The Struggling Blogger

How long can one man hold his place at the top? How long can he depend his position against those who are after it? If you are a great fighter like Manny Pacquiao, chances are, you can hold on to it as much as you want.

But what if your enemy is yourself? Is Pacquiao causing his own downfall? Is he trying to destine himself for un-grateness?

Recent development in his upcoming fight against Ricky Hatton reports that Pacquiao dumped Solar Sports Entertainment in favor of ABS-CBN. Solar used to take charge of airing Pacquiao’s fight in the country, and they have the final say as to which local TV station will get the right to air it.

In Pacquiao’s previous fight with Oscar dela Hoya, GMA 7 got the exclusive airtime rights. It is expected this time they would get the airtime rights again, especially with the Pacman having some shows with them.

But Pacquiao surprised everybody when he decided to give the airtime rights to GMA 7’s rival station, ABS-CBN.

Pacquiao has the right to choose which station will show his fight. This might be true, but not when there is an existing contract.

Solar Sports, insisting that they still have a live contract with Pacquiao’s MP Productions, are planning to take this to court to protect their interest. They are planning to sue Pacquiao for breach of contract, and also ABS-CBN for tortous interference.

Looking back, this fight with Pacquiao against Hatton almost didn’t materialize because of disagreement on the split on the ‘fight purse.’ People gave Pacman the benefit of the doubt — that he is not really after the money, but the pride and prestige he is carrying to the boxing ring. Okay, if you say so.

And so the fight purse tug-of-war was settled. Some even depends him by saying that he is risking his face… his own life, and he have every right to ask for as much compensation. But then, he really has no obligation… BOXING WAS HIS CHOICE.

Now, here again is another glitch on the fight, which again involves money. Yes it does!

Enter GMA 7, where Pacquiao also has a live contract. Appearing on ABS-CBN violates a provision in his contract.

Is Pacquiao getting to be more stubborn? Or is he getting more greedy?

This isn’t the first he is involved in a breach of contract. As I dug up some old links, he entered into a promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions and even received advance payment from them. Suddenly, he entered into another promotional contract with Bob Arum’s Top Rank. He believed that by returning the money given to him, he would be free from any liability.

As Attorney Salud advised Pacquiao then, he just “cannot signed and contract with and afterwards return the money and sign with somebody else as if nothing happened because he returned the money.”

What more can we expect from him?

There were unconfirmed reports too, that aside from the money, Manny’s decision has some political agenda behind it. As he will run for the congressional seat in Saranggani province and ABS-CBN will help him win as they are dominant in the area.

Of course, ABS-CBN denied it.

As for Pacman - money and power? Not a very safe combination.

I thought Pacquiao was different from other ‘great’ Filipino boxers we had before. He is different alright… he is wiser

…just when I am beginning to appreciate the sport of boxing

Latest update as of March 21, 2009 8:12 PM

A newsbreak from GMA 7 just now said Pacquiao is keeping his contract with Solar Sports. In a letter read by his legal counsel, Pacquiao said nobody violated any contract and he will keep his contract with Solar, he is asking for forgiveness from everybody for causing confusions regarding his fight.

Personally, I really don’t think it changes anything… as far as his image now concern.

I wonder what ABS-CBN got to say?

Just like one of the comments belows says, he enters into a contract (even just a verbal aggreement) and then decide to change his mind later.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 20th, 2009 at 3:48 am and is filed under Announcement, In the news, blog, celebrities, icon, reactions, thought & opinions.You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.