ABU DHABI // Manny Pacquiao’s fight against his latest challenger brought more laughs than cheers from Filipino boxing fans at a screening in the capital on Sunday.
About 120 fans gathered at Philippine House Restaurant to watch Pac-Man successfully defend his WBO world welterweight title, beating Chris Algieri by a unanimous decision in Macau.
Despite being older and much shorter than his opponent, Pacquiao easily defeated the previously undefeated American, knocking him down six times during the 12 rounds.
“It’s not a match, it’s a comedy,” said Jay Jimenez, a business development executive who has lived in Abu Dhabi for 10 years.
He had hoped for more from Algieri who in the early rounds had struck “no solid blows” and instead paced around the ring.
“It’s a big disappointment for us,” he said.
Laughter broke out throughout the fight whenever Algieri was knocked down, as well as when Pacquiao’s mother was flashed on the screen enthusiastically cheering on her son at ringside.
Mr Jimenez, 41, called the fight “no contest” and said that fans were really hoping Pacquiao would now fight American Floyd Mayweather Jr next year. Despite much talk over the years, the two have never fought. The undefeated Mayweather is 37, while Pacquiao is 35.
“Ninety per cent of Filipinos will watch that fight,” said Mr Jimenez.
As the only boxer in history to win eight world titles, Pacquiao is a national hero in the Philippines, where he also serves as a member of congress.
Anne Abau, 29, said she had followed Pacquiao’s pro career since the beginning. His record now stands at 57 wins, five losses and two draws.
“He’s very cautious and very distinct,” she said.
The salon worker was pleased with his performance in the fight as “he really did his best”.
Robert Fonseca, 33, said it had been an enjoyable fight. The construction machine operator arrived at the restaurant with two friends at 8.30am.
“Manny’s a great fighter. I think he’s the best,” said Mr Fonseca. “Every time Manny has a fight, we watch it.”
The boxer’s rags-to-riches story and his character are part of his legend in his home country.
Pacquiao lived an impoverished childhood with a single mother before moving to the streets of Manila at 14. Soon afterwards he entered the world of professional boxing.
“That serves as inspiration, especially to the children,” said Mr Jimenez.
He said Pacquiao fights were events that brought Filipino expatriates in the UAE together.
The restaurant is a traditional venue in Abu Dhabi for expats to watch Pacquiao’s fights. These days it gets “very busy”, said restaurant manager Mary Baganaor.
Before the bout, Pacquiao said he loved to fight undefeated boxers because he could “have them experience loss”.
lcarroll@thenational.ae
