INQUIRER Sports

FOR his gripping second-round demolition of British slugger Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas last Sunday, the Cebu City Council will build a statue of world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.

The statue will be placed inside the Cebu City Sports Center to serve as inspiration to the young athletes training there, said Councilor Rodrigo Abellanosa, who authored the resolution.

The City Council also approved a resolution requesting the office of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to give Manny Pacquiao a “Mega Tourism Award” for being the country’s No. 1 ambassador of tourism.

Committee on Tourism, Local and International Relations Chairman Councilor Arsenio Pacaña said his resolution will recognize the exemplary efforts of the People's Champ.

Last May 3, the world was stunned when Pacquiao knocked out Hatton in the second round to snatch the latter’s IBO junior welterweight title, his fifth world boxing crown. The win also cemented the Filipino’s reputation as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

“Without doubt, Manny Pacquiao has become the No. 1 tourism promoter of the country.”

Meanwhile, Councilor Raul Alcoseba revealed that Pacquiao is planning to visit Cebu City anytime next week, like what he used to do after every major fight.

The City will prepare a lavish welcome party for Pacquiao.