IT?S NOT ALL FOR THE MONEY, BUT FOR THE RESPECT
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 23 Jan 2009
BACOLOD CITY - It?s almost dead. No deal. With both camps on a stalemate as to the sharing of the purse, we can see both Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton fighting separate opponents.
Manny has all the reasons for not accepting the 50-50 deal and shot for 60-40, then reduce it to 55-45. After he demolished Oscar de la Hoya, Manny is now the prime god of boxing, and his icon is popularized in America, Asia, Africa and even in Europe.
The Golden Boy himself admitted right after the most popularized Dream Match that it is now Manny?s time. Pacquiao taken as a Nike endorser is one proof that he has the same caliber as Kobe Bryant as far as esteem and recognition are concerned.
Yes, Hatton can fill the Wembley Stadium to the rafters with all his die hard British fans and can draw hundreds of thousands of pay-per-view buyers in the United Kingdom. But everywhere outside UK is Manny?s realm.
Even in the other parts of Europe, where boxing is not as popular as soccer, Filipino OFW?s will tune in for the fight. More so, in the Middle East where Filipinos number more than the Arabs themselves, Manny is still the number one attraction.
Mexicans, who are as loyal boxing aficionados as we are, know more about Pacquiao than the man they call Hitman. Manny has fought and beaten more Mexicans than Hatton did.
Manny is the symbol of the Filipino pride, and champions like him seldom emerged in a generation. He made us stood on our ground amidst economic crisis. He made us proud that a Filipino, in a third-world country that we are, surfaced as the top boxer in all categories.
Here in the Smart-ABAP National Amateur Boxing Championships, Manny is mobbed by the adoring crowd whenever he goes. He made boxing now a sport appreciated by men and women, young and old, alike, even for non-sportsmen.
He sent a message to rising boxers that a Filipino can rise amidst adversity. That poverty is not a hindrance to being number one in the world.
The Manny Pacquiao icon is a mark of the Filipino bravery and perseverance. He must be given due respect by the Hatton camp. He must be revered by the promoters, being the most popular boxer in the world today.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 6 JULY 2026: Abdullah Mason Stops Albert Bell in 12; Carrington Outpoints Palacios; Wins by Mossely, Sadjo, El Hadri.
By Eric Armit, Tue, 07 Jul 2026Quiñonero to fight again on August 28
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 07 Jul 2026MannyPay Global Launches U.S. Merchant Processing Division to Help Small Businesses Lower Payment Costs and Accelerate Growth
Tue, 07 Jul 2026Murat Gassiev to face Peter Kadiru for the WBA Heavyweight world title
Tue, 07 Jul 2026Bansilan, Tan rule Faith Run
Tue, 07 Jul 2026Teremoana and new Matchroom Boxing signing Zerafa confirmed for big August 12 card in Australia
Mon, 06 Jul 2026Jayson Vayson Returns to World Rankings
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Yor beats Salisad in technical decision, wants rematch
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 06 Jul 2026War, Chess, and Writs: Why Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II is Postponed, Not Scrapped
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Nabunturan wins 3-on-3 MMA
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Clarion, Yanon suffer KO losses in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Abdullah Mason Stops Albert Bell To Defend Lightweight Crown
Sun, 05 Jul 2026CARLO BIADO IS THE 2026 INDONESIA INTERNATIONAL OPEN CHAMPION
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 05 Jul 2026Fight options for Manny
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 05 Jul 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The World Cup: a great celebration of peace and joy
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Sun, 05 Jul 2026