Manny Pacquiao: Philippines’ Miss Universe Win Avenges Mayweather Loss
Did you notice how Miss Philippines remained cool, calm and collected during Sunday night’s Miss Universe debacle? Because Manny Pacquiao sure did.
Yes, while the whole world – and host Steve Harvey – crumbled around her, Pia Wurtzbach was a study in serenity. And after the initial confusion (and the somewhat awkward removal of Miss Colombia’s crown), she had won the pageant, ending a 42-year Miss Universe drought for the Philippines. And Pac-Man was paying attention.
“Courage is grace under pressure,” Pacquiao told Philboxing.com. “This is what Pia showed in the middle of the confusion and controversy that marked her coronation as the new Miss Universe.”
It turns out that Wurtzbach and Pacquiao go way back. Well, sort of. After Mayweather beat Pacquiao by unanimous decision on May 2, Wurtzbach vowed to avenge the loss by becoming Miss Universe. Save for that awkward slip up from Harvey, she made good on her word. And now, it’s up to Pacquiao to return the favor.
“Remember, when I lost to Floyd last May, she made a promise to all of us Filipinos that she will avenge that defeat come the Miss Universe pageant, which she just has fulfilled,” Pacquiao said. “I intend to use [that] as an inspiration and additional motivation for me in my next fight.”
And while we know that his next fight will take place on April 9 (and will supposedly be the last time he steps into the ring), we have no idea who he’ll be facing. Maybe Steve Harvey?