Manny Pacquiao?s rags-to-riches story, the time he reportedly earned P50 ($ 1) for his first fight and his penchant for anything British, gave the Filipino boxing star precious space in virtually every newspaper sold there the past three days.
The English media were so passionate about his three-day visit to promote his May 2 showdown with Ricky Hatton that they played up Pacquiao?s decision to name his daughter Queen Elizabeth, his liking of Beatles music and his amusing imitation of the British accent.
Among the countless newspapers, The Daily Telegraph led the way with its accomplished reporter Gareth Davies having given the opportunity to ride on the same train that brought Team Pacquiao to Manchester from London.
Not to be outdone were the London Times, The Guardian, Daily Express, Mirror, The Sun, News Of The World, Daily Star and the Manchester Evening News, news outlets which also ran a story about Pacquiao?s activities and the response that he got wherever he went from hearing mass at Westminster Cathedral to his visit to the Philippine Embassy.
SkySports, which broadcasts Hatton?s fights on English TV, and Setanta Sports, Mail On Line and the news network BBC also had their share of interviews with Pacquiao, widely acknowledged today as boxing?s finest pound for pound.
The Telegraph even said in its story dated March 2 that there is so much excitement for the Pacquiao-Hatton tiff that Philippine president Macapagal-Arroyo has expressed desire to be at ringside at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“Pacquiao went to church at Westminster Abbey (Cathedral) on Sunday and asked his promoters if he could drop in on Her Maj at Buckingham Palace to seek Royal approval for christening his daughter after her,” the Mirror said.
“One was not at home, but Pacquiao?s admiration for the Windsors remains undiminished.”
“My daughter was baptised Queen Elizabeth as a tribute to your Queen,” said Pacquiao, as quoted by the paper.
Pacquiao added: “She is very popular in the Philippines and I like her very much. I would like to meet Queen Elizabeth II one day to show my people how far I have come.”
“Pacquiao may not have to wait long for an official invitation to tea at the Palace,” the paper said.
