by Ronnie Nathanielsz

While it was previously announced that “Fighter of the Decade” Manny Pacquiao would be one of the commentators on GMA 7’s coverage of the flyweight unification title fight between WBO champion Brian Viloria and WBA champion Hernan “Tyson” Marquez at the Los Angeles Sports Arena on Sunday, Manila Time, he didn’t push through with it.

Fight fans were surprised to hear super bantamweight Drian Francisco who had earlier scored a 5th round TKO over Mexico’s Javier Gallo join Chino Trinidad to do the commentary.

Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza explained to BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard why Pacquiao didn’t go.

He said “its cold outside and he just thought it would be better since this is the flu season, to go home and rest.”

Ariza commended Pacquiao telling us “this just goes to show you that Manny is taking this fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez very seriously. You know in the past he would have shown up for something like this and this time he’s just playing it safe.”

While some fans were disappointed Ariza said they shouldn’t be because they saw two great fights that could be “Fight of the Year.”

Meantime, Pacquiao bought a truckload of turkeys and pumpkin pies which he will distribute to fans on Thanksgiving Day on Sunday in Los Angeles.

Pacquiao will give away the gifts at the Westside Shepherd of the Hills Church where fans have been asked to line- up at a designated roped-off area in front of the church beginning at noon.

Pacquiao was quoted as saying “Thanksgiving is a wonderful American holiday for families to get together and celebrate God’s blessoings. I chose Westside Shepherd of the Hills to do this because a house of God where I attend services seemed an appropriate place to share my blessings.”

He added, “I can’t think of a better way to express my appreciation to my American-based fans who have embraced me, than by sharing my good fortune with them.” 

Tags: Manny Pacquiao