InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
MANILA - The top brass of the Philippine military weighed in on Manny Pacquiao’s surprise defeat to Timothy Bradley, expressing disgust over how the decision was arrived at and pushing for a rematch.
“I think the fight is not yet over. There will be a next round for Manny to take back his pride,” Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa said after the match.
Dellosa was among thousands of soldiers and their dependents and visitors who watched on big screen via cable TV the Pacquiao-Bradley fight that happened Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
“Ang masasabi ko lang sa kay Manny, pinagmamalaki ka namin, isa ka sa amin, at ikaw ang source ng inspiration ng mga kasundaluhan, sa katapangan mo, at sa pagkakaroon mo ng warrior spirit,” Dellosa said.
Even though he lost by a split decision, Pacquiao will receive honors from the Philippine Army, in which the boxer is a reserve lieutenant colonel, said Dellosa.
“Sa nakikita ko parang frustrated lang naman sila kasi nung ina-announce kung sino ang winner makikita niyo naman sa mukha ng mga kasundaluhan natin, pero syempre nasa kanila na ‘yun, kanya-kanya ng mga opinion ‘yan, basta sa inyong kasundaluhan ang tunay na champion ay si Pacquaio,” Dellosa said.
Military spokesman and Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. said the AFP “congratulates” Bradley in the fight.
“Manny Pacquiao has done his best in the fight. Although his best was not good enough for him to successfully defend and retain his championship title, the courage and perseverance he has shown is worth emulating," Burgos said.
"It is not winning that is the most important in a game; it’s how you played it that matters most. Manny continues to exemplify high level of discipline, strength and determination in all his boxing matches, which our soldiers continue to draw inspiration. Manny will remain and will always be our champion!” the AFP official said.
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