Boxing champion dedicates victory to Filipino typhoon victims
November 26, 2013 - Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao dedicated his Nov. 24
win to all the victims of the recent Typhoon Haiyan, offering prayers for their continued
recovery. Pacquiao won over his American opponent Brandon Rios in the 12th round
by unanimous decision to take the World Boxing Organization international welterweight
title. The win brought cheers in the Philippines at a time of sorrow and loss after
being struck on Nov. 8 by Typhoon Haiyan, among the strongest storms ever recorded.
The killer storm left devastation in its wake, killing thousands and affecting more
than 9 million people. In some parts of the worst hit areas of Tacloban, screens
were installed in local playgrounds so that people could watch the boxing match and
take their mind off the losses they had endured. “This fight is for you,” Pacquiao
said in the post-fight press conference, remembering the victims of the typhoon.
“Glory to God in Jesus’ name,” he prayed. An elected member of the Philippine House
of Representatives the boxer promised to “visit” the people of his district personally
after the fight. His staff members have been assisting in recent relief efforts.
(Source: CNA)