In the quest for world boxing supremacy, no one has done it better than Mr. Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao. Also known as Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, he is considered the best pound for pound boxer today. He is a professional boxer, an actor, a recording artist and a politician who has won the heart of his fellow countrymen making him a living legend on his home country and to all the boxing fans around the world. Pacquiao has an outstanding record of 53 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws, with 38 wins coming by way of knockout. Currently the reigning  WBO Welterweight World Champion (147 lbs.), Manny Pacquiao is the  former  WBC Flyweight World Champion (112 lbs.), WBC Super Featherweight World Champion(130 lbs.), WBC Lightweight World Champion (135 lbs.) and IBF Junior Featherweight World Champion (122 lbs.). He has also won the Ring Featherweight World Champion (126 lbs.), Ring Junior Lightweight World Champion (130 lbs.) and Ring Junior Welterweight World Champion (140 lbs.) Winning world titles in different weight divisions including the lineal championship in different weight classes, Manny Pacquiao was named “Boxer of the Decade” by the World Boxing Council for 2001-2010 and “Fighter of the Decade” by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) for 2000-2009.

Early Life

The Filipino boxing icon was born in a little barrio in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines on the 17^th of December in the year 1978. His parents were Rosalio Pacquiao and Dionesia Dapidran Pacquiao. Manny was born 2^nd among 4 siblings namely: Isidra Pacquiao-Paglinawan, Alberto Pacquiao and Rogelio Pacquiao.He also have 2 siblings, Liza Silvestre-Onding and Domingo Silvestre from the first husband of his mother. Living in poverty, the family left the barrio and migrated to General Santos City.  But things got worse when his father Rosalio left home in favor of another woman. Manny was forced to work at early age selling donuts and cigarettes around the local neighborhood.

In order to protect his brother Alberto, Manny often engage in fistfights after school hours. Then he met an up-and-coming boxer Abner Cordero and his father in which helped him be exposed to the world of boxing.  One time, everyone (including Abner’s father) was astounded when Manny won via knockout against Abner who was already then an up and coming boxer. Manny then would fight people for small amounts of money. Soon enough, Manny gained reputation being a tough fighter going up even to those much bigger than him. Using his speed and left handed power punches, Manny became quite popular. His mother, Dionesia had hopes for Manny joining priesthood. But Manny had other plans in mind. He continued to train hard hoping one day that he could give his family a prosperous life through using his fist.

At the age of 14, Manny tried to push his luck by going to Manila to pursue his dream. He found himself doing odd jobs in the L&M gym in downtown Manila. Without any money in hand, and without any place to go to, Manny literally sleeps inside a boxing ring. This boxing ring is the witness to all the hardships of all the boxers in the L&M gym. While working and literally living inside the boxing gym, he also became a construction worker. Living in an unpleasant surrounding, Manny’s passion for boxing allowed him to train hard and bring the best out of him.

When given the chance to fight on the national boxing show “Blow by Blow”, Manny showcased his boxing prowess to everyone. On his professional debut in the 22^nd of January 1995, he defeated Edward Enting Ignacio.  Only 16 years of age, Manny became popular in the national boxing show. His explosive fighting style helped him to win matches and eventually win the heart of those who watches. As a new fighter, he instantly caught the attention of boxing fanatics. From the opening round of his matches, he would literally shower power punches at his opponents. The fans surely love the excitement that Manny brings each time he fights. Slowly, as Manny began to earn money from each time he fights, he would share almost all his blessings to his family.

Unfortunately, he was defeated on his 12^th fight in the year 1996 against Rustico Torrecampo. Pacquiao was penalized because he was over the weight limit. He was forced to wear heavier gloves, which lessened the impact of his punches. The setback eventually pushed Pacquiao to work and train harder. In 1998, Manny had his 1^st title shot in Thailand against Chartchai Sasakul. Clearly an underdog, Manny got a beating during the match but Manny eventually threw devastating body punches forcing his opponent to lower his guards. Manny won via TKO during the 8^th round as he became the new WBC Flyweight Champion. The year 1998 was full of blessing for Manny as he married Maria Geraldine “Jinkee” Jamora.

