Mike T. Limpag
Fair Play
HERE’S a few unexpected developments.
According to a source Fare Play interviewed yesterday, ABS-CBN and GMA-7 will split the airing of the Manny Pacquaio vs. Ricky Hatton fight on May 3. Solar Sports, which owns the rights to airing Pacquiao fights in the Philippines, has signed a deal with Entertainment Consortium for Live Pro Sports Events (Eclipse) for the unique deal.
“Pinoys will have this unique opportunity. The first half of each round will be aired on ABS-CBN, while the remaining half will be aired on GMA. Our consortium believes this is the best deal for all,” said Avril Folle, the spokesperson for Solar-Eclipse.
Pacquiao, according to Folle, has already signed this unique deal and the news will be announced on both network’s programs today.
Yes, the deal sounds strange, but according to Folle, it’s a smart move since both GMA and ABS-CBN are required to synchronized their broadcasts and are limited to only two-minute ads between rounds.
Atty. Beigh Noang Ni, the president of Eclipse, said because of the deal, Pacquiao is set to earn more money.
“Pacman did the right thing. This is the network war at its best.
GMA is offering Manny millions to make sure he wins on their part of the broadcast, while ABS is also offering a hefty bonus to Pacquiao for the same thing,” said Ni.
Ricky Hatton, according to my source, is also being pursued by the networks. “If Manny staggers him during ABS’ broadcast, he gets a lot of money if he survives until GMA’s part of the broadcast, vice versa. And that’s a sweet deal!”
In light of the recent controversy regarding Pacquiao’s aborted transfer to ABS-CBN, Solar Eclipse has assigned a full time spokesperson for the matter and hired the country’s best criminal and lawyer, Atty. Eric Shawn Bayag, to handle possible suits.
Lest this development increase the media frenzy regarding Pacquiao, a few changes have been applied regarding the boxer’s availability to the media.
Freddie Roach has decided that ambush and unscheduled interviews with Pacquiao will be at 3 p.m. every MWF only, while those who want to get an in-depth, five-minute talk can ask their questions when they join Pacquiao in his morning jog.
Those who want to have a live interview with Pacquiao for their nightly newscasts can pre-record their interview at 2 p.m.
Limpag: GMA, ABS will both air Pacquiao vs. Hatton | Sun.Star Network Online