire so both sides could watch his fight. The predominantly Catholic country reduces the
number of Sunday masses on Pacquiao Sundays. Men folks do not go to church, afraid that there may not be a priest there to say Mass.
In a country that has never won a gold medal at the Olympics, Manny Pacquiao is a precious, national treasure. May we see more of him where
his greatness reigns supreme – the boxing ring.
hank you, Manny Pacquiao, for making us proud to be Filipinos. And thank you for your wonderful and unforgettable visit to our town. Dallas
loves you!
(About the author: Gus Mercado is a successful Dallas-based Filipino business entrepreneur and civic leader whose part-time hobby is
journalism. He never collects any honorarium for his articles. When he was Texas correspondent of ABS-CBN for several years, he asked them
to donate his fees to Philippine charities. He was recently awarded as one of “Twenty Outstanding Filipinos Abroad” (TOFA) for 2009 by
Ambassador Willy Gaa and the Fil-Am Image Magazine, and “10 Most Outstanding Filipino Businessmen in 2010” by the Greater Chicago
Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife are leaders of the Texas Phil-Am Chamber of Commerce and many other civic groups. Reactions to this
article may be sent to: gusmercado@verizon.net)
Manny Pacquiao (Center) celebrates after his victorya
against Clottey in Dallas; with Vanessa Washington (left)
and Mitch Carter (right).
against Clottey in Dallas; with Vanessa Washington (left)
and Mitch Carter (right).
Texas Filipinos enjoy an exciting week with their hero.
By Gus Mercado
Dallas, Texas
World famous Filipino boxing hero, politician and party singer Manny Pacquiao did not disappoint
51,000 spectators who trooped to the spectacular new Texas Cowboys stadium last Saturday, March
13. Now regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world owning seven different weight
class championship belts, Pacquiao gave a virtual clinic to millions who were watching the fight
live via satellite by clobbering Ghanaian Joshua Clottey in a 12-round “decisive” decision.
The challenger and former welterweight champion Clottey showed his toughness by keeping his
reputation of never having been knocked down in 39 fights, but he was never aggressive. Sunday’s
match was a far cry from the usually exciting Pacquiao fights. The result was disappointing to boxing
experts who described the “event” as boring. They blamed Clottey’s turtle-like defense for it. Clottey
refused to trade leather with the champion, depriving the boxing fans of an epic battle. Two judges
generously gave him only one round, and the third gave all rounds to Pacquiao. The bigger and
stronger Clottey who personally adored Pacquiao was clearly trying to wear the champion out and
By Gus Mercado
Dallas, Texas
World famous Filipino boxing hero, politician and party singer Manny Pacquiao did not disappoint
51,000 spectators who trooped to the spectacular new Texas Cowboys stadium last Saturday, March
13. Now regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world owning seven different weight
class championship belts, Pacquiao gave a virtual clinic to millions who were watching the fight
live via satellite by clobbering Ghanaian Joshua Clottey in a 12-round “decisive” decision.
The challenger and former welterweight champion Clottey showed his toughness by keeping his
reputation of never having been knocked down in 39 fights, but he was never aggressive. Sunday’s
match was a far cry from the usually exciting Pacquiao fights. The result was disappointing to boxing
experts who described the “event” as boring. They blamed Clottey’s turtle-like defense for it. Clottey
refused to trade leather with the champion, depriving the boxing fans of an epic battle. Two judges
generously gave him only one round, and the third gave all rounds to Pacquiao. The bigger and
stronger Clottey who personally adored Pacquiao was clearly trying to wear the champion out and
was looking for a chance to deliver a lucky punch which never came. The
buzzsaw Pacquiao was too fast and too smart. “He was very quick,” conceded
Clottey and his trainer. “We clearly got beat by a great champion.” The one-sided
affair earned the challenger $2.5 million for showing up.
