Manny Pacquiao has always been, since he blew up and became Pacman, among the most agreeable of pugilistic purveyors when it comes to dealing with the volleys of press queries when counting down to his next fight date. He gets it, that fielding questions is part of his job.
I’ve never seen or heard him bite off a reporters’ head, as is not uncommon during a fight week from a sharp fanged fighter making do on a diet of 500 calories a day and a feast of stale questions from over fed ink stained wretches.
As he ticks down to the Nov 5 clash with Jessie Vargas in Las Vargas, the Senator once again has handled the reporter deluge deftly, without giving off a hint of annoyance. I tossed a few questions at Manny during his media day:
First off, I wondered, will the KO drought end? Our man Freddie Roach, bless his optimistic soul, has promised KOs for many moons, since 2009. He doesn’t want to the lad who cried wolf! So…Will Vargas be stopped?
“If the opportunity for a knockout presents itself, I will go for it,” Manny said. “I like knockouts too.”
Pivoting off the boxing…Your president Duterte has been hammering Mr Obama. Will he prefer to deal with Mrs Clinton or Mr Trump? Who would YOU prefer to deal with?
“I cannot speak for others, however I respect the choice of the American people and will show the proper respect to the next President of the United States,” replied the 58-6-2 hitter.
How much, Manny, do you want another crack at Floyd Mayweather? Has a rematch been discussed recently? If no Floyd next, would you really fight Golovkin?
“Of course I would like another chance at Floyd but if he stays retired…. Right now the only fight I am focused on is the one I have on November 5 against Jessie Vargas. Golovkin is a pretty tall challenge and I do like challenges.”
There you go. Typical mellow Manny, staying on message with a Senatorial savvy, and then throwing in a knuckleball to close.
