Even those who do not follow the sport of boxing know the name of Muhammad Ali. Boxing and Muhammad Ali are connected forever just like peanut butter and jelly, they just go together. The boxing historians will have to add another name to the list. Manny Pacquiao will have to be added right along side Muhammad Ali. Manny Pacquiao’s reign in boxing will certainly rewrite the boxing history books.
Pacquiao stormed onto the field in 2003 when he upset a future hall of fame brawler from Mexico named Marco Antonio Barrera. He started boxing as a pro in 1995 but it wasn’t until 2003 when the mainstream boxing fans got their first look at him.
Mississippi Chief of Officials Stan Nichols reflects back when he first saw Pacquiao, ” It was when he fought Barrera the first time. I remember asking myself ‘ who the heck is this little guy?’ And when he dropped Barrera, I knew he was here to stay.” Since that victory Pacquiao has gone on and cleaned up multiple weight divisions, all the way up to welterweight.
With victories over names such as Marquez, De La Hoya, Cotto, Hatton, Morales (twice), Barrera (twice), Pacquiao has earned his spot into the boxing hall of fame. It’s not only what Manny has done inside of the ring though. Manny Pacquiao has literally lifted up the spirits of an entire nation. Manny gives back to his country in a big way.
Jr middleweight prospect Shawn Porter had the opportunity of a lifetime for a boxer. He was selected by famed fight trainer Freddie Roach to spar with Manny. It was when Pacquiao was in training for his fight against Miguel Cotto. Porter, promoted by Prize Fight Promotions has fought several times in Tunica, Mississippi. I had the opportunity to see him fight several times. Porter makes it very clear what his thoughts are on Pacquiao.
” He is one of the best of all time. I am not surprised what he did to Miguel Cotto. He is a blessed athlete.” Porter spoke about Pacquiao’s support in the Philippines, “His fans are 100 percent behind their champion. I helped him get ready for Cotto, so they were 100 percent behind me.”
Pacquiao is currently training for his battle against Joshua Clottey. Read the training update here – http://205.209.52.72/x-2850-LA-Boxing-Examiner~y2010m2d6-Battle-plans-are-drawn-for-Pacquiao–Clottey
The support that Pacquiao enjoys was well earned. His fan base has crossed over from the Philippines, to America, and even Mexico. Pacquiao is adored by people around the world in multiple countries now. He is a humble man who relies on his faith in God. He trains like no other, and has risen from having nothing to having it all. He has defeated the biggest names of his generation, and has taken on all comers.
Pacquiao will certainly go down as one of the greatest fighters of all time. He will be talked about at coffee shops 50 years from now. So when someone mentions Muhammad Ali in the same sentence as the word boxing, they will surely mention Manny Pacquiao as well.
Check out a Podcast interview with Manny Pacquiao here http://www.8countnews.com
