| Bacolod City, Philippines | Thursday, January 4, 2007 |
 |
| Front Page |
| Negros Oriental |
| Star Business |
| Opinion |
| Sports |
| Police Beat |
| Star Life |
| People & Events |
|
For thousands of Negrenses, time stood still for a few hours on three special Sundays of 2006 as they prayed and cheered for boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, an adopted son of Bacolod City. The 28-year-old Pacquiao was unbeaten in three fights in 2006, punctuating the year with a phenomenal third round knockout victory over Mexican legend Erik "El Terrible" Morales in Nov. 19 in the final fight of their trilogy. The victory was a fitting follow up to a swashbuckling triumph in Jan. 22 when Pacquiao sent Morales to the canvass for the first time in his fabled career. The 11th round stoppage set up the exciting finale in November, which did not go the distance because of Pacquiao's speed and punching power which left Morales a badly-beaten man. In July 2, Pacquiao fought on Philippine soil for the first time since December 2004. He failed to deliver a knockout win against Mexican Oscar Larios but nevertheless dealt him a serious beating in a bout that went the full 12 rounds at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Three short weeks after his victory over Larios, Pacquiao --- who has been adjudged Fighter of the Year by prestigious Ring Magazine --- planed into Bacolod City on July 25, declared as Manny Pacquiao Day by Mayor Evelio Leonardia, a personal friend of the boxer. Traffic was stopped as thousands lined up the streets to catch a glimpse of Pacquiao, who had originally planned to spend one night in Bacolod but ended up staying for three days in the city. Leonardia was Pacquiao's personal choice as the carrier of his World Boxing Council International Super Featherweight Championship belt in the fight against Larios and in his final battle versus Morales. In rites held at the Fountain of Justice, Pacquiao was conferred the "Dungganon nga Bacolodnon Award", the first recipient of the accolade. Pacquiao profusely thanked Bacolenos for their support. While in the city, the Filipino boxing icon also received a life-size statue of himself from Himamaylan sculptor Herminio Aurelio. |
