Say a prayer for Manny Pacquiao

Say a prayer for Manny Pacquiao.  

This request was made by Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim yesterday as the nation braces for the biggest fight of its most favorite son.  

"Tomorrow, he will fight the biggest fight of his career against Oscar "Golden Boy" de la Hoya," the mayor said.  

Lim, who knows de la Hoya personally and even has a photo in his office to show it, admits that the Golden Boy is "a worthy opponent, a dangerous one if I may add".  

"Indeed, a 'golden boy' who is more than a match to Manny as far as many experts are concerned," the mayor added.  

Lim said that while money comes to many people's mind when talking of this fight, there is more than money to it.  

"First of all, Manny has become a symbol not just of our nation but more importantly a symbol of hope in a country where there is little hope left," he noted.  

Lim pointed out that Manny was born to impoverished parents and naturally was deprived of education which could have been his way out of his poverty.  

"And yet, Manny refused to take no for an answer and set out in search of his destiny the only way he knew how. He let his fists do the talking," he said.  

Lim said Manny's victory is not only his personal victory.  

"It is not only a triumph of a nation. It will also be a triumph for persistence in the face of adversity, of hope in the face of insurmountable odds, of faith even when there is little reason to do so," he added.  

The mayor believes Manny knows how to make it.  

"He had faced far more daunting challenges in the past. He has been there. He knows how to do it. He will come out of it in the manner that we expect him to be: triumphant and great".  

Lim noted that many experts say Manny has met his match in de la Hoya. He said that the latter's size and weight advantage makes it easier to believe that.  

"De la Hoya's experience in fighting in heavier divisions makes it even easier to believe that," the mayor added.  

And yet, Lim said fights are not always won on size and weight. He said they are not always won on experience.  

"In boxing as in life, there are intangibles, factors that cannot be measured by human instruments," the mayor added.  

Lim said this is one of those fights.  

"As a Filipino, as a close friend, as a fan, and as a believer in hope, I know Manny will make it. There is no doubt in my mind that Manny's hands will be raised after they have done their part in the ring," he added.  

"Whatever happens, Manny's place in Philippine history is secure. He will always be remembered for raising the hopes of our people in a time such as this," the mayor said. - Sunday Post Newspaper