For many Filipinos, Manny Pacquiao is not just a boxing champ. He exemplifies the best rags-to-riches story of all. Born to poor parents, Manny himself admitted sharing rice porridge for breakfast with his siblings because that was all they could afford. His thick Visayan accent and an entourage composed mainly of childhood friends make every inch of him a certified Filipino icon, a fighter through and through. Add to this, Pacquiao’s love for singing, a passion that most Filipinos share and even excel at.
The Mayweather-Pacquiao (#MayPac) fight was shown via live feed last Sunday in the Philippines and other parts of the world. Watching the fight became a family, and even a community affair, with some subdivisions and local governments sponsoring free viewings for those who couldn’t afford to pay for a cable TV pay-per-view service. How extensive was the viewership? The Philippine National Police reported a zero crime rate while the fight was going on. There were also no reported skirmishes as insurgents took a break to cheer everyone’s hometown favorite.
Overseas Filipinos from Asia to the Americas and in the Middle East cheered Pacquiao on as A-list Hollywood celebrities like Robert de Niro and Michael Jordan cheered from the ringside of the MGM arena in Las Vegas City.
Who doesn’t know the name Pacquiao? That alone is a testimony of the legend that he has become. Of course, there were a lot of people who expressed disappointment in the so-called Fight of the Century. Both boxers seemed extremely cautious though it appeared to me that Pacquiao was more aggressive between the two. I can understand how he felt he won the fight considering that his opponent kept running away in what apparently is part of the Mayweather boxing style.
Technically, based on points, Mayweather jabbed and landed more punches than Pacquiao. Pure energy and all heart, Pacquiao emerged as a real champion particularly in the eyes of his countrymen, who knew him from way back when. Smiling when he entered the ring, kneeling down to pray before the bell sounded, and conceding his defeat although admitting that he thought he won, the humble Filipino boxer has absolutely nothing to be ashamed about. He did his best but only one man could claim the championship belt.
Perhaps the best compliment came from Mayweather himself: “Manny Pacquiao is a tough competitor. He’s a true champion at heart.”
Mayweather won the match but Pacquiao won the hearts of many. However, it was a boxing match that paled when compared to the championship battles of the great Mohammad Ali and George Frazier. Those unfamiliar with Mayweather’s boxing style were expecting a down-and-out slugfest. They saw a lot of hugging, running, and dodging with jabs and punches in between. Boxing analysts say that Mayweather dominated the fight because Pacquiao was not able to penetrate his defenses.
What’s next for Pacquiao? A hero’s welcome awaits him when he arrives from Los Angeles, California this week. He does have a congressional seat to defend next year, though a Senate run seems imminent. With his winnings going beyond hundreds of millions in dollars, he can put up a global foundation to help impoverished kids not just in the Philippines but also throughout the world.
Certainly, this will help seal his brand as a global champion and the Philippines’ best ambassador. Some say that Pacquiao can run and win as president someday. If Manny is able to apply the same focus, dedication and hard work as a boxer to his job as a public servant, then who knows? Stranger things have happened in Philippine politics.
