GenSan offers free viewing of Pacquiao-Thurman fight

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Boxing fans here will have a "ringside view" via live telecast of Sunday's highly-anticipated fight of "fighting senator" Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao against undefeated American brawler Keith Thurman in Las Vegas.

Lady Manalo, city sports office head, said Friday the city government will open the 5,000-capacity city gymnasium in Barangay Lagao for the free viewing of the Pacquiao-Thurman World Boxing Association welterweight title showdown.

Manalo said they made sure to get the services of an established provider after the free viewing of Pacquiao's fight with Adrien Broner in January was marred by a signal glitch, frustrating thousands of boxing fans who flocked to the city gymnasium.

It turned out that the contracted local cable television provider then was not authorized to stream the fight, prompting organizers to just use Facebook live as a recourse.

For the free viewing on Sunday, Manalo said they distributed at least 1,500 tickets to the city's 26 barangays.

She said the tickets guarantee seats at the lower box and the center court area of the city gymnasium.

"The upper box will be for our walk-in spectators," she said.

Spectators are not allowed to bring backpacks, lighters, cigarettes, intoxicating beverages, and bladed weapons.

City officials, led by Mayor Ronnel Rivera, are expected to join the free viewing of the fight, which is a long-time tradition of the local government in support of Pacquiao, who hails from the area.

The eight-division world boxing champion grew up in Barangay Labangal here and is considered a local hero. (PNA)