By Erwin Lastimosa
First off I would like to commend HBO for bringing the fans yet again another high quality production of their award winning series 24/7.
I will be quick and to the point of my complaint of this recent episode of 24/7.
My problem is that HBO was trying to portray Manny Pacquiao as a man changed by the fame and all of the trappings that come with it.
I read the article title “Is the Pacquiao/Roach relationship beginning to sour?” by Lou “Cinder” Block and I felt the need to respond, in this article it shows the power of the media and how it can make or break the image of someone and twist a story.
Lou believed what HBO showed, but HBO failed to show Manny going to the victims and handing out supplies even though Roach told him not to go. What they did show in Episode #1 of 24/7 Pacquiao vs Cotto, was Roach and Buboy tending to the victims and visiting them not Manny.
Now compare that to Miguel Cotto’s segment he is portrayed as the guy who is trying to fix things, like his rocky marriage, and his devastating loss to Antonio Margarito. Cotto’s side also shows a man who is loyal to his father and to his team, and shows him in good light especially as a family man. It shows a completely focused Cotto, while Manny seems to be stubborn and focusing on politics more than the fight.
I like both fighters but people need to understand this editing is done to make the story more interesting because Cotto is a good guy and doesn’t talk trash so they are showing the turmoil in Pacman’s camp. I just hope it doesn’t make people like Lou “Cinder” Block have a negative image of Manny.
The one scene toward the end that really bugs me is that many non Filipinos who watch this episode thought that Pacman rolled his eyes at Freddie Roach, that is not the case! Manny was embarrassed because he had piss off Roach and he raised his eyebrows to say “uh Oh” I am in trouble now”, but at the same time Manny was talking to a Politician by the name of Manny Villar so Pacquiao was doubly embarrassed by Roach interrupting.
As a fan of Manny Pacquiao, I know he is focused and taking this fight serious, like he said this fight means so much more to him because he is dedicating it to the Typhoon victims.
I would just like to say may the best man win on November 14th!
Salamat
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Erwin Lastimosa is a long time boxing fan and enjoys boxing discussion with his peers. Some of his favorite fighters are Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Marvin Hagler, Muhammad Ali, Flash Elorde, Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao.