The point is that to the rest of the world, Mannie is just a phenomenal athlete. But, to the Philipines, he is near to God, second to only the Pope, and could become that nation's leader. This loss was devastating to that country not because he lost, not because he was knocked out, but because they feel he lost to a cheater. And, Merchant's insinuations, and the rumours swirling around that fight, are fueling the resentment.
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