Manny Pacquiao, now the greatest Filipino boxer of all time

KUALA LUMPUR – Now, it can be told, the 39-year-old senator from Saranggani and General Santos may now be called the greatest Filipino boxer of all time. I was at the ringside, and saw how a barrage of left hooks, followed rapidly by a very strong left straight were too much for Lucas Matthysse, who had an impressive record and the reputation of a fatal puncher. Pacman was the challenger but also the darling of the crowd, dominated by Filipinos composed of diplomats, expats, and OFWs. From the earlier rounds, Pacman dominated and dictated the pace. His speed and footwork was that of a man half his age. It made me proud once again as a Filipino surrounded by Malaysians, Indonesians, even Australians, and South Americans.

A Malaysian good friend of mine surprised me with two first-class tickets, one for this bout and another for the Celine Dion concert on July 18 at the Mall of Asia. What I did to deserve such a windfall is a story for another column. I was proud to be in the same dome with President Rody Duterte and Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohammad who was also cheering for Pacquiao. I also saw the usual Chavit Singson, and Prisons Director Bato de la Rosa. This was Pacman’s comeback and it looks like there will be another fight soon.

After losing to Jeff Horn last year in Brisbane, I thought his career was over. Approaching 40, and distracted by other things like politics, business, basketball, even karaoke. Besides, his earlier losses to Mayweather in 2015, and Juan Manuel Marquez and Timothy Bradley in 2012 somehow dimmed his record. We shouldn’t forget he defeated Jessie Vargas and Bradley in 2016, Chris Algieri in 2014, Bradley in 2014, Brandon Rios in 2013, and Juan Manuel Marquez in 2011. Boxing aficionados won’t forget he knocked out Ricky Hatton in 2009, Jorge Solis in 2007, David Diaz in 2008, Miguel Cotto in 2009, Eric Diaz in 2006, and Hector Velasquez in 2005. He defeated more than 20 others from all over the world.

No other Filipino (with apologies to the fans of Pancho Villa, Flash Elorde, Anthony Vilanueva, Rolando Navarrete, and Nito Donaire) could match his record as the only Asian boxer with eight division world championships. He won no less than 11 major world titles. He is the no.4 pound-for-pound boxer of all time in the world.

But his true greatness lies in the fact that he remains humble, God-centered, and very merciful to the poor. He has given thousands of houses and lots, sent so many poor children to college, and helped thousands in dire need. I would prefer Manny to any Yale or Harvard doctorate degree holder, who only wants to amass wealth and power. I have a feeling Manny may reach as far as Malacañan. My Malaysian friend who gave me the tickets predicted this, and I have no reason to disagree.