“Boxing is not about your feelings, it’s about performance.” –Manny Pacquiao
We have not heard from Iloilo second district Rep. Arcadio ‘Cadio’ H. Gorriceta for a long time. According to sources, he has been undergoing strict medical treatment and not been active in congress for a while; probably why he is not seeking reelection in the upcoming 2019 midterm elections.
His son, Pavia Mayor Michael ‘Mike’ Gorriceta, will be running to replace him, where he faces a challenge from Santa Barbara Mayor Dennis Superficial.
While unfamiliar with the congressman’s specific ailment and the nature of the treatments, he has decided to back out silently. It is likely improbably he makes a comeback, especially if his son wins (with due respect to Superficial).
The last time I saw the legislator was in Iloilo City in April 2015, weeks before I had to fly back to the US to cover the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather, Jr. bout in Las Vegas the following month. He invited me for coffee at the Smallville Complex to get my opinion on the fight.
“I believe in your predictions and analysis, Alex,” he said. “I have been reading your articles and listening to you [on the radio].”
“I am not a gambler and I [have] never placed a bet but, just for fun, who do you think will win?” the congressman asked.
I said without hesitation: “Mayweather will win by decision.”
I explained the American fighter was looking to erase Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 record and he and his handlers would not risk a date with history if they weren’t sure of out-duking Pacquiao.
I added, from technical aspect, Mayweather is a “scientific fighter,” while Pacquiao is a street fighter and a brawler rolled into one.
“Mayweather is a slick puncher and someone who brings a bicycle inside the ring, while Pacquiao is a never-say-die fighter who moves forward like a hungry wolf ready to devour his foe for a disposal and might expose himself for a target shooting to lure Mayweather,” I continued. “The problem is lanky Mayweather will never slug it out; he will fight from a distance and backpedal to escape Pacquiao’s bombs, pile up points, confuse the Filipino customer, and safely coast to a points victory after 12 boring rounds.”
I cited Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier (a.k.a. the “Thrilla in Manila”), Alexis Arguello vs. Rolando Navarette, Thomas Hearns vs. Roberto Duran, and Frankie Genaro vs. Pancho Villa as other examples of scientific boxers versus brawlers.
I also mentioned Mansueto ‘Onyok’ Velasco, Jr.’s ill-fated light-flyweight gold medal bout against Bulgaria’s Ivailo Hristov in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. I explained, Velasco wasn’t cheated, contrary to the false protests by biased and angry fanatics, he was beaten by a taller, scientific fighter in a five-man jury.
“I will not question your opinion although I like Pacquiao not only because he is a Filipino but because he made us all proud by his impressive boxing skills,” the congressman said. “Good luck on your coverage and I will monitor your reports.”
After Mayweather defeated Pacquiao by a 12-round unanimous decision, I immediately recalled my conversation with the lawmaker. I was sure he monitored my “live” reports, as well as my pre- and post-fight analysis published in Philippine newspapers and broadcast on radio networks.
Get well soon, Rep. Gorriceta.
(By the way, they are saying there will be a Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch – ignore and forget this crap)/WDJ