Clinton applauded predicting Pacquiao boxing win

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary
Rodham Clinton drew loud applause at a town hall meeting with
students Friday in the Philippines by giving the right answer to
the most pressing question: Is Manny Pacquiao going to win this
weekend?

The most popular Filipino will be back in the boxing ring in Las
Vegas on Saturday to take on Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico in a
145-pound (66-kilogram) fight that will be closely watched back
home.

“Of course the Pacman’s going to win. I mean, is there any
doubt?” Clinton said at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila,
where she entertained questions during the nationally televised
forum with hundreds of students.

“Pacman” is Pacquiao’s nickname.

Clinton said she’s aware that boxing and basketball are “pretty
big” in the Philippines. Every time Pacquiao steps into the
ring, he brings his native Philippines to a virtual standstill.

A Chicago native, Clinton also confessed that the Chicago Bulls
were her favorites – until she moved to New York and started
backing the Knicks, something she said was “kind of
discouraging.”

“Now the Knicks are trying maybe to get LeBron James, now that
would make it very exciting in New York. So I will watch that. I
am not sure exactly what will happen,” Clinton said.