Filipino Boxer Manny Pacquiao's Victory a Binding Force For RP

After a neck-and-neck match between Filipino boxer Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez, the judges declared Pacquiao in a split decision as the real champ in the recent World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight bout in the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In their 12 brutal rounds of punches, boxing techniques and strategies, both exemplified their thrilling styles of a true boxer. Whether you are a Filipino or a Mexican or simply a viewer, you can say that the match was indeed the best fight ever since both were determined to make a good fight.

Pacquiao even had a cut on his eye making it hard for him to strike back in the first rounds of the match. Both had a winning form and would do everything to win. But in the end, Filipino boxer Pacquiao dethroned the former world champ in the wrestling arena.

Such victory made Pacquiao the first and the best Asian fighter to win three record titles in the history of WBC. The winning was not only for the Philippines, but for Asia that indeed we can compete to other countries in all other endeavors, especially in the field of sports.

Previously, "Manny" as what most of his friends call him won the WBC flyweight title and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) super bantamweight crown. At the same time, he brought home the Peoples and Ring Magazine featherweight titles.

When asked about the reaction of the President on Manny's victory, Mrs. Gloria Arroyo said his victory "united and inspired Filipinos for a brief moment even in times of divisiveness" in the country.

She described Pacquiao as an "an icon of the masses" who mirrors the champ within every Filipino, here and abroad.

The President stressed, "I join the Filipino people in savoring this moment of sweet victory and national unity prompted by the courage, discipline and fighting heart of our boxing hero, Manny Pacquiao."

"Like him, we, too, shall overcome the battles ahead, with courage and a steadfast faith in ourselves, our country, and the Lord Almighty," she said.

More than 11,000 spectators witnessed the event in Las Vegas and millions around the globe. This event is always viewed by Filipinos worldwide and has become a craze to support Pacquiao in all his fights.

Certainly, Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao has been an idol among Filipino masses. Once his game is underway, Filipinos create a sense of belongingness and unite in supporting their fellow Filipino. He serves as a binding force toward an end of forgetting about the pressing issues at the moment and be united in cheering for the Philippines as one nation.

I hope in other fields of endeavor, the spirit of nationalism and the pride for the country will be exemplified even in simple terms and would not need an icon all the time to show what it means to be a "united" nation.

Maynard Joseph Delfin finished AB Journalism (cum laude) at the University of Santo Tomas. He has worked as book editor, deskman, copy editor and research and publications officer in leading publishing and research companies in the Philippines. Read more of his blogs at http://maynard_delfin.instablogs.com

Manny Pacquiao's Best Fights Ever

There is no doubt that at present Manny Pacquiao deserves recognition as being the best fighter, pound-for-pound, in the world. This boxing icon deserves the accolade and is the first ever Filipino to reach such dizzy heights. This southpaw dynamo, "Pacman" as he is also known, has had several sensational victories during his career, and still has the power to achieve more.

His current standing in the boxing world was earned by hard work and brilliance, and while it is not easy to focus on any of his fights as being better than any of the rest, here are what could be considered to be his best seven bouts. While others would likely select others or place them in a different order, it cannot be argued this seven were not amongst his best.

At no. 7: Opponent - Fashan 3K Battery of Thailand

Two southpaws meet blow by blow, one defending his Ring Magazine featherweight title, and the other trying to make a name. Pacquiao proved that he's got the power to restrict this Thai boxer's straight win record to just the 68 it stands at now. This Manila event that took place on December 11, 2004, and Manny sent Battery to the canvas three times in Round 4. It was a left uppercut, literally lifting the Thai off his feet that ended the fight with a TKO.

At no. 6: Opponent - David Diaz of Mexico

Another southpaw! This time fighting in the lightweight division, Manny Pacquiao had his chance to overpower Diaz. Now weighing 135 pounds, Pacman showed to everyone that he has also carried up his powers by fashioning a perfect punch that sent Diaz flat on his face. This bout that took place on June 28, 2008 gave some boxing analysts the idea to stage a fight between the Filipino Champ and Oscar de la Hoya. His victory against Diaz earned him his fourth world title in a row.

At no. 5: Opponent - Erik Morales of Mexico

Would anyone think that Manny would finally make it in his third chance to claim supremacy over the super-featherweight great Erik Morales? Possibly, but no one else had ever done to Morales what Pacquiao did on that fateful 18th day of November 2008. Considering that Morales had beaten Pacquiao twice already, Manny could be said not to have learned his lesson and was heading for a fall. However, it was the other way around. "El Terrible" learned his lesson, and painfully at that, when he was blown away by a knockout in Round 3!

At no. 4: Opponent - Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico

At featherweight, and for the second time, Pacquiao met "Dinamita" who holds the WBC featherweight crown. Way back in May 2004, their first encounter ended in a draw. Pacquiao showed dominating power right from the first round, checking Marquez three times. This March 15, 2008 event in Pacquiao's career really brought out the best in him and also from Marquez, both holding on to the finish. Manny won by a split decision. It was the third round knockdown that gave Pacquiao the edge to prevail on the scorecards.