“When asked if ever the reigning pound-for-pound king held back his
punches in the late rounds, Pacquiao’s trainer Fred Roach said: “I always go for
the kill all the time, and we wanted to finish Clottey off in great fashion, but it just
didn’t work out, as he never got out of his shell.”
It was lopsided right from the start after the Ghanaian challenger opted to
keep his face covered in survival mode, clearly avoiding one of Pacquiao’s
powerful combinations that could have delivered the KO and put a blot in Clottey’
s unblemished record.
Unfazed, promoter Bob Arum said: “There was no way Clottey was going to
beat this superstar, even if he took off his gloves and fought him bare-fisted.”
Pacquiao is poised to make between $17 and $20 million for pounding Clottey en
route to improving his record to 51-3-2. At the press conference that followed
the fight, Bob Arum and Dallas Cowboys stadium owner Jerry Jones both
pledged to work hard to bring Pacquiao back to Dallas in October against either
Floyd Mayweather or Shane Mosely. That, many predict, will be a “real fight.”
The Texas Cowboys Stadium steals the show
The main event did not meet expectations of an exciting fight, but in the end,
nobody seemed to care. Clottey was never booed and the huge crowd did not
express any displeasure, which is a tribute to the wonderment of the
buzzsaw Pacquiao was too fast and too smart. “He was very quick,” conceded
Clottey and his trainer. “We clearly got beat by a great champion.” The one-sided
affair earned the challenger $2.5 million for showing up.
“When asked if ever the reigning pound-for-pound king held back his
punches in the late rounds, Pacquiao’s trainer Fred Roach said: “I always go for
the kill all the time, and we wanted to finish Clottey off in great fashion, but it just
didn’t work out, as he never got out of his shell.”
It was lopsided right from the start after the Ghanaian challenger opted to
keep his face covered in survival mode, clearly avoiding one of Pacquiao’s
powerful combinations that could have delivered the KO and put a blot in Clottey’
s unblemished record.
Unfazed, promoter Bob Arum said: “There was no way Clottey was going to
beat this superstar, even if he took off his gloves and fought him bare-fisted.”
Pacquiao is poised to make between $17 and $20 million for pounding Clottey en
route to improving his record to 51-3-2. At the press conference that followed
the fight, Bob Arum and Dallas Cowboys stadium owner Jerry Jones both
pledged to work hard to bring Pacquiao back to Dallas in October against either
Floyd Mayweather or Shane Mosely. That, many predict, will be a “real fight.”
The Texas Cowboys Stadium steals the show
The main event did not meet expectations of an exciting fight, but in the end,
nobody seemed to care. Clottey was never booed and the huge crowd did not
express any displeasure, which is a tribute to the wonderment of the
| Gus Mercado |
Dallas-based Filipina teenager is Ringside World Champion
By Gus Mercado (special to Fil-Am Press)
Unbeknownst to the thousands of Filipinos who came to Dallas to watch the Pacquiao-
Clottey event is a beautiful and unassuming young Filipino-American teenager in their
midst who is famous in her own right. Her name is Vanessa Sansano Washington, a 17-
year-old senior high student at Mansfield H.S. and lives in Arlington, Texas with her
parents Carleton and Norma Washington.
Vanessa is the reigning Ringside World Champion in her weight category
(Bantamweight 114 pounds) after beating the Irish National Champion in Kansas City in
August 2009 for the world title. She is also a two-time Golden Gloves Regional Champion
in Fort Worth, Texas in 2008 and 2009.
Vanessa was discovered two years ago by renowned trainer Paul Reyes, who
trained former heavyweight champion Donald Curry. Reyes had very little expectations
when he first met Vanessa, who did not play any sports in high school and did not have
any conditioning experience, and just out of the blue wanted to become a boxer. “I can’t
explain it, but I just knew I wanted to do it,” said Vanessa. But when he saw her knock
out a bigger opponent, Reyes immediately saw the tremendous potential in this young
lady. Reyes had sworn not to train female boxers in the past but on seeing Vanessa’s
natural talents, he knew she was special. What ensued is a string of Golden Gloves
victories in her weight class which led up to the Ringside World Championship in
Kansas City.
