A boxing enthusiast and one of radio DZME’s most outspoken "suki," Mike had made the prediction two weekends ago during my radio program "Usapang Sports," and had urged me to write this observation in this column, despite the risk that he would be hated and ostracized by the entire Filipino nation.

"As a Filipino, my heart is with my countryman Manny Pacquiao. Ang puso ko nasa kanya. However, kung pera ang paguusapan, I am definitely placing my bet on Erik Morales," pronounced Mike P, exactly one week before the fight.

According to Mike, he is putting his money on the Mexican because "He is a better skilled, more complete boxer than our Manny, and he has a wider repertoire of offense. May jab, may uppercut, may cross, may left hook, may straight."

In contrast, although deadly, Manny has only his left straight to speak of, according to Mike.

"Left straight lang yan, ha, hindi left and right straight." He stressed.

"Statistics is another plus for Morales," Mike said as he cited the Mexican’s impressive career record. "At saka mas malakas ang kanyang naturalesa. Si Manny kasi, pang bantam ang built, parang hindi kakayanin ng katawan niya ang kaya niyang ibigay sa kalaban na sipang kabayo."

Despite his pronouncements, Mike said he was not totally counting out our kababayan.

‘To win, kailangan mapabagsak ni Manny si Morales in the first two rounds otherwise if the fight goes the 12 rounds, Morales will triumph by decision," was his bold forecast.

* * * *

On radio just before the fight yesterday, Mike P was wheedling me on why I had not come out with his fearless forecast, hinting that I might have been afraid to publish such an unpopular prediction.

The truth is, I had forgotten about my promise, otherwise, I would’ve come out with it. After all, I didn’t make the forecast.

All the other guys were of course batting for Manny, arguing his plus points. Only Mike was betting in favor of the other side.

* * * *

Thinking he might be at the MGM Grand since his company is major sponsor of the fight, I texted Talk ’N Text governor Ricky Vargas immediately after my radio program to ask for an update.

Ricky V immediately replied, saying that the bout, which he was at that moment watching live on a giant screen installed at The Fort’s Palm Beach Restaurant, was on its fourth round and Manny was bleeding profusely from a cut on his right brow.

According to Ricky, Smart had sponsored a live feed from Las Vegas and had invited some friends, among them prominent businessmen and politicians, for the viewing. As early as 9 a.m., guests like presidential son Mikey Arroyo, Senator Dick Gordon, ShoeMart’s Henry Sy and son, Washington Sycip, Bobong Velez, Solar Sports people and hosts Manny V. Pangilinan and Ricky Vargas had gathered at the venue for the much-awaited encounter.

* * * *

Ricky texted me twice more after that, on the seventh and 11th round.

Then I got a call. It was bad news. The fight went the full route but Manny lost by decision, 113-115.

Ricky V was inconsolable. The country needed this win, he said, this one bright spot.

"I already had this premonition when I noted that Mexicans were winning in the undercard….."

Fiscal Boogie Rodrigo of Caloocan, who I always play a trick on everytime I get result of a big fight in advance (which I tell him), was surprisingly calm when I broke the bad news to him prematurely.

"What round?" he asked me via text message.

I texted him the details.

"Wow, nakakapanghina," he said.

I guess that’s how the rest of the nation feels.

Except Mike Pangilinan who is probably laughing all the way to the bank.