Manny Pacquiao on Fire
Manny Pacquiao comes out on top again with another spectacular victory over Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto--a true welterweight who has fought against elite opposition and is in his prime. His win, I'm sure, is another bullet through the hearts of his detractors and unbelievers--including the arrogant Mayweather clan, bitter De La Hoya, and whoever else who predicted/wished for his loss.
Manny is definitely close to his peak at the moment. His iconic status in the Philippines has transcended international barriers, as his prominence is now felt throughout the world--TIME magazine's front cover feature on him a manifestation of this.
I am one of the millions in adoration of the status he has achieved. Not necessarily because of his rags to riches story or the power, wealth, and fame he has attained in mega proportions--but for the pride, energy, and glory he brings to the Philippines and people all over the world.
In terms of boxing history, he has cemented his place among the boxing greats--even being called as the greatest fighter of this era. He has always faced and beaten the very best. And in the process, he has achieved a historic feat by accumulating seven world titles in seven different weight classes--one equaled by no other fighter.
Even more amazing, Manny has accomplished all of this despite the distractions all around him. With needy politicians tugging at him, having to carry the hearts of the Filipino masses on his shoulders, answering his family's needs, dealing with boxing camp in-fighting drama, taking on showbiz and political commitments, keeping up with his various side-businesses, etc., the maintenance of Manny's focus is a feat in itself.
Manny takes it all in stride and just keeps on going. It appears as though he plans on continuing his career in boxing and also getting involved in politics if he wins his bid for a Philippine congressional seat. I expect he will win--in fact, I expect he could even win if he ran for the presidency, which he may eventually do. Is it a good idea? No one can say for sure, but it appears that Pacquiao's humble beginnings and good heart would make him a better candidate than most politicians. If he should ever run for president and win, his performance will likely boil down to the politicians and advisers he chooses to listen to and place around himself. That is a very difficult task in itself, especially in the circus-like masquerade of Philippine politics and based on my belief that any politician is corrupt until proven otherwise.
However, in the more immediate future, promoter Bob Arum is still planning and negotiating for Manny's next handful of fights. There is Yuri Foreman, the not-so-heavy puncher and newly crowned Super Welterweight Champion who is an attractive opponent in case Manny decides to move up yet again in weight and beat his own record and make it eight world titles in eight different weight classes. There is still Juan Manuel Marquez who the Pacquiao camp wants to silence once and for all by beating him more decisively. And, of course, there is Floyd Mayweather, Jr., which is the match-up the public wants the most. However, if I were in Pacquiao's shoes, I would not accept the latter fight unless he is able to dictate the terms and get a larger share--or 50/50, at the very least.
Until something materializes, as he said in his Cotto post-fight interview, he plans on taking a break, getting some rest, and having some fun. I guess I would assume that this would involve time with his family and also time with his reportedly new flame--Krista Ranillo. To me, I can empathize with Manny regarding this issue, and I think that as long as he takes care of his responsibilities then he should not be restricted of his liberties. I find the situation quite natural and the instinct innate in the human male. I believe that it gives Manny added inspiration, motivation, and/or pleasure in his life, which is something that we all need in life to keep going. Thus, I feel that the media should just let it be.
Indeed, Manny's life is full of drama and chaos--perhaps as unconventional as his boxing style and his being. Yet somehow, in all of its complexity, enjambment, and pandemonium, it all seems to come together and just work phenomenally--producing a spectacular rarity that comes perhaps even more infrequently than once in a lifetime.
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It has been reported that Manny Pacquiao supposedly has a love affair with model Krista Ranillo, who is also Manny's co-star in his movie "Wapakman." Manny and Krista were first spotted together in Hong Kong, which they dismissed as a chance meeting. However, more rumors have spread that Krista has remained close with Manny--reportedly sometimes with him during training camp, helping dry him off, etc.
Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao makes his first appearance on a major US late night talk show--the Jimmy Kimmel Show. He discusses his fight with Miguel Cotto, has some laughs with Kimmel, and also sings "Sometimes When We Touch."
Pictures from the Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto post-fight conference and Manny Pacquiao concert/after-party in Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.
Pictures of the Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto fight. Pics include pre-fight entrance ceremonies, fight action, and after-fight results.
Pictures from the Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto pre-fight hype & conference, Las Vegas arrivals, and weigh-in.
Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, the "People's Champ" and fighting pride of the Philippines, makes boxing history with his knock out win over Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto. Pacquiao won the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title by stopping Cotto at 55 seconds in the 12th round. Pacquiao became the first fighter to win seven world titles in seven weight classes--surpassing Oscar De La Hoya's record. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
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