BY NEIL RAMOS
It has been said that whenever Manny Pacquaio fights, the crime rate in the country drops.
The boxer has heard about it, too.
That is why he makes it a point to continue fighting at 42.
For him it’s all about entertaining his millions of fans.
“Nakakatuwa kasi kapag alam mo na ‘yung buong bayan masaya na nanonood, nakakalimutan ang mga problema, hindi nagaaway,” he shared. “Yun lang naman ang gusto natin na maging masaya ang lahat.”
But it wasn’t like that in the beginning.
When he started boxing as a teen, he was simply trying to survive, having been born in poverty.
He related, “My siblings and I grew up with nothing. No food, no shelter, not knowing if we could survive another day without food. That did not stop me though. I didn’t have time to be lazy. My family’s life was on the line. I could not just stand by and do nothing. I had to fight.”
His perseverance proved fruitful.
Indeed, as long and arduous as it was, Pacquiao’s journey proved miracles happen and dreams do come true.
With 62 wins, 39 knockouts, and 12 major world titles, his victories inside the ring earned him the respect of famous athletes and Hollywood celebrities alike.
Boxing also provided him the opportunity to serve his country further as senator and military reservist.
“I never imagined life would bring me to where I am now. I never dreamed of all the accomplishments my future would hold,” said Pacquiao. “Boxing changed my life forever. It lifted my family and me out of poverty, brought me places I never dreamed I would be, and provided me the opportunities to help others along the way.”
Pacquiao credits God for his success.
Speaking at the Cambridge Union in 2018, Manny said: “Without the benefit of hindsight, I have realized that it is by the grace of God that transformed me from nothing into something… Opportunities came knocking at my door one after the other. But although I have savored the perks of luxury, the wedges of poverty are etched in my memory.
“It is too much I know to wish that no one would have to live in poverty anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, poverty is a harsh reality we must accept. What I can do is use my struggle to convince others that there is a reason to fight, that giving up should not be an option and that winning despite the odds can happen.”
This year, Manny gave tribute to a “partner,” that has been supporting him since the beginning of his career.
“I had to punch my way to victory every time. Before that, I had to train. More days than not, bugbog ako. Kaya tanong sa’kin, paano ko nagagawa ‘to?
He added, “My secret is speed — in my punches and my pain recovery. Most of all, it’s my family and friends, my fans, my coach and team, and my partner Ibuprofen + Paracetamol (Alaxan FR), kasama ko sa laban since 1995.”
The brand’s current campaign #LabanLang resonates with Manny’s warrior spirit, a fighter who never backs down on anything despite troubles and hardships.
“I dreamed about success when I was young. I dreamed of becoming a world champion one day. It didn’t come easy. Nothing worth having ever comes easy. I had to work for it. If the world knocks you down, get up. If all things conspire against you, fight back. Quitting is not an option,” he ended.
