Manny Pacquiao: Top Fights Inside And Outside The Ring

Emmanuel Dapidran Paquiao is known by many names. But the world knows him as The Mexican killer, destroyer, assassin and some other deathly synonyms. But he is more popularly referred to as Pacman . Manny Pacquiao is currently one of the most celebrated boxing celebrities in the world. When Many Pacquiao fights the whole world watches in awe as he unleashes his speed, agility and power. This is why it’s not surprising that he is considered as the “pound for pound best fighter in the world”. But more than just his triumphs in the ring, his story is one that is filled with life challenges and victories.

Hard life for the Young Pacman

A native of Bukidnon, Philippines, he came from a family that was struggling to make ends meet. With only a single parent to care for 6 children, Manny Pacquiao fights family’s survival in a different ring. Financial difficulties made him discontinue his high school education. Moreover, at a young age of 14, he left his home to try his chances in Manila.

Moving to Manila, he was greeted with an even difficult life. For a time, he had to live in the street until he found his home in amateur boxing. As part of the Philippine National Amateur Boxing Team, he had roof over his head and free food for his stomach. The government subsidy was not big but was enough to sustain his daily needs. Philippine amateur boxing became his means to survive. But little did he know that this will start his road to success.

His Boxing Career

In just two years time, Manny Pacquiao entered the professional boxing scene. Here he faced tough, respectable and skillful opponents. Manny Pacquiao vs Margarito fight in 2010 became one of the most anticipated fights in his career. Fortunately the match concluded with Pacman as the victor. On the other hand, the Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton bout in 2009 was a huge hit for boxing fans. It was even considered as The Knockout of the Year by ESPN. Moreover, he is not called the “Mexican Killer” for nothing. He has defeated skillful and accomplished Mexican boxers like Juan Miguel Marquez, Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Gabriel Mira and others.

In addition, the Manny Pacquiao vs Shane Mosley fight is scheduled on May 7, 2011. Boxing enthusiasts are looking forward to this match with a mixed opinion on its outcome. Another anticipated match up is the Pacquiao vs Mayweather bout. This match up has been riddled with controversies from every angle of the boxing industry. However, the boxing schedule for this fight is still unknown. If this would ever take place, the Pacquaio vs Mayweather fight will probably be one of the most spectacular and talked about fight ever.

Today, Manny Pacquiao is the reigning WBC Super Welterweight champion of the world. In addition, he holds the WBO Welterweight World Champion belt. His impressive record boasts of numerous world champion titles in 7 different weight divisions. This is a feat that is unmistakably astonishing in itself.

Major World Titles:

1. WBC Flyweight World Champion
2. IBF Junior Featherweight World Champion
3. The Ring Featherweight World Champion
4. WBC Super Featherweight World Champion
5. The Ring Junior Lightweight World Champion
6. WBC Lightweight World Champion
7. The Ring Junior Welterweight World Champion
8. WBO Welterweight World Champion
9. WBC Super Welterweight World Champion

His current professional record is 53 wins, 38 of which are from KO. He lost 3 times against Rustico Terrocampo by KO in round 3 on February 9, 1996, Medgoen Singsurat by KO in round 3 on September 17, 1999 and Erik Morales by unanimous decision on March 19, 2005. Lastly, he had 2 draws. One was with Agapito Sanches on November 10, 2001 for the WBO and IBF Bantam World title. The other one is with Juan Miguel Marquez on May 8, 2004 for the WBA and IBF Featherweight world title.

The Determined Spirit

Apart from his boxing achievements, Manny Pacquiao also endeavored to complete his education. In February 2007, Manny received his high school diploma from the Philippine Department of Education. More than just the psychological thrill of owning a high school diploma, it gave him the eligibility to go into college. He continued his education by enrolling at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University in General Santos and gained a degree in Business Management. Manny Pacquiao also took a certificate course in Development, Legislation and Governance at the DevelopmentAcademy of the Philippines. This is in preparation for his life as a Philippine Congressman.

Beyond Boxing

Many Pacquiao’s life is more than the ring and gloves. From 2000 to 2010 he was part of 8 films and 19 TV shows. He also released 2 albums and a total of 15 songs. The film Pacquiao: The Movie was released on June 21, 2006 and focused on the life, struggles and accomplishments.

In 2007 he announced that he will run for a seat in the Philippine House of Representatives. However, he lost to the current representative of the 1^st district of South Cotobato. But this did not stop him from starting his life in the service of the Filipino people. In November 2009, he announced that he will run again but as the representative of SaranganiProvince. On May 13, 2010, he was officially proclaimed the congressman of the province. Congressman Manny Pacquaio’s plans for his constituents include educational programs, hospitals and medical programs, livelihood programs and improving Sarangani’s tourism. Reports even say that he is willing to fund projects from his own pocket. Gestures like this make him a well-loved political figure and not just a sports icon.

Recognizing the Efforts of The People’s Champ

Congressman Manny Pacquiao is known for his civic and humanitarian endeavors apart from his boxing achievements. He is aptly nicknamed People’s Champ and Pambansang Kamao “National Fist”. Indeed, Manny Pacquiao is a poster child for rags to riches and success. He has been internationally recognized including some of the top and most prestigious institutions and organizations. Here’s a few of his awards and recognition:

• Presidential Medal of Merit (2003)
• Congressional Medal of Achievement (2003 and 2009)
• Order of Lakandula with the Rank of Kampeon Habambuhay “Champion for life” (2006)
• Philippine Legion of Honor with the rank of Pinuno “officer” (2008)
• WBO Boxer of the Year (2010)
• Forbes Magazine Celebrity 100 (ranked 57^th in 2009 and 55^th in 2010)
• Sports Illustrated Fighter of the Year (2008 and 2009)
• ESPN Knock out of the Year (Round 2 against Ricky Hatton)
• World Boxing Council Boxer of the year (2008 and 2009)

From struggling in the street to world championships to becoming Congressman Manny Pacquiao down to personal victories, he has experienced much and conquered a lot. His success story is truly an inspiration to the Filipinos and the world over.