The world’s most popular boxer Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines is flying to New York today to attend the ceremony of and receive the ‘Boxer of the Year’ award from the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) Manny Pacquiao will not become popular and influential today if sportswriters did not write about him and his boxing career.
The popular boxing superstar knew that he owes his success and popularity to the local as well as the international boxing writers. And this is the main reason why despite the very hectic schedule of the pound-for-pound king, he made a wise last-minute decision to fly to New York today to attend the awarding ceremonies by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). Pacquiao is this year’s ‘Boxer of the Year’ awardee.
The last minute decision was a brilliant move by the world?s most popular boxer, thanks to Michael Koncz, his amiable and talented adviser and Wakee Salud for their unselfish and timely advice. Bob Arum should likewise be credited for his patience in explaining to Pacquiao the reasons why he should attend the awarding ceremonies and how it will affect his popularity and credibility.
The BWAA is a natural outgrowth of an organization born in February 1926 in a midtown Manhattan hotel and christened the Boxing Writers Association of Greater New York. The group was formed to improve conditions at boxing shows for New York writers and their visiting colleagues and, in a general sense, to enhance the sport as a whole, according to its website.
The object, goal and purpose of the Boxing Writers Association of America is to foster the highest professional and ethical standards in boxing journalism, both print and electronic, and to promote better working conditions for those who cover and report on the sport, the site added.
Many boxing fans were relieved upon learning of the news that Manny Pacquiao has finally decided to take the long trip to New York in time for the awarding ceremonies. Sportswriters in the Philippines have also expressed relief at the decision of the pound-for-pound king. Manny has realized that sportswriters especially boxing writers can make or break him as a boxing celebrity.
Inquirer.net reports:
Michael Marley of the New York Boxing Examiner described Pacquiao as a “Reluctant Dragon” in his 8,506-mile trip from Manila to New York.
Marley said it was the “arm-twisting” of aides Salud and Konz that convinced the “Pacman” to travel to New York receive the award.
Marley said promoter Bob Arum was “quite pleased” to hear that Pacquiao cut short his family vacation to join his long-time coach, Freddie Roach, also an awardee.
Earlier, the popular Filipino boxer has made plans for a long-desired vacation with his family. At the time of his decision to fly to New York, he was with his family in Bohol, Philippines. This opinion article was written by an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily intended to reflect those of DigitalJournal.com
