Not only did Filipino sensation Manny Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38KO) make his latest opponent Joshua Clottey (35-4, 20KO) look like a punching bag with arms -which were hardly used- last Saturday night but he also defended his WBO welterweight title for the first time. Along with the successful defense, Pacquiao’s popularity along with Top Rank’s Bob Arum’s promotional know-how stuffed over 50,000 fans into Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, TX, for the first bout to be waged inside the what is soon to be declared as one of the eight wonders of the world.
But Pacquiao did much more than that. He set unofficial records for the largest entourage seen since the G.O.A.T. Muhammad Ali last fought, reportedly at 140 followers strong and his dog, “Pacman”. Pacquiao’s entourage was so large that he had to charter his own private yet to fly them from Los Angeles.
I recently read a quote which I wish I could attribute now but it said something to the fact that one could pitch a tent in the middle of Manila’s more transited boulevard and will not run the risk of being hit as long as Manny Pacquiao was fighting.
Years ago, Bob Arum mentioned that Filipino guerillas would seize their attacks on the Filipino government only when Manny Pacquiao was fighting.
On Saturday night, Pacquiao did much more than that.
As I sat at a Tijuana pool hall, El Triungulo, with my south of the border sidekick Conrado “Conejo” Guerrero among others, I realized that Manny Pacquiao had made fans of who many believe are the most demanding boxing followers there is, Mexicans.
Although the televised under card was filled with Mexican fighters such as the underrated Humberto Soto, the faded Jose Luis Castillo and the unknown Michael Medina, it was obvious who the star of the show was.
While the bout was broadcast on a huge screen as well as on every television in the house, the Mexicans gathered at the pool hall cheered on the diminutive Filipino and hissed at the African for his inactivity. It was as if Pacquiao had never made shredded beef from past Mexican idols Morales, Barrera and Marquez.
Or maybe because of it.
Boxing fans and Mexicans ones in particular, know a warrior when they see one and they see one in Manny Pacquiao.
Despite the fact that Pacquiao barely speaks english, no spanish and is known as the “Mexecutioner”, the fans at the pool hall and through out Mexico have embraced the General Santos City native because they see a man who through hard work and determination has reached the the heights of his profession. Pacquiao always a wears a smile on his face, is respectful of his opponents and the sport and does not tire in of stating that he only wants to give good fights for the fans and his country.
I for one, love that.
What I do not love is that Pacquiao has cemented his place in history by beating some of the fighters that I admire but like elementary school teacher and big Manny Pacquaio fan Sandra Chiquete stated “you have to give credit where credit is due.”
I agree.
One can only hope, no beg, to the boxing Gods that the Mayweather-Pacman fight gets made for later this year or ever. Although I respect Mayweather’s skill and know that he has reached the pinnacle of the sport through hard work and determination as well, the difference in personalities between “Money” and Pacquiao are as vast as the Grand Canyon.
Having met both fighters, I have no complaints in how they treat the media or fans although depending on the question, Mayweather could get a bit confrontational. Once asked to pose for a photo, both fighters couldn’t be happier to oblige.
We can only hope that both fighters oblige each other soon with the traditional stand off photo soon so that us the fans, can be treated to one, if not biggest, fight in history…