By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Hollywood superstar Sylvester Stallone, famous for his role in the blockbuster movie series "Rocky" and the boxing reality TV show "The Contender" has praised Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao for his bravery.
In an interview at the American Boxing Writers Association awards night at the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas where he received the "Lifetime Cinematic Award" Stallone told Dyan Castillejo of the ABS-CBN TV network that Pacquiao was "fantastic." Noting that he had met Pacquiao before, Stallone said "he’s always smiling" and was "incredibly strong and brave."
The Hollywood superstar known for his action-packed movies said that if Pacquiao had gained another 50 pounds he would become the heavyweight champion of the world.
Stallone referred to Pacquiao as "the superstar. He’s like the Elvis Presley of the Philippines. He’s great." Stallone congratulated Pacquiao and wished him good luck on his July 2 showdown at the Araneta Coliseum with former two-time super bantamweight champion Oscar Larios.
Meantime, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum who handles Erik "El Terrible" Morales said he met with Pacquiao’s manager Shelly Finkel to discuss the third encounter between Pacquiao and Morales which will be at the stipulated weight of 130 pounds. Pacquiao had earlier flatly rejected a request that the bout be at 132 pounds since Morales was having difficulty in making the weight. Arum said the fight will be on October 7.
Pacquiao worked on the punch mitts in his first light workout at former business manager Rod Nazario’s Wild Card Gym in BF Homes, Paranaque on Tuesday afternoon. Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today learned that Pacquiao had postponed his scheduled departure for Los Angeles to begin training under Freddie Roach from May 13 to May 15.