Last Tuesday, Vanessa was escorted to Manny Pacquiao’s suite at the Gaylord Texas
and was introduced to Manny Pacquiao and to Freddie Roach by Manny’s driver Mitch
Carter from Las Vegas (see photo). If Freddie Roach could take this teenage boxing
phenom under his wing and tutelage, the sky would be the limit as to what this talented
young Filipina champion can achieve. She can go as far and fly as high as her dreams,
her superb boxing skills and her winsome personality can take her.
Vanessa’s parents Carleton and Norma who hails from Baguio City are very
supportive of their daughter’s goals. “God willing,” Carleton said, “Vanessa will pursue
her dreams and will be triumphant in whatever destiny the Almighty God leads her into.”
Asked about her near-term and long-term goals, Vanessa’s sights are focused on
joining the 2012 Olympics, attending college (Texas Christian University with a degree in
Business Administration) and then going into professional boxing. She feels this is her
destiny, her Mt. Everest. And with God, her parents, her friends and hopefully the Team
Pacquiao in her corner, she is confident she can reach them.
(For more information about Vanessa Washington, email the author gusmercado@verizon.
net)
By Gus Mercado (special to Fil-Am Press)
Unbeknownst to the thousands of Filipinos who came to Dallas to watch the Pacquiao-
Clottey event is a beautiful and unassuming young Filipino-American teenager in their
midst who is famous in her own right. Her name is Vanessa Sansano Washington, a 17-
year-old senior high student at Mansfield H.S. and lives in Arlington, Texas with her
parents Carleton and Norma Washington.
Vanessa is the reigning Ringside World Champion in her weight category
(Bantamweight 114 pounds) after beating the Irish National Champion in Kansas City in
August 2009 for the world title. She is also a two-time Golden Gloves Regional Champion
in Fort Worth, Texas in 2008 and 2009.
Vanessa was discovered two years ago by renowned trainer Paul Reyes, who
trained former heavyweight champion Donald Curry. Reyes had very little expectations
when he first met Vanessa, who did not play any sports in high school and did not have
any conditioning experience, and just out of the blue wanted to become a boxer. “I can’t
explain it, but I just knew I wanted to do it,” said Vanessa. But when he saw her knock
out a bigger opponent, Reyes immediately saw the tremendous potential in this young
lady. Reyes had sworn not to train female boxers in the past but on seeing Vanessa’s
natural talents, he knew she was special. What ensued is a string of Golden Gloves
victories in her weight class which led up to the Ringside World Championship in
Kansas City.
Last Tuesday, Vanessa was escorted to Manny Pacquiao’s suite at the Gaylord Texas
and was introduced to Manny Pacquiao and to Freddie Roach by Manny’s driver Mitch
Carter from Las Vegas (see photo). If Freddie Roach could take this teenage boxing
phenom under his wing and tutelage, the sky would be the limit as to what this talented
young Filipina champion can achieve. She can go as far and fly as high as her dreams,
her superb boxing skills and her winsome personality can take her.
Vanessa’s parents Carleton and Norma who hails from Baguio City are very
supportive of their daughter’s goals. “God willing,” Carleton said, “Vanessa will pursue
her dreams and will be triumphant in whatever destiny the Almighty God leads her into.”
Asked about her near-term and long-term goals, Vanessa’s sights are focused on
joining the 2012 Olympics, attending college (Texas Christian University with a degree in
Business Administration) and then going into professional boxing. She feels this is her
destiny, her Mt. Everest. And with God, her parents, her friends and hopefully the Team
Pacquiao in her corner, she is confident she can reach them.
(For more information about Vanessa Washington, email the author gusmercado@verizon.
net)
Vanessa Washington