Hundreds watch Pacquiao fight on giant screens in Philippines

Marikina City (Philippines), Nov 6 (IANS) Though Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao was thousands of kilometers away from his homeland on Sunday during his bout with Jessie Vargas, the fighter was still there virtually for his compatriots who watched his bout on television.

Efe quoted an EPA journalist as reporting that in this city, about 20 km northeast of Manila, three huge television screens telecasting Pacquiao's match were set up on Sunday in front of the municipal hall.

One screen was prepared inside the hall for elderly viewers, and two were placed outside for everyone else to watch, with about 450 people -- including families -- turning up to view the fight which took place in Las Vegas, United States.

People began gathering in the plaza area around 8 a.m., and many more arrived just before Pacquiao's fight was due to start in late morning.

Pacquiao, regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, was elected to the Philippine Senate in June of this year and has been a member of the Congress since 2010.

After the senator and boxer defeated Vargas by unanimous decision, the crowds were reportedly very excited.

Some in the crowd said there should be a rematch between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, who beat the Filipino in May 2015 in Las Vegas, while others remarked that he should take on Terence Crawford first.

--IANS

ajb/vt