ABC News- Manny Pacquiao believes the best way to bring inspiration and hope to the victims of the devastating Typhoon Haiyan in his native Philippines is to win his comeback fight against Brandon Rios. To do that, he has to limit the distractions ahead of the Nov. 24 fight in Macau. So that rules out a visit to the areas most devastated by the deadly typhoon to the north of where he’s in a training camp at General Santos, in the southern Philippines. It’s a heart-wrenching decision but his handlers, including veteran trainer Freddie Roach, have insisted it is for the best. In what he called a “statement to his people,” the 34-year-old Pacquiao said: “I really want to visit the area and personally do what I can to help our countrymen who have suffered so much in this terrible tragedy. But I’m in deep training for a crucial fight so I regret I cannot go.”
This is one of those very touchy subjects. While it is absolutely horrible that so many people were killed, injured, or affected poorly by this storm, I think it is a worse idea to say you are dedicating a sporting event’s outcome to the victims of an accident. Donate money, donate time, donate anything tangible, which I’m sure Manny is doing in droves and I commend him for that. But when you aren’t exactly at the top of your game, don’t dedicate the unknown outcome of a fight to those victims. What happens when you get the shit kicked out of you? Then what? Keep it quiet until you win then say “That was for you guys!” and everyone will be happy.
We should all learn something from Kramer in this situation. Don’t over extend yourself.
Jesse
Blown Call Sports 