Lawmen and Fugitives Rub Elbows to Watch Manny Pacquiao Fight

A near zero crime incidence in the Philippines is expected to be recorded again in police log books as Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao climbs the ring to face Joshua Clottey Saturday night at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

An unofficial ceasefire between the military and police on one hand and the criminals and separatists rebels on the other, will be in effect during the boxing match dubbed 'The Event' between Filipino boxing idol Manny Pacquiao and former IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey

When Manny Pacquiao fought Oscar de la Hoya, police sat side by side with known criminals to watch their favorite boxing idol on live television feed from Las Vegas, Nevada. The rebels and separatists groups in southern Philippines are likewise expected to be glued to their television sets to witness the world's most viewed boxing event.

Claims of near zero crime throughout the country were reported in most cities and municipalities whenever the Filipino boxer enters the ring. It is, according to Bob Arum, the veteran promoter, hard to imagine just how popular Pacquiao is in his home country.

"I was with Muhammad Ali and he never had this type of devotion – this kid is the biggest thing in the Philippines and everybody wants a piece of him," Arum said.

The 'police-criminals camaraderie' exists whenever Pacquiao fights. The discrete relationship that happens whenever Pacquiao stages a fight started when the pound-for-pound king made a name in boxing with his conquest of legendary Mexican boxers like Morales, Barrera and Marquez.

His classic fights with these boxers made him so popular not only in the Philippines but the world over.

In less than 24 hours, the same scenario will be replicated in the country as the entire Filipino nation including the police, rebels and known criminals take their day off unhampered, for a date in the ring via live television feed from Texas, with their favorite boxing idol.

The world's most popular boxer will face former IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey Saturday night at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. At stake is Pacquiao's WBO welterweight crown.

(original article appeared @ Digital Journal )