Status: Former WBC Flyweight and IBF/WBO Super Bantamweight champion. Takes on Erik Morales for the vacant IBA Super Featherweight title on March 19th in Las Vegas on HBO pay-per-view.
Ht: 5-6 Wt: 130
Born On: December 17, 1978 In: Cabangal, Philippines
Chilhood Heroes: None.
Hobbies/Interests: Playing guitar, chess, basketball, singing.
Nicknames: Manny, Pac Man, The Destroyer
Favorite Movies: My movies.
Musical Tastes: Folk, rock, love songs.
Favorite TV Shows: My TV shows.
Early Boxing Memory: Hearing Mike Tyson lose to Buster Douglas on radio (age 11).
Prefight Feeling/Mindset: Nothing, blank.
First Job: Construction worker.
First Car: Toyota Corolla.
Favorite Meal: Steak.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: None.
Funny Boxing Memory: None.
Childhood Dreams: To be a famous boxer, finish studies.
Greatest Boxing Moment: Winning my first championship (WBC Flyweight – TKO 4 Gabriel Mira in April 1999 in Quezon City).
Most Painful Moment: Losing my first championship belt. (Lost title on scales because he failed to make required weight of 112. Consequently lost by KO 3 the next day to Medgoen Singsurat in September 1999 in Thailand.)
Worst Injury: None.
Favorite Boxers to Watch: Sugar Ray Leonard, Felix Trinidad, Oscar De La Hoya.
Favorite Fights: Gatti vs Ward.
Favorite Vacation Spot: Beaches in the Philippines.
Embarrassing Boxing Memory: None.
Interesting Fact: I hope my countrymen and fans continue to pray for my success.
People Qualities Most Admired: Kind-hearted, good-natured, honest.
