Manny Pacquiao gets in the news because he is interesting reading and sells newspapers, gets TV viewers and radio listeners. Yet there is a bigger relevance and importance to his newsworthiness. This is his impact on the psychology and socio-economy of the Pilipino as a person and as a people. He makes us proud and feel good to be a Filipino, raising our hopes and aspirations. His earnings and expenses positively affects the people around him and to a certain degree the national economy. His coming fight this November is well anticipated and already in the news; his donations to the typhoon and flood victims, his political plans have far more implications than the obvious. So, the health and wealth of Manny Pacquiao is really a national issue and concern.
At 28 years old, Pacquiao seems to be in the pink of health. His body form, speed, agility, conversational ability, and other external physical attributes, look good; thanks, to a diet of “tinolang manok with malunggay” and fried fish. His performance in his last fight, and those who have seen him in training, attest to his strength and physical fitness, which could lead to his triumph over “Cotto” next month. But beyond this next fight and the next two fights, Manny should be aware of the recently published medical report on “Dementia in a Retired World Boxing Champion” co-authored by a Filipino, Dr. P.F. Reyes with his two American colleagues of the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.
According to the study, “dementia pugilistica” or “boxer’s syndrome” occurs in at least 17 percent of retired boxers. Symptoms may include, progressive cognitive decline, abnormal behavior, cerebellar deficits, and Parkinsonism. Other non-specific symptoms may include tremors, rigidity and lack of coordination, which can evolve within several months to years. These symptoms may begin between 6 years and 40 years after the start of a boxing career, although the average onset of symptoms has been estimated to be 16 years. If Pacquiao started boxing at the age of 15, then he should really consider retiring in 2 to 3 years.
The same study stated, that while heavyweight boxers receive blows of greater intensity than lightweight boxers, a 6-8 ounce glove can generate an impact force of half a ton (500 kilos), which can cause subdural hemorrhage leading to Chronic Traumatic brain injury (CTBI). This occurs in 20 percent of professional boxers. A specific case is the study of a retired African-American former world lightweight boxing champion, who was unbeaten in his 23 amateur and 17 professional bouts, and had never been knocked down. After his retirement he was insulin dependent with diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, on top of his progressive dementia. Pacquiao’s family, friends, and handlers should be aware of this study and plan accordingly on the timetable of his career, if he is to enjoy the wealth that he has accumulated.
In the financial news recently was the proclamation of Tiger Woods as the first sports athlete who has earned One billion dollars ($1,000,000,000). While Pacquiao has not earned near this amount, even if he was in the top ten of sports highest money earner for 2008, it would be safe to assume that in the span of his career up to 2009, he will have grossed $100 million, inclusive of endorsement contracts and appearance fees. After expenses and good financial management, he should be able to have saved and invested $40 million or P2 billion. This would then make him the richest Filipino sports figure in Philippine history. However, this wealth like health also needs constant monitoring and management. While there are no scientific studies on the progressive deterioration of an athlete’s wealth after retirement, there are enough stories of the dissipation of sports figures’ wealth and their subsequent bankruptcies. In fact, there are a number of living proof of once rich sports figures who are now in financial difficulties, although their earnings were not as big as Pacquiao’s earnings.
So, if Manny Pacquiao has not yet done so, it is time for him to take stock of his health and wealth and make the right moves. Health and wealth are part of life and living. While health may be more time bounded than wealth, we have to remember that in this world nothing lasts forever as this is nature and God’s way .