Who would have thought that this young man from a very poor broken family from General Santos Philippines would even conquer the lineal championship in four different weight classes. Hew started with only 106 pounds (light flyweight) when he was only 16. His potentials were first noticed through a boxing show titled, “Blow by Blow” where he fought at small boxing venues. His professional debut was a four round bout against Edmund “Enting” Ignacio, on January 22, 1995, which Pacquiao won via decision, becoming an instant star of the program. Manny’s boxing career made a drastic turn around after the death of his close friend Mark Penaflorida in 1994. He was the one who encourage the young Pacquiao to pursue a professional boxing career.
Manny Pacquiao is no ordinary boxer. He wins fight not just for the title but also to inspire his nation the Philippines. Beyond his boxing career achievement is his contribution to Philippine sport, politics, showbiz, donations to the less fortunate, peace advocates, advertising and endoresement, etc.
Pacquiao’s big break came on when unexpectedly, he was asked as a late replacement on two weeks’ notice against former IBF World super bantamweight champion Lehlohonolo Ledwaba at MGM Grand Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He won! He became the new IBF World super bantamweight champion (his second major boxing world title). Pacquiao went on. Credited to his improvement is his expert low profile trainor Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym.
Titles
2006 and 2008 SecondsOut.com Fighter of the Year
Manny Pacquiao at the cover of TIME Asia Magazine. He was also included by Time Magazine as one of the world’s most influential people for the year 2009, for his exploits in boxing and his influence among the Filipino people. Pacquiao was also included by Forbes Magazine in its annual Celebrity 100 ist for the year 2009, joining Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie and fellow athletes Tiger Woods and Bryant. Forbes also listed Pacquiao as the world’s sixth highest-paid athlete, with a total of $40 million from the second half of 2008 to the first half of 2009. The athletes who ranked ahead of Pacquiao were Woods at number 1 spot ($110 million); Bryant, basketball legend Michael Jordan, and Formula One star Kimi Räikkönen sharing the number 2 rank ($45 million each); and football superstar David Beckham at number 5 ($42 million). Pacquiao had also won the 2009 ESPY Awards for the Best Fighter category, beating fellow boxer Shane Mosley and Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter Lyoto Machida.
He appeared in TV shows (Philippines). First he signed with ABS CBN, then later transferred to GMA 7 (not to mention his numerous guestings, interviews and other participation in both local and international shows TV shows).
There were so many to mention (e.g. opening ceremony for sports and various events, commercials, etc.)
Professional boxing record50 Wins (38 knockouts, 12 decisions), 3 Defeats (2 by knockout, 1 by decision), 2 Draws
Many is a superstar to many and he deserve the admiration for all the glory he shared with the Filipino people. Nonetheless, with all the glitz, boxing belt and glamour… at the end of the day, Manny Pacquiao “the Pacman” is a Filipino that will be remembered from generation to generation because his victory is a victory of his nation the Philippines. To us, he is the same ordiry person who made his dream into reality through hardwork and love for his country. His achievement inspires not just the boxing fans but his whole country and the world. Would you believe that whenever Manny Pacquiao has a boxing match, time stops in the Philippines. Even war with the rebels and terorists stops (no crimes as well on every streets and municipalities).
To God be the Glory!!!
Photos are excerpt from Google images