MANILA: Flanked by crowds of adoring fans, Philippine boxing champion Manny Pacquiao returned to a hero’s welcome in Manila on Friday.
A proper victory parade will be arranged at a later date to minimise the risks of infection from the H1N1 virus.
Fans had camped outside Quiapo Church from the wee hours of the morning to make sure they got a ring-side seat.
“I want to shake hands with him. I really admire him because he is a very good boxer. Imagine, he was able to knock out all his opponents,” said Lourdes Dela Cruz, a fan.
It has been tradition for the boxing champ to attend a Thanksgiving mass upon his return from a fight.
The Pacman – as he is fondly known – had knocked out Ricky Hatton with a stunning left hook in Las Vegas, and clinched his fifth world title.
He is the only boxer who has fought in five weight classes and won them all. The feat has made him the best pound-for-pound fighter.
“I do boxing not to show that I am the strongest, but to show the greatness of the Lord. Without him, there won’t be a Manny Pacquiao. Without him, I will not triumph,” said Pacquiao.
There’s no stopping Pacquiao from conquering his opponents in the boxing ring. And with his huge popularity across the country, talks are rife that he will again try to conquer the world of Philippine politics in 2010.
The Commission on Elections recently accredited his political party, the People’s Champ Movement. This sets the stage for him to return to politics as a congressman, or governor or mayor of his hometown.
In 2007, he ran for congressman in his province but lost by a huge margin.
His fans, however, are not so keen to see their hero going into politics.
“It is still not yet the time for him to run for politics again. Every well-meaning person that joins politics turns out unlucky,” said one member of the public.
“He is very famous all over the world. It is best for him not to run. That will only add to his problems,” said another.
Whatever the future may bring, the Pacman is content to bask in his victory for now. – CNA/ls/de
