Arum struggles to announce 'Chavit's' name
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 12/05/2008 12:53 AM
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Top Rank Bob Arum reportedly had quite a “struggle” in introducing one of the dignitaries who accompanied Manny Pacquiao to the stage during the Dream Match press conference Wednesday (Thursday in Manila).
The dignitary was Deputy National Security adviser Luis “Chavit” Singson, who has been one of Pacquiao’s avid supporters.
According to a blog posted on www.latimes.com by sports reporter Lance Pugmire, some of the media people tried hard not to laugh when Arum started introducing Singson, who is more recognized in the Philippines as the former governor of Ilocos Sur.
More than 500 mediamen from all over the world attended the final press conference held at the Hollywood Theater in Las Vegas.
Pugmire said that Arum was obviously having difficulty in announcing Singson's name as he hurriedly walked to Pacquiaofor help in pronouncing the name of the ex-governor. The Top Rank executive already had described the dignitary as a "very famous person."
"Governor Takajing!" Arum reportedly announced.
Pacquiao then tried correcting the Top Rank honcho by giving the correct pronouncement.
"Governor Takeajoo," Arum said on his second try.
He eventually gave up and said "Governor ... whatever."
In a column written by PhilBoxing.com’s Ed de la Vega, Arum reportedly told the media people that the ex-governor “should not have been there” at the podium.
De la Vega said in his column that “he (Singson) simply took the spot reserved for Pacquiao’s brother, Rogelio who is the MP Promotions President and deserved to be up the podium.”
