PACQUIAO ELATED BY ALI'S SUPPORT
By Aquiles Z. Zonio
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 01 Apr 2015
LOS ANGLES ? Muhammad Ali and Manny Pacquiao have something in common ? their greatness transcends beyond the realm of boxing.
In the cruel world of sweet science, there have been so many good fighters. Most of them fearless, but not selfless.
These two legendary prizefighters stood out from the rest.
Pacquiao, just like Ali, has truly become a cultural phenomenon whose appeal crosses over geographical and racial boundaries.
Ali became a global icon and made an impact in the global consciousness when in 1967 he stood his ground not to fight with the US forces in the Vietnam war.
Ali was jailed and stripped of his heavyweight boxing crown. Ali reasoned out that he would go into war only if directed to do so by Allah or His messenger, Prophet Muhammad.
Ali appealed his case to the US Supreme Court which overturned his conviction in 1971.
Ali admired not just Pacquiao's aggressive fighting style, but, above all, his works outside the boxing ring.
Pacquiao has been known in his home country and the US as a one-man social welfare agency.
Pacquiao is spending around P20 million yearly out of his own pocket for the medical assistance of his poor constituents in Sarangani Province.
This is aside from millions of pesos he spent to help landless and homeless residents in his district and thousands of disaster victims in typhoon-ravaged areas in the country.
Pacquiao rose above poverty and emerged as the world?s lone eight-division boxing champion by sheer force of will, hardwork and strong faith in God.
Pacquiao showed us the real essence of manhood and heroism by conquering his own self. From a man of vices, he is now a renewed Christian.
?For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories,? Pacquiao stressed quoting Plato, a famous Greek Philosopher.
Indeed, the two legendary ring gladiators are on the same page.
Pacquiao was elated and humbled by the moral support given by Ali to Team Pacquiao.
?Hearing that he picks me over his compatriot is truly humbling and inspiring. I?ll do my best to live up to his expectation and that of the fans worldwide,? Pacquiao said in vernacular.
Rasheda, one of Ali?s daughters, told TMZ Sports during an interview that, "My dad is Team Pacquiao all the way. My dad really likes Manny. He?s a huge fan of his.?
Pacquiao claimed that he?s a number one fan of Ali and he has an undying respect for the former heavyweight champion?s achievements inside and outside the ring.
?In fact, he (Ali) serves as one of my inspirations in doing charity works outside of boxing. He?s a man of principle and a good role model for us,? Pacquiao said.
Rasheda added "He knows Manny?s a great fighter but it?s more about what he does outside the ring. He?s such a charitable person."
In 2012, the Fighter of the Decade showed his profound respect to the greatest American boxer by serving as guest at Ali's 70th birthday party.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Aquiles Z. Zonio.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa: Scrappy Styles Matchup in Liverpool
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 07 Feb 2026Undefeated Middleweight Sebastian Juarez Returns to the Ring February 6 in Guadalajara
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Esquillo, Arpilleda to compete at Lunar Horse Battle Royal 10-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 06 Feb 2026WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR MEDINA VS. CURIEL IN MEXICO, PLUS MAIN EVENT QUOTES
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Rene Tellez Giron & Luis Torres Battle for Mexican Pride in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Gomera and Ding are set to clash for the WBC Asia 126 belt
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 05 Feb 2026“Thunderdome 53 is stacked and I cant wait to see these fights March 13 at Thunderdome 53 - Promoter Tony Tolj
Thu, 05 Feb 2026WORLD ELITE SUMO MAKES ITS PRUDENTIAL CENTER DEBUT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Sumalinog Brothers Score Wins in Bohol; Sign with Monty Flores (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 05 Feb 2026MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH TEAM BOXING LEAGUE
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Trifon Petrov unveils the signing of another USA Team member in Ariana Carrasco
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Jerome Gonzales off to a marvelous start in J&P 10 Ball Cup at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 05 Feb 2026DCL amateur MMA on Feb. 21 at Sta. Lucia Mall
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 05 Feb 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 FEBRUARY 2026: Shakur Schools Teofimo to Become 4-Division Champ; Zayas Unifies WBA/WBO Superwelter; Kelly Beats Murtazaliev
By Eric Armit, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Grand Week for Boxing in NY
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 04 Feb 2026