MANILA, Philippines – Local fans are counting on boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao to defeat Mexican Antonio Margarito and uplift the Filipino spirit in the face of international embarrassment caused by the Manila hostage crisis.

US-based Filipinos, who came in droves to see Pacquiao at the Chelsea Piers in New York City, believe that their boxing hero can boost national morale by scoring a decisive win over the “Tijuana Tornado”.

Pacquiao and Margarito went to New York City on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) for the second leg of their tour. The boxers are promoting their super welterweight fight scheduled on November 13.

“Maganda ang image niya (Pacquiao) at maa-uplift niya ang nasirang reputation ng Pilipinas," said one Filipino fan who attended the tour.

(He has a good image and he can uplift the Philippines' tarnished reputation).

“After ng mga nangyari sa Philippines, I think makakatulong ito [fight] para mai-angat muli ang Pilipinas," said another supporter.

(After what happened in the Philippines, I think this fight can uplift the country).

The Philippines is currently embroiled in crisis following the Manila hostage-taking incident that killed 8 Hong Kong tourists.

Pacquiao, also the lone congressman representing Sarangani province, said he and his colleagues in Congress will find ways to prevent such an incident from happening again.

“Iniimbestigahan na kung ano kung kailangan na reporma o training ng ating mga kapulisan, especially ang PNP (Philippine National Police) na maraming pagkukulang sa incident,” he said.

(Investigation is currently ongoing to know what reforms or training our local police needs, especially the PNP which erred during the incident).

“I plan to pass a bill that can help prevent such incident,” said Pacquiao.

Arum’s son still missing

Like the Philippines, Top Rank Inc. chief Bob Arum is also facing a crisis of his own.

Arum, a promoter of the Pacquiao-Margarito fight, had to fly to Seattle, Washington, where his son John Arum was reported missing.

The younger Arum went missing while on a hiking expedition.

Search and rescue teams are locating the 49-year-old lawyer.

'Margarito’s no Clottey'

During the New York press conference, Pacquiao said he has a formidable foe in Margarito.

The Mexican enjoys a 6-inch reach advantage over the 5-foot-6 Pacquiao. The “Tijuana Tornado” stands at 5-foot-11 and is Pacquiao’s biggest opponent to date.

Margarito is also known as a bruising brawler and is capable of absorbing punishment.

“He's a very aggressive fighter and he's throwing a lot of punches. He's the opposite of Joshua Clottey,” said the Filipino boxing star.

In Pacquiao's battle against Clottey last March 13, the Ghanaian covered himself in turtle-like defense and refused to trade blows with the Filipino.

Margarito, for his part, said he has already begun training for the November 13 fight.

The Mexican is confident that he can handle Pacquio’s speed and evade his punches.

Pacquiao and Margarito will wrap up their promotional tour in Texas on Friday. – With a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News