Pacquiao changed so much
By Robbie Pangilinan
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 17 Sep 2014
Since 2008, I have covered Manny Pacquiao fights, missing only the Brandon Rios fight in 2013 as my doctor did not clear me for travel due to a heart condition. I am among the few Filipino media representatives given the opportunity to cover the fights of the People?s Champ.
Eight-division world champion Pacquiao will defend his WBO Welterweight Title against Chris Algieri at the Cotai Arena in the Venetian in Macau, China on November 22. He defeated Brandon Rios November last year, and Timothy Bradley in March 2014. This is also the first HBO Pay-Per-View bout from outside the U.S.
Filipinos, who are boxing enthusiasts and Pacman fanatics, always look forward to well-reported news complete with thrilling details, side stories, sound analysis and commentaries. I had the chance to sit down in a dinner with the Pambansang Kamao, and in spite of his obvious jetlag, Pacquiao was very accommodating.
?Matangkad si Algieri, parang si Margarito,? he said. ?Sana nga knockout.?
He also shared the preparations he?s done so far, while still waiting for his trainor, Freddie Roach.
?Daily ginagawa ko is 2,100 sit-ups, 300 push-ups. Morning and afternoon. Pag nagstart na training I think more than that pa,? he said. Training officially starts on September 16.
Pacquiao also plays basketball everyday, sometimes with his two sons who are both varsity players in their school. He is set to play as a playing coach of PBA newcomer Kia Motors.
?I am excited sa opening ng PBA sa October 19. People ask me to play on the opening, Iet me see. Kasi start na training ko sa Monday. Parating na rin si Freddie Roach. Pero excited akong maglaro, madaming fans eh. 200 buses iikot para maisakay yung mga fans going to Philippine Arena sa Bulacan,? he said excitedly.
He even said they are giving away cars or SUVs during the PBA opening because he wants everybody to be happy.
When asked about the long-awaited and much-anticipated fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny said he is just waiting.
?Hintayin na lang natin, nandito lang naman ako, wala naman tayong inuurungan. Basta okey sa promoter ko, ok din sa akin,? he said in a humble voice.
From my observation during our dinner meeting, Manny has changed so much ? from when I first met him six years ago when he was just starting out in the professional boxing world, to the filthy rich Manny who used to party all night and buy all the luxuries in life, to the Manny now who has been transformed spiritually. He talks very calmly and appears very professional. Even when he laughs, there is no aggression or arrogance in him. I believe he truly has changed, and for the better.
Photo by Elishah Pangilinan.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Robbie Pangilinan.
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