Philippines, 03 Jul 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


FIVE DAYS TO 'THE GLORY HOUR,' PACMAN PLAYS CHESS TO RELAX


PhilBoxing.com





Faith and confidence.

These are Manny Pacquiao's two main gears when he goes into the centre ring of the MGM Grand on Saturday night, May 2, for the biggest fight of his life, a 12-round clash with the undefeated American champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

In a scene which is a replay of the many other nights a few days before his big fights, Manny's home in Hancock Park, Los Angeles, California was a beehive of all sorts of characters.

There were those who came to sincerely support and pray for him but there were those who held hope that there would be an extra few tickets to the fight.

Manny is used to this mayhem. In fact, I believe it is his way of testing himself on whether he could focus on something in spite of all the distractions.

As people milled around him, he played chess with a former Philippine pro basketball player and later with a Fil-Am priest who has been with him in almost all of his fights.

There was no sign or indication that Pacquiao, 37, who is still a betting underdog five days before the fight, was worried or concerned about the historic clash with Mayweather.

This is classic Manny Pacquiao, a man whose confidence, which others mistake for carelessness, and faith in himself and in God, has achieved the unthinkable.

He is not only installed as one of the greatest boxers of all times but in lifting himself up from poverty through his rare boxing skills, he has also lifted the pride of a nation.

Pacquiao's success and his unequalled courage in facing challengers and in meekly accepting the results of the fights have become the source of pride for a people who long been looked down and despised.

Last Sunday night, after a church worship and lunch with his family in his favourite restaurant near the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, Manny entertained his visitors in his home in Hancock.

Today, Monday, Manny will have his last sparring session at the Wild Gym and then drive all the way to Las Vegas to fulfil his fate with destiny.

A win over the brash-talking Mayweather will elevate Manny to the highest pedestal in boxing and become the undisputed greatest fighter of all time.

Confidence is his sword and faith his shield.

He is Manny Pacquiao, a Filipino and a man of God.

Photo: Manny smiles as he plays chess in his home in Hancock Park as my young son, Bernhart Immanuel, watches.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Manny Piñol.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • No issues with fight ref
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 03 Jul 2025
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Grand Muay Thai event in Verona
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Thu, 03 Jul 2025
  • Morelle McCane and Rene Camacho Advance to Quarterfinals of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
    , Thu, 03 Jul 2025
  • 3 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
    , Thu, 03 Jul 2025
  • ESPN Original Series The Fight Life Returns for Season Two on July 7
    , Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • TOP-RATED LIGHTWEIGHT KO ARTIST ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI RETURNS
    , Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • Amazing Muay Thai WBC Festival 2025
    , Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • Borromeo Leads Winners of the Philippine Speedcubing Championships
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • What If Pacquiao Defeats Barrios?
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • Team USA Earns Three Wins on Day Two of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
    , Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • Women's Boxing Champion Signs with Combate Global, Still Aims For WBC Absolute Gold
    , Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • Sanman Boxing Presents Hard-Hitting Prospect Abubakar Yanon Set to Challenge for Philippine Boxing Federation Flyweight Title in Malungon, Sarangani Province
    , Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • Boxing Returns to Tropicana Atlantic City, July 25
    , Wed, 02 Jul 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 June 2025: Zurdo Outpoints Dorticos, Keeps WBA/WBO Cruiser Titles; Mbilli Stops Sulecki in 1; Wins by Kuroki, Wilder and Jake Paul
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • IIEE Titans secured Finals in BPBL, IIEE Chessmasters retain on top level in Bundesliga
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • MARIO BARRIOS LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
    , Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • CATTERALL AND EUBANK LAY THEIR 'CARDS ON THE TABLE' AHEAD OF MANCHESTER SHOWDOWN
    , Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • Dumadag holds chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 01 Jul 2025
  • Manny Pacquiao's Case for the Greatest of All Time
    By Ace Freeman, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • DavNor Adventure Race 2025 set July 2
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • Gumila rules Antipolo rapid chess tilt
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • FULL CIRCLE AT WILD CARD: Jhay Otamias’ Tribute to a Fighter and a Fanbase
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • Vince Paras Wins by 4th Round KO Over Sarawut Thawornkham to Capture the IBF Pan Pacific Super Flyweight Title
    , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • Team USA's Quest for Gold Set in Stone at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
    , Mon, 30 Jun 2025
  • SBA SEASON 2 DRAFT UNVEILS RISING STARS AND STRATEGIC MOVES AS TEAMS COMPLETE THEIR ROSTERS
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 30 Jun 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.