At no. 3: Opponent - Marco Antonio Barrera

When Manny Pacquiao hit the floor in Round 1, many thought he deserved it because he dared to fight the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera. However, the expectation that the Mexican would end the fight early was reversed as Pacquiao landed 31 power punches in Round 2. As if awakened by the feel of the canvas during the opening round, the Filipino lefty displayed superior hand speed, delivering five-punch combinations.

In Round 3, Pacquiao put Barrera down with his powerful left hammer on the opponent's jaw. From then on the momentum of the fight shifted with Pacquiao's tremendous display of power, and in Round 7 a head butt sent blood down Barrera's face. The Mexican tried to hold on to defend his belt, but only up to the 11th round when he was floored again, and ending the game with his corner throwing a towel on him to save him from more of Pacquiao's ferocity.

At no. 2: Opponent - Oscar de la Hoya

Starting his professional career at 106 pounds and stepping up to 135 to snatch the WBC lightweight title from David Diaz on June 28, 2008, Pacquiao had to go up higher if he wanted yet another title. His victory over Marquez in March 2008 established him as the world top pound-for-pound sensation. This match was considered a suicide move by Pacquiao's camp, deciding to fight De la Hoya at 147 pounds.

Dubbed as a "Dream Match", 35 year old De la Hoya was favorite because of his advantage of 4 inches in height over Pacquiao. However, Manny's superiority in power and ring craft overcame that, and his trainer, Freddie Roach, had successfully added more tools to Manny's signature left-hand hammer. De la Hoya finally succumbed to his superior speed which was translated into devastating power. The Golden Boy of Mexico suffered 195 punches and in the 8th round had already developed a swollen face, giving the victory to Pacquiao by a TKO.

At no. 1: Opponent - Ricky Hatton

Who would forget the much talked about "The Battle of the East and West"? The most recent and the most unexpected victory of Manny Pacquiao came amidst the glamour and glitz of publicity from both camps. Even the trainers Freddie Roach and Floyd Mayweather, Sr. had their share of the limelight, throwing punches of harsh words at each other.

However, the real scene of the action came on May 2, 2009. Pacquiao right away showed determination to subdue Hatton in the opening round, finally forcing the favored boxer to the floor in Round 2 with his supercharged left hammer. The fight was over. Many found it disappointing, but once again Pacman had proved his superiority over whatever opponent had the temerity to face him.

For more on Manny Pacquiao's victories, and to read one man's views on the world's best boxing fights, visit http://www.BestBoxingFightsEver.com where not only Manny, but also Ali, Rocky Marciano and Sugar Ray Robinson figure in some of the best boxing matches ever.

Manny Pacquiao's Greatness

If you trace the life of Manny Pacquiao, it would be like this:

"From a poor family with humble beginnings and considered to be at the low side of the totem pole of society, where nobody may even want to know about...To becoming a great number one pond-for-pound boxer in the world whose honor, greatness and popularity, majority if not everybody, would want to know about and ride on."

And how did Manny Pacquiao achieve this greatness? Is he a Superman? Of course not. Does he have extraordinary or magical powers? No also. Does he have the so called "Anting - Anting" or some call it "Dagon" in his home land? Yes!

By the way what is an "Anting -Anting" or a "Dagon"? In the Philippines, an Anting-Anting or a Dagon is something, be a tiny non-living thing to be kept in the body, a tiny living thing to be hidden secretly, a picture to be kept in a personal and most secret way or words to a few sentences to be uttered during important competitions to give the one who possesses it, extra power and advantage to win.

I am sure that many, including the great coach and trainer Fredie Roach, will laugh at this statement. They will say that Manny's accomplishment and greatness cannot be attributed to a "Dagon" or "Anting-Anting", but mainly due to the excellent work ethics, strong determination and continual improvement attitude that he has.

I don't disagree with you in these ideas, but, I am sure many will be with me if I would reveal the "Anting-Anting" or "Dagon" of Manny Pacquiao.

Are you ready to know what is the Dagon or Anting-Anting of Manny Pacquiao? The source of his power?

Manny Pacquiao's Anting-Anting is: "HIS STRONG FAITH IN GOD" which he wears and carries everywhere, anywhere and anytime. And also the "PRAYERS" that he utters before and after fights. Manny could not do all these things alone if not for God's guidance which "NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE". It was God who guides Manny to go to the Wild Card Gym and submit to the greatest coach and trainer Fredie Roach and not to Floyd Mayweather Snr. or anybody else. Because of his strong faith in God, he was graced with an excellent work ethics, strong and unwavering determination, continuous improvement attitude, the ability to quickly adjust to situations during fights and the incredible speed and punching power that he carries even at higher weights. The Prayers he utters before and after fights are the words which persuade God to give him that extra power and speed during fights which make his opponents look like grade school boxers. His strong faith in God makes him very humble even in victory which made him popular and lovable to majority, if not all people.

So, are you convinced now my friends?

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Good day.