The fight of the century
Brazil anxiously awaits a third confrontation between Lula and FHC.
"The thrilla in Manila." That's how the most famous fight of all time became known, between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, held in the Philippine capital in 1975. Before the 15th round, the referee stopped the fight, despite Frazier's protests, who, even bloodied, wanted to continue fighting against the greatest boxer of all time. In the end, Ali, a great phrase-maker, summed up the story: "That was the closest you can get to death."
Brazil may also have its fight of the century. An electrifying confrontation between its two greatest boxers: Fernando Henrique Cardoso and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who have worn the champion's belt for the last 16 years. At 80 years old and in good shape, FHC has already announced his intention to step into the ring. "Lula forgets that I defeated him twice. Who knows, maybe he wants a third time? I'm in," said the former president, in a radio interview this week. The arena for the contest would be the São Paulo mayoral election in 2012.
So far, Lula has not commented on the "invitation," but he is indeed the dream candidate for a large part of the PT (Workers' Party), especially the union wing. A victory in São Paulo, say Lula's supporters, would open the way for the "extermination of the PSDB (Brazilian Social Democracy Party)." But would Lula risk all his prestige in a single day? And would he really defeat FHC (Fernando Henrique Cardoso) in the city of São Paulo, the most PSDB-dominated of all metropolises?
It would be a risk, but all of Brazil is clamoring for this duel. Who did more in eight years? Which government was more corrupt? And, more than a confrontation of public policies, it would also be a clash of vanities. After all, which of the two is more egocentric? Deep down, FHC and Lula love each other. The qualities they admire in their object of desire are those they lack within themselves. As journalist Paulo Markun, author of "The Frog and the Prince," defined it, one wanted to be the other. Lula envies intelligence; FHC, charisma.
The “thrilla in Manila” was the last great moment for Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. They didn't end their careers in the Philippines, but they never had another great fight after that confrontation. FHC and Lula owe this great moment to the nation. “The thrill on Paulista Avenue.” We are waiting.