What?s with the new haircut of Manny Pacquiao?
The Filipino boxing sensation yesterday told writers about the reforms he has made in his life and these changes are effectively being done as he is now always reminded by the new hairstyle he is currently wearing.
?People now are not seeing only my new hairstyle but that is also a reminder that everything has changed in my lifestyle. You are now looking at the new Manny Pacquiao,? the celebrated boxing superstar said during a press conference cum victory party arranged by television network GMA-7.
Pacquiao said it he now feels good every time he recalls all the habits he has done in the past, vices that he is now able to avoid for the good of his career and family.
?No more late-night parties, no more gambling and other vices. The things that I will do now are training and school, that?s it,?said Pacquiao in front of both showbiz and sports writers who attended the event.
Later on however Pacquiao plugged his ongoing TV show with the station ?Pinoy Records? which highlights unusual but interesting accomplishments of Filipino achievers.
?I want to finish my studies and I am serious about it. I want to be serious in life that is why if you notice I am now serious with my answers during interviews. I now answer everything direct to the point,? said Pacquiao who was joined by wife Jinkee.
Interviewed by Philippine Basketball League (PBL) commissioner Chino Trinidad who also dabbles as sports TV correspondent for GMA, Pacquiao revealed that his wife had asked him to give up his fighting cocks.
?That won?t be a problem. I?m willing to give it up. I?m a changed man now and I feel good about it. I even like to talk about God and the bible,? said Pacquiao during the TV interview.
As for his next fight, Pacquiao said talks are ongoing for him to fight David Diaz, the defending World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion on June 28, reserved for Pacquiao by American cable TV giant HBO.
?Maybe in two weeks everything will be known regarding my next fight. We have other options but for now my promoter mentioned only the name of Diaz,?said Pacquiao ?I?m ready to face anyone being a true boxer. All I?m thinking now is to give my very best in training and in every fight.?
Pacquiao, 29, made history as by becoming the first Asian to win three world crowns in as many divisions as he scored a split decision win over Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico two Sundays ago at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. With that win Pacquiao captured Marquez? WBC crown as well as the vacant Ring Magazine super featherweight belts.
The Filipino boxing idol captured crowns in the flyweight and super bantamweight divisions and is now eyeing another milestone by becoming a four-division world champion.
?It?s always my objective to bring honor to our country. If winning the lightweight crown is all it takes to give more honor then I will go for it,? said Pacquiao.
Nothing personal vs. Marquez
Pacquiao gave a simple reason why he prefers to fight Diaz first than Marquez which is what experts and even avid boxing fans are eagerly hoping to happen next.
?If we do it again for my next fight people might think it?s getting personal between me and Marquez. I?m just doing my job inside the ring and I respect Marquez as a fighter,? said Pacquiao. ?I?m willing to face anyone but I don?t want people to picture me as someone who is bragging.?
Diaz, a 31-year-old southpaw who sent Mexican icon Erik Morales to retirement August of last year, fought in the undercard of the Marquez-Pacquiao card where he won over Mexican Ramon Montano via a hard-earned 10-round verdict.
?I watched his fight while we were in our dressing room. With what I saw that night it?s easy to say I can beat him. But I am aware he did not give his best for that fight,?said Pacquiao ?I know he is preparing for me so I won?t underestimate him should the fight materialize.?
Pacquiao said his doctors told him his cut over his right eyebrow will heal in time for his scheduled training for the June 28 gig penciled once more at the Mandalay Bay.
As for his invasion of the lighweight division, Pacquiao expressed confidence he can hurdle every obstacle for as long as he prepares well for any fight.
One major hindrance which Pacquiao said is not an issue is the latest ruling in Nevada that makes fighters wear 10-ounce gloves starting at lightweight up which is 2-ounce heavier than the 8-ounce gloves Pacquiao has used all throughout his career.
?The gloves won?t matter because I guess all gloves are the same. Again, everything depends on how a fighter trains,? said Pacquiao.
Pacquiao?s statement is in contrast with the situation he had during his initial encounter with Morales after his then promoter Murad Muhammad agreed to the demand of the Mexican?s camp that they both use Winning gloves which is said to have thicker pads than Pacquiao?s preferred Cleto Reyes gloves.
