Atienza won't be at ringside

By Katherine Adraneda (The Philippine Star) Updated November 06, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza, who has taken to heart his being a “second father” to boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, won’t be in Las Vegas to watch the fight between Pacquiao and Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14 ( Nov. 15 in Manila).

Atienza said much as he hates to break what he describes as “tradition” of being with the people’s champ in all his Vegas bouts, he has to stay behind due to “piles of work” that he needs to attend to at the DENR.

He also cited the calamities that recently struck the nation as another reason for him to forego his plan to watch the Pacquiao-Cotto fight live in Las Vegas.

“Before he left (for the US) I already told him of that possibility (of me not being able to watch him there),” Atienza said.

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“I don’t want to break the tradition, as you know I have always been there watching him in his every fight, but I ]simply couldn’t leave due to the volume of work here,” he also said.

Atienza, however, said that he calls Pacquiao from time to time to show his support to the boxing hero, and to remind him to concentrate on his training to ensure victory over Cotto.

Atienza said he would send his son, Ali, to represent him during the Pacquiao-Cotto fight next week.

“Knowing Manny, I’m sure he will understand. And I’m sure that the whole nation will be praying for him, including my whole family, to once again win in this fight,” he noted.

“And I always remind him (Manny) to concentrate and focus on his training and to continue praying, continue with his prayers. I told him that his excellent skills as a fighter coupled with his continuous prayers would make certain his success in this important fight,” he also said.