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Lim will treat Manileños to free viewing of Pacquiao-Cotto fight on Sunday

By Pat C. Santos

11/13/2009

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim will again treat residents of the city to a free viewing of Pacquiao-Cotto boxing match in different venues on Sunday.

Lim advised the holders of tickets to the free showing of the Pacquiao-Cotto fight to go to the site of their choice early to avoid inconvenience and get assured accommodation.

Lim tasked his chief of staff Ric de Guzman and City Administrator Jesus Mari Marzan to undertake all the necessary coordination and distribution of admission tickets that would allow the city residents to watch the fight in any of the city’s sports complexes and covered courts.

In doing so, Lim explained although each of the tickets bears a specific venue, such can be used interchangeably in all of the city’s designated sites in each of the six districts on a first-come, first-served basis.

As in the past free exhibitions of Pacquiao’s fights, the city government will shoulder the expenses for the showing of the match live via telecast.

De Guzman said he already coordinated with the police to augment the security marshalls that have been tasked to maintain peace and order in the areas designated for the purpose of the free showing of the Pacquiao-Cotto match.

He also explained while ticket holders will be given priority in the admission, those without tickets may also be accommodated if there are still available seats.

The city government has been showing Pacquiao’s fights for free to give the city’s poor residents the chance to watch the Filipino boxing icon live as the event unfolds in Las Vegas.

The free showing of the bout will be held at the Tondo Sports Complex (District 1), Patricia Sports Complex (District 2), Rasac covered court (District 3), Dapitan Sports Complex (District 4), San Andres Sports Complex (District 5) and the Teresa covered court (District 6).

All in all, Lim said the total number of people who will get to watch the fight live and for free will reach over 20,000 and the sites will be ready to admit ticket holders as early as 8 a.m.

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