PACQUIAO IS NOT A 'COWARD' NOR A 'SORE LOSER'
By Eddie Alinea
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 11 May 2015
LOS ANGELES, Cal. -- Think of a man who won 10 world boxing titles in eight weight divisions and lineal belts in four weight classes. Picture him to be swaggering, cocky, bullying and throwing his weight around like Muhammad Ali trumpeting "I'm the greatest" or Sonny Liston boasting "If he runs, I'll cripple hm. If he comes to me, I'll kill him."
Manny Pacquiao is, not only the first and only guy on the planet to own 10 titles in eight divisions, he, too, is the first man to posses four lineal belts. Both achievements may not to be duplicated in many years to come until the end of this century.
The now 36-year old Filipino ring hero's first of eight-division crowns came in 1998, three years after his pro-debut when he crowned himself the World Boxing Council flyweight champion at the expense of Thai Chatchai Sasakul who he knocked out in eight rounds.
Three years later, he added the International Boxing Federation super-bantamweight plum to his collection from Lehlo Ledwaba (TKO in 6th) in his first fight in the U.S. soil and, two years after, the RING Magazine featherweight title over Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera (TKO in 11th).
In a span of three years from 2008 to 2010, Pacquiao conquered the WBC super-featherweight over Juan Manul Marquez (decision in 12), the WBC lightweight over David Diaz (TKO in 9th), the International Boxing Ozrganization/RING Magazine junior-welgerweight over Ricky Hatton (KO in 2nd), WBO welterweight over Miguel Cotto (TKO in 12th) and WBC super-welterweight over Antonio Margarito (decision in 12th).
The Sarangani Congressman conquests of the 112-pound diadem was his first lineal championship won in a man-who-beat-the-man confrontation that meant he was the undisputed titleholder.
Also, by beating the men who held the lineal titles in the 126-pound, 130-pound and 140-pound weight divisions, Pacquiao completed his four lineal belts conquests.
Had he been successful against undefeated Floyd Mayweathrer Jr. who is currently the owner of the welterweight belt, in their rich super-fight last May 2, Pacquiao would have been given a special place in boxing history as the only man to have owned five lineal titles, a feat most likely won't be accomplished by anyone else.
Pacquiao, incidentally, is the Boxing Writers Association of America's recipient of the "Fighter of the Decade" honor for accomplishing those feats besides naming him "Fighter of he Year" thrice in 2006, 2008 and 2009.
Having achieved those crown jewels against the best in their weight categories, Manny Pacquiao, certainly, is not a "coward"
nor a "sore loser." He lost his WBO 147-pound title on a controversy-filled decision that was confirmed by no less than a reverse judges' verdict.
Pacquiao accepted and honored the decision, regained the jewel as fast over the same man who robbed him of it.
Manny Pacquiao never cheated in his entire 20-year pro-career. He had been a victim of cheating even by people closest to him, but he takes everything in stride, forgave them and took them back into his fold.
He was raised by his mother, who made him as religious ad he is now. He has a loving wife, Sarangani Vice Gov. Jinkee, with whom he has five beautiful and healthy children.
He and his wife have a foundation he calls "Emmanuel and Jinkee Heart Foundation" which helps indigent families in their province and beyond. The foundation helps children of poor families obtain high education so their future can be secured.
No one ever saw him frown. He won millions of dollars in his illustrious career, reserving a large part of them in helping the downtrodden. He loves the people.
Pacquiao fills the MGM Grand, the cavernous Dallas Cowboys Stadium and the Alamo. People all over the world love him. He could charm the wildest animals with his smile, humility, forbearance and gentility.
His job, he said, is to fight to the enjoyment of the fans. They love it and are proud of his performances. He can walk through the streets anywhere and people would congratulate him even in defeat.
Manny doesn't make war. He makes fights. After his latest loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr., he promised to be back and defeat everyone they put in front of him.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Eddie Alinea.
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