DFA: Pacquiao is 'Crown Jewel of PHL Sports'

Add "Crown Jewel of Philippine Sports" to Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao's growing list of monikers. Philippine ambassador-designate to Mexico George Reyes made this reference to Pacquiao during his promotional tour in Mexico, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. "Asked to address the media, Ambassador-designate Reyes described Mr. Pacquiao as 'the crown jewel of Philippine sports' and 'a source of pride of the Filipino nation,'" the DFA said in a news release. Pacquiao's other nicknames are the Mexecutioner, Pound-for-Pound King, Filipino boxing icon, Pacman, People's Champ, Pambansang Kamao (National Fist). Pacquiao, who is friends with Marquez outside the ring and was in Mexico on September 8 to promote their November 12 bout, voiced regret one of them would have to lose. "(But) that is how things happen in life," he said, according to the DFA. Mexican Tourism Minister Alejandro Rojas welcomed Pacquiao, who was accompanied by Reyes, promoter Bob Arum and coach Freddie Roach. Rojas wished both boxers the best during the match scheduled on November 12. "May the better fighter win." At the September 8 media event, the ambassador-designate reminded journalists, Pacquiao is also a member of the Philippine House of Representatives. — JVP, GMA News