TACLOBAN, Philippines, (Reuters) – Filipinos at temporary shelters in typhoon-ravaged central Philippines erupted in jubilation after boxing hero Manny Pacquiao thumped American Brandon Rios to clinch the WBO welterweight crown in Macau on Sunday.
Displaced families, aid workers and soldiers jumped from their seats and broke into thunderous applause as Pacquiao, the only boxer to win world titles in eight weight divisions, comprehensively beat his younger and taller opponent.
“I am so very, very happy. Manny gave us something to cheer about in these times of despair,” Sonia Reyes, 35, whose house was severely damaged by the surge brought by typhoon Haiyan two weeks ago, told Reuters.
“Manny’s victory is an inspiration for us to get back on our feet again. Like our ‘national fist’, Tacloban City will rise again,” she added, referring to Pacquiao’s local moniker.
Typhoon Haiyan, the most powerful storm to make landfall this year, struck the central Philippines on Nov. 8, killing more than 5,200 people, displacing 4.4 million and destroying an estimated 12 billion pesos ($274 million) worth of crops and infrastructure.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma issued a statement congratulating Pacquiao for winning another title, saying “the victory will serve as a fountain spring of strength and inspiration for the country after the typhoon devastation”.
