Is Manny’s religiosity a boon or bane?

MANILA, Philippines - Since renewing his faith in the Lord after the third Juan Manuel Marquez fight and rediscovering inner peace with his family last year, Manny Pacquiao has been a picture of calm, conviction and concentration.

Focus is no longer a problem for Pacquiao who has finally overcome the bad habits of distraction. That’s why in the gym, Pacquiao is all business. He has rededicated himself to God and the Bible is his constant companion, both in hand and mind. The “new” and “resurrected” Pacquiao is the man whom Marquez will face in Las Vegas this morning (Manila time) and the Mexican should be alarmed.

If Pacquiao was lethargic in the past, he is now physically and mentally in control. Against Timothy Bradley last June, Pacquiao still wasn’t himself. He groped for form, probably because he had little respect for Bradley. Pacquiao was in the process of transformation. He tipped the scales at 147, the welterweight limit and the heaviest he ever weighed in for a bout. While Pacquiao did enough to deserve the decision, he failed to convince two of the three judges. But against Marquez, Pacquiao is dead set to deliver a strong statement that with God back on his side, the power is back stronger than ever.

Trainer Freddie Roach noticed the change in Pacquiao. “He’s a better man now,” said Roach quoted by Jeremy Schaap in ESPN The Magazine. “He might be a little too compassionate at times. And that’s the thing I’m trying to change because when you hurt somebody in this game, you have to knock him out.”

When not preparing for a fight, Pacquiao immerses himself in reading and studying the Bible. He requires his entourage to memorize at least four passages a day and quizzes them to check if they’ve been diligent. Pacquiao has sworn off his bad habits and is now totally dedicated to his faith and family. His wife Jinkee and their four children couldn’t be happier. And Pacquiao’s religiosity isn’t just a front. There have been fighters in the past who walked the way of the Lord but while it’s unfair for anyone to judge their motives, some intentions were suspect. Aaron Pryor, Evander Holyfield, George Foreman and even the legendary Henry Armstrong became preachers of varying degrees. Pacquiao, however, is sincere in spreading the Good Word.

Pacquiao revealed to Schaap his favorite Bible verse – Ezekiel 18, verses 31-32, “Rid yourself of all the offenses you have committed and get a new heart and a new spirit…for I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord, repent and live.” Pacquiao explained why the passage is meaningful to him. “Because God loves us so much,” he said. “He doesn’t want us to die. He takes no pleasure in the death of anyone. That’s what he said. I mean, if we don’t have God in our life, we’re considered dead. I’m always praying but it’s not enough. I was drinking, committing adultery, sexual immorality, everything like that. Gambling. Careless words come out of my mouth. The Bible says we’ll be judged for everything we do. Whatever happens after our life here in this world, I know where I’m going. I have eternal life.”

Pacquiao told Schaap why he has turned a new leaf. “Because I’m reading the manual to life which is the Bible and I learn a lot of things there – how to obey the law and the commandments of God and how to have eternal life,” he said.   “It doesn’t bother my boxing. Boxing is a sport. We allow each other to hit each other but I’m not treating my opponent like my enemy. We’re doing a job to entertain people.”

Asked what he considers to be the greatest achievement in his life, Pacquiao didn’t mention anything about being the only fighter ever to capture eight titles in eight different divisions. “When I found God,” he replied. “No more drinking, no more gambling, no more girls. Only my wife and my family. And no more bad words. I’m not gonna say words that can hurt someone. It can hurt their heart. The more humble you are, the more God will lift you up. Obey the commandments of God. No more vices. I’m happy.”