Lucky Cebuanos fly to Vegas for historic bout

Some Cebuano businessmen and politicians are now  in Las Vegas to watch the mega-bout between  the Filipino  people’s champ Manny Pacquiao and undefeated American champion Floyd Mayweather.

Former Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña and son Miguel are among the lucky ones to get access to the world’s most awaited ring match.

“Miguel and I were fortunate enought to be given tickets by Manny,” Osmeña said in a text message to Cebu Daily News.

“That’s why we extended our stay in the US after my successful medical checkup in Houston (Texas).

The former mayor and congressman was able to greet  Pacquiao in his hotel room, and have their photo taken.

“Manny is the only person in the world today who makes Filipinos proud to be Filipinos.  I hope the Sto. Niño will be listening because every single punch Manny gives will be powered by 10 million prayers,” said Osmeña, who has been to several of Pacman’s fights.

Joel Rama del Prado, owner of Pino Restaurant,  said he and his wife were in Las  Vegas for the Pacquiao-Mayweather aside from  Jonathan Guardo, businessmen Bunny Pages, Charles Lim of Hilton, Edward Onglatco of Hyundai  and Quito Farrarons of St. Mark Hotel.

Engr. Jun Sanchez also travelled there with Pages, it was learned.

Del Prado said  some national politicians were there including former president and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

He said it was  very  difficult to get a ticket for the fight.

Politician

“Nothing is for sale for now. All the tickets are coming from Team Pacquiao. According to our insider Pacman spent US $4 million just for tickets.

Average ticket price is  $5,000 to  $10,000 or  more.

The tickets Pacquiao gave away are  worth $5,000 each, del Prado said in an online  interview.

He said some Cebuano businessmen who asked not to be named, admitted that they paid $6,000 each.

Asked how he got tickets for himself and his wife, del Prado said a Filipino politician gave them tickets.

Knockout only

Del Prado said he noticed several African-Americans now in Las Vegas.

“We are outnumbered by  African-Americans. I’ve never seen such a large crowd of them in any of the Pacquiao fights I have attended. This will be the seventh Pacquiao fight I’ve watched live,” he said.

Del Prado said the only way Pacquiao can beat Mayweather is through  aknockout.

“Either Manny wins by knockout or Mayweather by decision or split. The only way for Manny to win is by knock out considering Mayweather is a protected fighter in Las Vegas,” del Prado said.

In Naga City, residents were offered  free live streaming telecast of the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight at the Enan Chiong Activity Center.

On alert

Both the military and the police also arranged for a live streaming telecast of the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight at their  headquarters for their personnel.

Lt. Commander Jim Aris Alagao, spokesman  of the Armed Forces Central Command, said their Centcom auditorium will provide free live streaming telecast of the bout for  off-duty soldiers, families and some civilians.

Centcom commander Lt. General Nicanor Vibar and Alagao will be watching the pay-per-view fight at the auditorium.

The Police Regional Office will offer free viewing of the fight at their multi-purpose hall inside Camp Sergio Osmeña and at the PC Hills quarters of the police officers and non-commissioned officers with their families.

“Let’s enjoy the fight and support Manny Pacquiao but we should also be on alert. Peace and order must be our priority”,  Senior Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas reminded the policemen.

Lawas, chief of the Regional Investigation and Detection Management Division and Chief Supt. Prudencio Banas, PRO-7 chief, will join the others in watching the bout

Centcom said it remains under red alert  while the PNP is under heightened alert status because of last Friday’s Labor Day observance.