Los Angeles - Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao has proven once again that indeed it’s better to walk the talk, than give out empty promises.On Monday, the boxing icon gave away some $80,000 to members of his team for the weight reduction contest he was sponsoring after noticing that people around him have been gaining weight while he continues to shed them inside the ring. According to Pacquiao's rules, those who can get rid of 10 pounds within two weeks will get $2,000 (P100,000) while those who can get rid of fifteen unwanted pounds will take home $3,000. Surprisingly, one of Pacquiao's most trusted team members outdid everybody by a mile, as conditioning coach Alex Ariza lived up to his billing after he successfully trimmed down by 20 pounds, prompting Pacquiao to pay him $10,000 (P500,000) for the feat. Assistant trainer Eric Brown, however, failed at the scales, as well as adviser Jeng Gacal and boxer Vernie Torres. Assistant trainers Buboy Fernandez and Nonoy Neri each took home $3,000 as well as Winchell Campos, boxer Ernel Fontanilla and photographer Miguel Salazar. Some of those who pocketed $2,000 were boxers Rodel Mayol and Diosdado Gabi. There were others who won $2,000 or more but did not want their names revealed for obvious reasons. Trainer Freddie Roach, a multi-millionaire in his own right, did not join the contest. /Correspondent Salven Lagumbay |
