When you’re king of the hill, everyone wants to try and knock you off. Well almost everyone, but that’s another story. Manny Pacquiao’s rise to the top has not been easy. He has worked very hard to get there, and now that he is there, he plans to stay there. As in any sport, especially football, it’s one thing to win a championship, but it’s entirely another thing to stay the champion.
Pacquiao rose to the top by wiping out Mexican legends, and taking out a few other legends in the process. his work ethic is second to none, and his teacher Freddie Roach turned him from a one handed fighter into a two handed killer. It takes more than just gym training to stay on the top of the hill. It takes great mental discipline. It takes hunger, and it takes focus.
Pacquiao’s ability to stay on the top of the hill is amazing because he has turned into a global icon. With that comes money, distractions, obligations, movies deals, sponsor deals, fans, pressure, and more. Manny’s ability to keep this all under control is no small task. How many people are lurking about trying to get a piece of Manny’s money? There are some trying, you can take that to the bank.
His fans are of the most loyal that I have ever seen. He has an entire country on his back, and he acts as if it’s no big deal. Truly amazing how he handles all of the pressure. I remember talking to Shawn Porter up in Tunica, Mississippi. Porter, promoted by Prize Fight Promotions based out of Northern, Mississippi talked about his experience sparring with Manny, “It was an amazing surreal experience. His fans are very loyal to him, he has his entire country behind him.” Imagine having that kind of pressure on you?
Manny’s ability to stay grounded, to stay the same person that he was before his wealth and fame is amazing. He has a big team that follows him everywhere except for the bathroom and when Manny is with his wife and family. Manny doesn’t do anything alone in public anymore, he has bodyguards, and team members all within an arms length. His life has changed in so many ways, but he the person has not.
Pacquiao is on top of the world right now, and he has no plans on giving up his spot anytime soon. He doesn’t need a victory over Floyd Mayweather, he could hang up the gloves today, and his legacy is already signed, sealed, and delivered.
