Calvin’s Hub

Woohoo! Pacquiao won his 7th world title in his 7th different division but you must’ve known that already so I won’t bother with that. I just want to share my thoughts about the fight and our experience watching it in Whitespace courtesy of Nike.

Whitespace is an event venue located at Pasong Tamo extension and the live viewing of the fight is sponsored by Nike.

We got there around 10 AM which was a bit early considering the fight started at around 12 noon. It was good though since we were just in time to help ourselves on the the free buffet. Free booze and drinks too!

Inside was this boxing ring with a mural that was commissioned by Nike depicting Pacquiao’s boxing career highlights. Nice no? It was created by celebrated graphic artist AJ Dimarucot who was also present at the event.

There are also Pacquiao-signed memorabilia at the venue that is up for silent auction where the proceeds will be turned over to Gawad Kalinga.

The robes, boxing shorts, trainers, shoes has a starting bid that ranges from P10,000 to P15,000. They’re going to auction the canvas of the mural as well some time soon by the way.

There were lots of celebrities at the event but I forgot to bring my super-zoom camera to take decent photos. I was stuck into using the LG Crystal that was on loan for review.

We saw Marc Nelson, Jackie Forster, Sarah Meier, Raymund Marasigan, basketball cagers Rico Maierhoffer, JB Casio and Jeffrey Cariaso. Oh I also saw one of the country’s celebrated blogger, Aline. So I guess it wasn’t too boring while waiting for the main event.

Thanks Nike for the invite! It was a blast watching it live with other boxing fans!

Ok some thoughts about the fight:

• Former AI finalist Ramiele Malubay sang the US National Anthem. She was introduced simply as Ramiele and did a good job with the song.
• I bet you were a bit nervous on the first round too huh?
• Nice strategy from Pacman to toughen up on defense and just measure Cotto’s strength before countering.
• I was still a teeny bit disappointed that we couldn’t get that 3rd knockout
• Cotto should’ve thrown the towel already on the 9th or 10th round. He was still not tired but there was no more power in his punches and Manny was wayyy ahead in score. Don’t say you were not miffed from him backpedaling around the ring.
• It started really well but I was hoping for more action at the later rounds
• Pacman was on a league of his own out there and he deserved the win and making it to boxing history. It was a tough fight for him though and I thought that he got away without any scratches but Cotto did a number on him as well.

Oh yeah for that elusive post-fight interview with Pacquiao, check out this one with ESPN’s Brian Kenny.

Go Manny!! We Filipinos are very proud of you (kahit nakakatuwa ka pa rin mag-English).

• Manny Pacquiao KO’s Ricky Hatton in 2 rounds
• Win a pair of Manny Pacquiao Nike Air Trainer 1
• Watch the Pacquiao – Cotto fight online live
• Got two tickets from Nike to watch Pacquiao’s fight live

Filed under: Deals and Events