Who is Manny Pacquaio? What makes him very popular as a boxer? Why is he considered as the best pound for pound boxer in the world by the prestigious Ring Magazine?
Let’s take a look at his credentials, up close and personal:
Personal Circumstances
Birth Place: Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines
Date of Birth: December 17, 1978
Hometown: General Santos City, Philippines
Height: 5’6.5”
Reach: 67 inches
Division: Lightweight
Stance: Southpaw
Trainer: Freddie Roach
Promoter: Top Rank
Education
Manny Pacquiao had a little formal education. At a very young age, he dropped out of school to help her mother by selling bread and other merchandise to support his mother and siblings. Last year, Manny took and passed the Accreditation and Equivalency Test (A&E) administered by the Department of Education. He received his High School Diploma from Sec. Jesli Lapuz, the Philippines Secretary of Education.
Right after obtaining his High School Diploma, he immediately took the college entrance examination from Notre Dame College in Mindanao where he is now enrolled, taking up business administration.
Family
Manny is one of the four children of Rosalio and Dionisia Pacquaio. His other brother Bobby is also a popular boxer. Manny is married to Maria Geraldine “Jinkee” Pacquiao. They have 3 children named PJ Hoffy, Bebot and Christian. His wife is presently pregnant and expecting another daughter.
Fight Record
Manny Pacquiao has fought 51 times since the start of his professional boxing career in 1995 at the age of 16. His first professional fight was against Edmund Ignacio for a four-round bout which he won via a decision. Manny won 11 fights successively since turning professional.
Since winning his first professional bout against a fellow Filipino boxer, he lost only 3 of his 51 professional fights. His first loss was in 1996 against Rustico Torrecampo, a fellow Filipino boxer. Manny was knocked out on the third round.
His second loss was against Thai boxer Medgoen Singsurat in a fight held in Thailand in September 17, 1999. He was likewise knocked out on the third round and lost his WBC flyweight title.
His third loss was against popular Mexican boxer Eric Morales where he lost via a unanimous decision for the vacant WBA and IBA championship crown. The fight was held at MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada in March 19, 2005.
Titles Held
Current WBC Lightweight Champion
WBC Super Featherweight Champion, March 15, 2008 to July 31, 2008
WBC International Featherweight Champion, September 10, 2005 to March 15, 2008
IBF Super Bantamweight Champion, December 18, 1999 to April 28, 2001
WBC Flyweight Champion, December 1998 to September 17, 1999
OBF Super Bantamweight Champion, June 26, 1997 to December 4, 1998
Ratings
Manny Pacquiao is currently rated number one by WBC, WBO and IBO. He is rated number two by WBA and number three by IBF. Ring Magazine, the world’s top boxing sports magazine rated him number one pound for pound boxer in 2006.
Movie and Singing Career
Aside from being a famous boxer, Manny is a popular movie personality in the Philippines. He has made several movies and numerous product endorsements including the world-famous Nike commercial.
Pacquiao vs. de la Hoya Fight
The Pacquiao de la Hoya boxing fight is scheduled to be staged at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 6, 2008. This boxing event is considered a “dream fight” by boxing fans. For Manny Pacquiao, this fight is his greatest challenge. He knows that he is an underdog in this boxing match knowing that de la Hoya is superior in general body built, particularly in reach and height. Boxing fans from all over the world believe that this is an obvious mismatch because of de la Hoya’s superior built.
One major contributory factor that led to the agreement by the promoters of this boxing match is the near record-breaking prize that both fighters await. Pacquiao is expected to receive more than $10 Million Dollars including his share on pay-per-view receipts, product endorsements, advertising and other promotional income.
Future Plans
Manny plans to retire from boxing in 2009 and he intends to try his luck once more in politics. He may run again for a congressional seat in his home province in Mindanao, Philippines.
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