Pinoy's Pride Pacman blog#12

Emmanuel Dapidran “Manny” Pacquiao, the only eight-division world champion in the history of the sport and the first boxer to win lineal championship in five different weight classes, currently serves as the Senator of the Philippines. Here are some facts about the Filipino professional boxer:

Pacquiao's Early Life

Emmanuel Dipidran Pacquiao was born in Kibawae, a war-torn fishing community in Bukidnon, Philippines on December 17th 1978, the fourth of six children raised in a one room nipa hut. At the age of five, he witnessed the army kill, then decapitate, rebels in his village.

The family would often go for several days without food and, as young as six, Manny worked as a fisherman’s aid for a small share of the catch.

Whilst in sixth grade, his father left for another woman and Manny assumed the role of male provider for the family. He dropped out of school and absconded to General Santos City where he sold donuts and peanuts on the street.

History Maker

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Pacquiao’s 59-7-2 career is the breadth of divisions that he has competed and succeeded in. Beginning half a stone beneath the 105lb Strawweight class, he advanced to win six World Titles - authorised by the four major sanctioning organisations – spanning 10 weight classes (112lb Flyweight to 154lb Super-Welter).

He was formally ordained at Flyweight (WBC), Super-Bantam (IBF), Super-Feather (WBC) Lightweight (WBC), Welterweight (WBO, three times) and Super-Welter (WBC).

Though Manny completely bypassed the 115lb Super-Fly and 118lb Bantamweight classes, he also scooped The Ring Magazine belts at Featherweight and Super-Lightweight which brought recognition from the Guinness Book of Records as the sport’s only eight division World Champion.

Religous Background

Pacquiao was raised a Roman Catholic. He recalls saying the rosary each night as a child and dreamed of entering the Catholic clergy when he reached adulthood.

However, at the height of his fame, he succumbed to a number of vices and, following a fortuitous win in his third fight with Juan Manuel Marquez in November 2011, claims he had a dream in which he heard God’s voice inquire: ‘Why did you leave me?’ Manny immediately sold his bars and casinos, ceased heavy alcohol consumption and womanising, and vowed to follow God’s commandments, converting to Evangelical Protestantism. Today, thousands congregate to hear his testament as a Bible ambassador.

Senator Pacquiao

The father of five is a patriotic and philanthropic Filipino who has always matched his words with deeds and service. He has re-invested his ring riches to build several hospitals and churches in his homeland. In 2009, he was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humanities from Southwestern University in Cebu City for his humanitarian work.

Since 2006, he has served in the Reserve Force of the Philippines Army and rose to the post of Lieutenant Colonel. In 2007, he hoped to capitalise on the adoration he received in the Republic, to challenge corruption by standing for a seat in the House of Representatives. However, the election coincided with his preparation for an April 2007 fight with Jorge Solis. He won the fight but, ill-prepared, lost the vote.

Nothing if not persistent, he ran again in May 2010, in Sarangani, hometown of his wife Jinkee, and he duly ousted the Chiongbian clan that had reigned there for 30 years. He was re-elected in 2013 and upgraded to Senator in 2016.

Sources: www.boomsbeat.com

www.boxnation.com