In 1999, Manny had trouble making the weight limit. Dehydrated, Manny still fought and suffered defeat after 3 rounds by Medgoen Singsurat. But in 2001, Manny won the IBF Super Bantamweight title by defeating the highly-favored Lehlohonolo Ledwaba via TKO after 6 rounds in front of the Las Vegas crowd. Knocking the South African Champion eventually opened new doors for Manny.

Pacquiao with Freddie Roach as Trainer

In 2003, under the expert coaching of Freddie Roach, Manny defeated the much favored Antonio Barerra. Although it was a non-title match, Pacquiao shocked the whole world when he won via TKO after 11 rounds. This big upset in front of the Mexican crowd in Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas allowed Manny to be one of the best fighters in whole world.

After winning against Barerra, Manny had a draw via split decision against WBA and WBO Featherweight Champion, Juan Miguel Marquez. Manny eventually moved up in weight but suffered a defeat after 12 rounds via unanimous decision against the Mexican Erik Morales. After this loss in 2005, Manny won 14 matches against the top boxers around the world.

Manny won the WBC International Super Featherweight title by knocking Hector Velazquez in round 6. The much—anticipated rematch between Pacquiao and Morales happened in the early 2006. Morales got defeated after 10 rounds but more importantly, Morales tasted the very 1^st knockout loss of his boxing career. In July of 2006, Manny won via unanimous decision against Oscar Larios. Manny knocked Larios twice during the 12^th round and won the match by points. In November of the same year, Pacquiao fought again with Morales in what was known as the “Grand Finale”. But the match only lasted short as Morales goes down on the 3^rd round.

Back in Alamadome, San Antonio, Texas, Manny successfully defended the WBC Super Featherweight International Title against another Mexican, Jorge Solis in a bout that lasted 8 rounds. The rematch against Antonio Barerra went to the scorecards as Pacquiao won via unanimous decision.

In 2008, the “Unfinished Business” between Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao happened in Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The fought toe to toe that lasted 12 rounds. It was a close fight in which both suffered serious cuts but in the end, Manny stood victorious winning over one of the great Mexican boxers. In the same year, Manny moved up another notch by winning the WBC Lightweight Title against the American boxer David Diaz.

Pacquiao Versus De la Hoya

In August 2008, the “Dream Might” between the “Mexicutioner” Manny Pacquiao and “Golden Boy” Oscar De la Hoya became a reality. Oscar was bigger and more popular, but Oscar was outclassed by Manny forcing Oscar’s camp to throw the towel in the 8th round. Although it was a non-title fight, ticket sales and pay per view fees were off the roof.

Pacquiao Versus Hatton

In 2009, the battle between the East and West happened in Las Vegas. Manny Pacquiao defeated Ricky Hatton shortly in round 2 by KO to capture the IBO Light Welterweight Title and The Ring Light Welterweight Title. Hatton goes down twice in the first round and stayed down on the 2^nd round. Manny then went on to fight with Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto. Manny won via TKO in the 12^th round to win the WBO Welterweight Title and became the very first boxer to win 7 world titles in 7 different weight divisions.

Pacquiao Versus Clottey

In 2010, Manny Pacquiao fought and won the WBO Welterweight title against the Ghanaian boxer Joshua Clottey. He is also won in the same year against Mexican-American boxer Antonio Margarito. Last May 2011, the hard-hitting Filipino living legend once again proved to the world that he is the best by beating the American boxer, Shane Mosley to retain the WBO Welterweight title.

Pacquiao’s Family

Standing 5’6” tall, Manny rose from poverty to become one of the most wealthiest and popular sport icon of today. Manny is also blessed with four children namely:  Emmanuel Jr., Michael, Princess, and Queen Elizabeth. Despite the glorious life he has right now, Manny remains humble, family oriented, and most especially a God –fearing man. Manny considers that the battle against poverty is his biggest fight right now.

Pacquiao in the Philippines

Entering politics, Manny was elected as Sarangani Congressman. Besides being word class boxer and a politician, Manny Pacquiao also appeared in several local films in the Philippines. He also played the lead role on the movie “Wapakman” in 2009. Aside from being an actor, Manny is also a recording artist. The song “Para Sa ‘Yo Ang Laban Na ‘To” (This Fight is for You) was a smash hit in the Philippines.  Currently, Manny is the host of a show “Manny Many Prizes” which aims to give away big prizes and opportunities for the Filipino people.