THE much-awaited 12-round showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Eric Morales in Las Vegas, Nevada, is almost at hand.

As we approach the fight date of Nov. 18 (19th Manila time), reporters and fans are still unsure as to who has the edge in the final deal of this intriguing trilogy.

I guess you would be, too, if you count yourself part of a large throng salivating for a seat in boxing’s newest heaven—the Thomas and Mack Center—where Morales tumbled to submission courtesy of a 10th round knockout by the hitman from GenSan, Cotabato.

Before that, Morales halted Pacquiao’s winning streak in March of last year, an outstanding feat that put a dent on Pacman’s winning form throughout much of his comeback.

But the Filipino boxing idol avenged his painful loss with aplomb—dealing the Mexican three-time champ the only knockout loss of his career.

Now I am distressed to learn of the impending trip of some sports officials all packed and ready to go for this Vegas spectacle at Pacquiao’s expense.

Favored Games and Amusements board officers have finalized their itinerary, unmindful of the need to look for ways to help our boxers needing assistance as mandated by their charter.

“They could’nt care less for as long as they are snugly ensconced at ringside for such boxing rarity” complained a disgusted taxpayer.

Never mind if their presence is needed here to afford them a chance at lobbying for a professional boxing act that could set safety standards for our pugilists.

Not even health insurance is provided for our great unwashed, and the much needed protection for our fighters from absconding promoters is non existent under the current set-up.

Worse, this agency does not implement its own regulation covering purses which provides that prize money of contending parties must be paid in full before a championship match is executed.

Case in point: Luisito Espinosa’s 1997 unpaid purse of $150,000 owed to the boxer by the promoters led by ex Gov. Larry de Pedro, Rod Nazario and Lito Mondejar in that regrettable title setto in Koronadal, South Cotabato

What we’ve been treated to is the spectacle of GAB subalterns headed by their top honchos, consistently touring sites of dubious fight organizations.

These modern-day Marco Polos have been at it since heaven-knows-when, circumnavigating the various boxing capitals instead of finding ways to help solve problems bedeviling the fight game.

It would also do well for everyone to keep track of the continued pilgrimage of our gallivanting politicos who splurge at the fabulous sights and sounds of glitzy Vegas at any given Pacquiao fight.

The same aggregation who’ve done nothing to help our bold practitioners of the art—our ambassadors who’ve brought honor and pride to the country.

What we are left to stare at is our helpless band of ring campaigners who’ve been utterly neglected by heartless souls who abound in what the late Jimmy Cannon calls “the red light district of sports.”

Sound management is critical to the health of an organization, office or association. Sadly, the country is saddled with an agency that has outlived its usefulness.

About time a more robust sports body is created, one that could give a much needed-breath of fresh air to our hapless prizefighters. Any takers?