Bob Arum leaves ‘em laughing -- and reporters crying

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Ever suffered through a scene when it’s not polite to laugh, but you’re busting up so hard inside that tears are streaming down your face? If so, you can probably relate to what happened to several reporters on Wednesday when Top Rank promoter Bob Arum absolutely butchered the introduction of a Filipino dignitary.

During the final news conference for the Oscar De La Hoya-Manny Pacquiao 147-pound fight on Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Arum was charged with introducing associates and dignitaries who had accompanied Pacquiao, including the fighter’s business manager and a visiting former governor of a northern province in the Philippines.

Arum obviously was struggling to identify the gentleman wearing the orangish-pink shirt on the end of the stage. He hurriedly walked to Pacquiao and asked for help in pronouncing the name of the man whom Arum already had described as a ‘very famous person.’

‘Governor Takajing!’ Arum announced.

No, interrupted Pacquiao, pronouncing the name to his promoter (who sometimes can’t hear very well).

‘Governor Takeajoo,’ Arum tried again.

Nope.

‘Governor ... whatever,’ Arum said.

I felt awful for the governor, but Arum’s linguistic battle was so hilarious, I was crying, as were other reporters at my table.

The mystery man’s name is Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson.

-- Lance Pugmire

Editor’s note: It is Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson. Correction made at 7:42 a.m.