The Pacquiao Phenomenon

A few years ago, when Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao was making waves in the boxing world, he was uniquely labeled by one of the most respected boxing analysts in the Ring Magazine as "the most exciting fighter in the planet". Although non-traditional as it may seem, the label was very much appropriate and fits perfectly if you have the idea that boxing is iunder the category of the entertainment industry. This sport has evolved into such eversince gladiators started fighting up for their precious but wasted lives inside the Coliseum.

The definition was once again confirmed by the debates made by the analysts and boxing afficionados from around the globe about who's the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Currently, Pacquiao holds this lofty title. I concur with Kevin of Yahoo! Sports why Floyd Mayweather Jr. is not. Floyd may have everything Manny has except for one thing - the "thrill" factor. Pacquiao draws attention and when he fights, he keeps one on his toes.

Against the bigwigs, against the high elite of the sports, against the great handicap of race and skin color, against all odds, Pacquiao managed to be at the driver's seat of boxing sports. Immediately after unleashing that lightning-fast cracking left straight that sent London Bridge Hatton falling face down for goodnight sleep, Bob Arum said, "There has never been a fighter of the same combination of power and speed like Pacquiao's."

Paquiao's size, power and looks are unassuming and unbelievable. Literally unbelievable for the other champion boxers they all wanted to test the veracity of his giftedness. And they all fell into the trap, painfully and shamefully. They were all decimated - Morales, Barrera, Marquez, Dela Hoya, Diaz, Hatton and many more non-believers to come. I remember the words of the first United Nations Secretary General Carlos P. Romulo, a Filipino, when he was belittled by a European Head of State whose demeaning words were, "Your'e just a little man from a little country!" Romulo replied, "It is the duty of the little Davids of this world to fling the stone into the eyes of blistering Goliaths!" Pacquiao is today's little David.

Pacman Day

At exactly six o’clock in the morning today, I was greeted with a text from Mhon, my admin assistant informing me that they have just reached the port of Calapan Oriental Mindoro. He and Harry, our surveyor, left Renaissance Center at 3:00AM and headed south to Panay Island to deliver the relief goods to our co-employees based in Region VI who were devastated by typhoon Frank. The relief goods, composed of canned goods, used clothes, noodles and other packed food, were the voluntary contributions of our co-employees at the head office.

Mhon took heart of my instruction to update me every now and then of their voyage. It is his first time to travel by RORO (Roll-on Roll-off) ship, aside from the fact that typhoons usually hit the country mostly during the months of June to July. But what would be most memorable about this trip is that this is the day when Manny Pacquiao carves out his piece of history to become the only Asian boxer to hold world titles in four different divisions.

As I was just relying on the delayed telecast, I was patiently waiting for the main event, the Pacquiao-Diaz Lethal Combination. While the under card fights were also exciting, nothing could contain my excitement and anticipation of Pacquiao’s bout. Then came the text from Mhon at around 11:00am – Diaz was knocked out in the 10th round! Although I was expecting a win, nothing was sweeter than hearing the fact. I ran outside and joined my neighbors in jubilant celebration. As I was sharing Pacquiao’s 10th round victory, they all corrected me that it was the 9th round. (Mhon later rectified his text saying the knock down happened in the 9th round.)

David Diaz made a gallant stand, but Pacquiao’s speed and power from both hands are too much for him. The match saw a different Pacquiao. He has transformed from a street brawler into a complete tactical fighter. With amazing flair and grace, he achieved what no Asian boxer has done – four championship belts in four different divisons! From around the globe, I’m sure Pacquiao’s legions of fans have increased tremendously. Count Happy, my wife, in. She is now a certified Pacman fan. As Romy Nathanielz puts it, Pacman makes you proud to be a Filipino.

Mabuhay and Pilipino, Mabuhay and Pilipinas!