By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Politicians from across Negros Occidental expressed shock yesterday after boxing champion Manny Pacquiao lost to Australian Jeff Horn in Brisbane, Australia over the weekend.
Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran were at the BAYS Center to watch the fight, along with 7,000 spectators, cheering for Pacquiao.
“Pacquiao was fighting a heavier, younger, and, probably, hungrier opponent,” he said.
The mayor called the fight a “life changing victory” for Horn.
Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr., meanwhile, said it was a close fight and called it “unfortunate” Pacquiao lost.
However, he said Filipino boxing fans should still laud and support Pacquiao for his performance.
“Manny is not new to this situation,” the governor said. “In his career, he suffered many defeats but he managed to re-emerge better and stronger.”
Pacquiao lost the WBO welterweight title via unanimous decision, with a score of 117-111, 115-113, 115-113./WDJ