14 March 2010 Pacquiao defeats Clottey thus winning the unanimous decision to retain his World Boxing Organization welterweight title and his status as the world’s finest boxer.
A little known fact about this champion boxer is how he knocked out the campaign against swine flu or AH1N1.
The Philippines was one of the last countries affected by swine flu, and it arrived at the time when the boxing great Manny Pacquiao won his match against Ricky Hatton.
In a few ads for swine flu prevention, he was even compared to the beneficial VCO or virgin coconut oil. For example, a blog in talkph.net quotes: “Former Agriculture Secretary and President of the Federation of Free Farmers Rep. Leonardo Montemayor says virgin coconut oil (VCO) has natural properties that boost the immune system to avoid catching the strain. “ In this blog taking VCO was likened to Pacquiao’s training and preparation for the Hatton boxing match. “He has to train very well, strengthen himself and his body. Ganun din tayo, we have to strengthen our immune system against this very deadly virus,” says Montemayor.
The flu awareness campaign would have triumphed if this champ was hired to promote flu prevention. However, there was a negative buzz generated by Pacquiao’s refusal to be quarantined.
In this blog by Sunstar Network:
“MANILA — Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will return to Manila as scheduled, ignoring advice from Philippine health officials to observe self-quarantine in the United States to help prevent the spread of swine flu.”
The Department of Health and WHO advised Pacquiao and his group to observe self-quarantine after their return from Las Vegas, but the boxing champ and his party chose to ignore the advise and arrived at the airport shaking hands and hugging fans. Could this fearless boxer possibly be taking VCO?
