Pacquiao statue going up in GenSan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao's Canadian friend and adviser has agreed to chip in some money for the immediate completion of his life-size bronze statue, which the city government plans to erect.

Michael Koncz did not say how much he was willing to pitch in for the statue, which will be put up in front of the General Santos City Hall.

"I don't know the cost. I still have to talk to the mayor," he said here on Friday.

Koncz said Pacquiao deserves the statue because "he has done great honor and glory for his country."

"Manny has taken the gold out of the Golden Boy. And I think he deserves a statue just like Dela Hoya, who has a 14-foot bronze statue in Staples Center," Koncz said.

Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr. said he was overjoyed at Koncz generosity.

Like the Canadian, Acharon said the statue was fitting because of the honor and prestige that Pacquiao has brought to the city and the country as a whole.

Pacquiao, sounding humble in a low tone, said he did not take away the gold from Dela Hoya. "Just the glitter," he said.

In a speech delivered during the grand welcome organized by the city government, Pacquiao reiterated that his victory against over Oscar dela Hoya was brought by prayers and support from his fans and associates.

Pacquiao also assured his thousands of fans here, who patiently waited for his arrival from Manila on Friday, that his next two fights will be equally exciting.

"After which, I will retire…. But not because of politics," he said. (By Aquiles Zonio; INQ.net)