Manny Pacquiao has been fighting professionally for 12 years. He began as a 16 year old in his native Philippines. Now 28, his ring record is currently 44-3-2, 35 KO’s. He won the WBC Flyweight World Title just two weeks shy of his 20th birthday in December 1998 and held that title for almost 1 year. He then moved up a weight class and won the IBF Junior Featherweight Title in June 2001, remaining champion until January 15, 2004 when he chose to compete as a featherweight. He is now the reigning WBC International Super Featherweight Champion.
Manny is nicknamed “Pac Man” and “The Destroyer.” I like the latter, since every time I have seen him fight he either destroyed or appeared about to destroy his opponent. Manny, a southpaw, is recognized as one of the hardest punchers at any weight, as proved by his 14 knockouts in his last 17 bouts. This record includes KO’s over such people as 3-Time World Champion Erik Morales and 3-Time World Champion Marco Antonio Barrera. His energy, mindset, and skills have been overwhelming.
Losing to Erik Morales in their first fight, Manny responded with a vengeance, beating Morales soundly and knocking him out in two subsequent bouts. His 11th round stoppage of Barrera was a study in fury and power, leaving the great Barrera looking helpless. In what was voted the fight of the year of 2004, a tremendous battle took place between Manny and 3-Time World Champion and current WBC Super Featherweight Title holder Juan Manuel Marquez.
Experts had predicted that Marquez, a noted counter-puncher, would defeat Pacquiao, because of what was considered his superior boxing skills. What transpired is probably one of the all time great featherweight fights.
It looked like the Pac Man would win easily as he rushed Marquez in the very first round with hard jabs and straight lefts that felled him 3 times. Miraculously, Marquez recovered and fought back bravely, scoring points with terrific counter punching and ring generalship. Completing the 12 round bout with the decision unclear, both fighters felt they had won.
The decision was announced as a draw. It was later disclosed that Manny had hurt his left hand in the third round and therefore lost much of his power. Many believed a knockout was assured if not for that injury. Others felt that the first round was a fluke and that a rematch would prove Marquez the superior fighter.
I simply enjoyed the contest. I began viewing this fight as a fan of Pacquiao and ended as a fan of both men. It was clear that a fight of championship caliber had just taken place. It was not just a slugfest, or just a boxing match, it had drama, intensity, skill and ultimately a tremendous show of courage and determination.
Born on December 17, 1978, in Bukidnon, Philippines, Pacquiao is a fan’s delight. He is a fighter’s fighter…always in tremendous condition, with a fearless approach to each match. Make no mistake, he comes to fight. Willing to take as much as he can give and eager to take on all comers!
He reminds me of fighters of another era, an era when there were less championships available and you knew the contenders. Each fighter having a distinct personality and a desire to be one of the few champions. There was no tomorrow if your best wasn’t given. Nothing short of the title was the mantra. You had to be good to get to the top, and you had to be great to stay there. Manny has those ingredients.
Pacquiao recently ran and was defeated in quest of a political office in the Philippines. He carries hero status in his hometown as a boxer, not as a politician. I was relieved. Both jobs require a tremendous amount of attention. And, as a fan, I’d like to see “The Destroyer” in re-matches with, Barrera and Marquez, as well as the plethora of new and established talent on the horizon.
His next scheduled bout is with the recent knockout victor of his Manny’s brother, Bobby, Humberto Soto. This is for the WBC International Super Featherweight Championship. A good fight is expected.
It would be a pleasure to see how good this young man could be, the sky is the limit. Having famed trainer, Freddie Roach, in his corner should help him reach his potential.
I can only imagine the drive and dedication it took for a sixteen-year-old boy to grow up under adverse conditions, much less decide to become a professional boxer and maintain the focus and dedication to reach the pinnacle of his sport. However, he has done just that. And, at 28 years of age, Manny Pacquiao may just now be coming into his prime.
