I ONCE had the pleasure of meeting a priest who confided that he was a casual reader of this column.
Without meaning to be irreverent, I pressed further on why he didn?t read it more often and he candidly replied that the concept of boxing is antithetical to the Catholic teachings.
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The lawyer in me prompted to argue that it was after all a sport, but the good father was quite dispassionate about continuing our discourse and so I let the matter lie.
That casual but enlightening exchange struck a chord in me and recently came to mind when the subject of Manny?s newly- acquired religious fervor came up.
PUNDITS. The skeptics might have a point in claiming that you just don?t wake up one day and become a preacher man, as some of the best Bible-toting orators train for years to become qualified and effective preachers.
That training is needed not merely to equip the preacher but also to provide credibility for, after all, the flock needs an assurance that he who preaches knows his divine business.
In Pacquiao?s case, his popularity and stature are what give him a crutch as he pontificates to his willing flock. However, when one preaches from the pulpit of prominence, does that make him qualified?
DIFFERENCE. Thankfully, in Manny?s case, he does not pretend to be more sanctimonious than the rest and there is that same endearing quality on display when he affably admits to his errant past and how he has arrived at divine enlightenment.
But ultimately, it?s not for everybody and it would best to distinguish that Manny attracts a broad but diverse range of fans and admirers.
There are those who are irrevocably devoted to him and whose admiration extends beyond his prowess in the ring. These are the people who hang on to his every word, follow his every move, patronize his concerts, buy his records, watch his movies and vote him into office.
There are fans that look up to him as a role model and who can potentially benefit from Manny?s religious dogma.
Viewed from this perspective, Manny might be in a position to enlighten.
Then of course, there are the boxing purists and a wide swath of boxing fans who frankly, just care about his boxing.
That is not to say, that they dismiss it as a mere stunt; on the contrary, they are actually happy for him and his new-found faith, especially if it rudders him away from his vices.
We all know that late nights out, boozing and womanizing are inimical to an athlete at the apex of his career. And if his new-found calling consequently makes him more dedicated to his career and his training, halleluiah.
As it is, some of us are already bombarded with an abundant share of advice from numerous sources, and though we might actually need a higher dose, it might not be what we want and especially not coming from our welterweight champion, no matter his stature.
Simply put, while it is nice to know that our boxing icon keeps his faith strong and vibrant, the inconvenient reality is that some of us would much rather hear him talk about right hooks than right paths, how to land straight lefts than how to live straight lives.
LAST ROUNDS. And more galore at the awesome Gaite Ranch located in Bato, Toledo City, Cebu, Check it out at www.gaiteranch.com. Cheers!
