I don’t really like boxing as a sport. The only time I had any interest in boxing in England was when Cassius Clay (later Mohammed Ali) was on television. When I came to the Philippines 6 years ago, in 2000, I soon realized the popularity of boxing. Even so, he still had no interest.
That changed in 2005. As the year drew to a close, the build-up to the Pacquiao-Morales fight in January 2006 was becoming intense, and the extensive coverage of Pacquiao on television, both in the news and in his appearances. commercials, made me anticipate the fight. with as much pleasure as any native Filipino.
When the fight came, I was just as excited as everyone else; the national hero was about to act and I couldn’t wait. However, what he did not expect was what a wonderful sporting event it was going to be. Having been brought up on English football and having attended countless highly exciting football matches to deafening crowd noise, I was amazed that a boxing match could generate the same excitement.
For the duration of that first fight (the second in the Pacquiao-Morales series) I was on the edge of my seat half the time. The rest of the time I was on my feet, jumping with each blow to Morales, screaming and howling along with our neighbors (whom I could hear through the wall). When Morales went down for the last time in that fight, he was ecstatic.
I can honestly say it was the best sporting event I have ever witnessed, despite there having been many classic football matches, including England internationals. Pacquiao’s speed and strength, with his relentless pursuit of his opponent, was exhausting just to watch. Most boxing matches, from the odd glimpses I’ve seen over the years, are like men playing cupcakes compared to the non-stop action in the Pacquiao-Morales fight. Each round was a major event in its own right, and just as grueling. When that fight was over, I felt exhausted and emotional.
Although I wondered if I could survive another fight like that, such was its intensity, I expected a rematch, and yesterday it came. This time, the buildup seemed even longer, and my 2-year-old daughter was already a Pacquiao expert. Mention her name, and she would come at me throwing punches; I doubt, however, that she really understood what Manny was about, until it came time for the fight yesterday.
We had to survive 5 hours of programming before the fight started; we had no idea what time the Pacquiao fight started, so the TV was on the entire time. Finally, the last tune-up fight was over and the tension rose rapidly, not only in the venue, but also in our home and in millions of other Filipino homes around the world.
I was already on my feet excited when we heard that Sarah Geronimo was going to sing the national anthem. What a perfect start: the best female singer in the world singing the national anthem. Filipino pride grew with every moment of the anthem; and what an inspiration she is. You guessed it, she is my favorite singer. He was already on Cloud 9 going into the fight, rooting for Manny at the top of his lungs even before he stepped into the ring. And I’m not even a Filipino, just a proud resident; However, my wife is Filipino and our daughter was also born here.
We were all with our hero when the fight began, and breathless with the exchanges of the first round, just like with the previous fight. With Manny looking to be even stronger than before, things were looking good and we were all jumping up and down when Morales went down for the first time. I’m not sure our daughter knew exactly why, but she was just as loud as my wife and I, and she jumped just as high.
It was total happiness for the Philippines when Morales was brought down for the last time. We were high for the rest of the day, and we will continue to be. As I was writing the last paragraph, I had to leave the computer to watch Manny on a phone call to the TV show Wow Wow Wee. The call was typical Manny, typical Filipino.
Manny was asked to sing a catchy little song that the audience danced to every day of the show. He did so by phone; no fuss, no hesitation.
Manny Pacquiao is typical of the best Filipino characters. Coming from a very poor family, he is now rich and famous. However, unlike many poor children who became good sportsmen, Manny remains extremely modest and humble, and a very nice man.
For my part, I am very proud of Manny’s achievements; moreover, I am proud of the way he has handled fame and fortune. The Philippines is collectively proud of all of Pacquiao.
Well done Manny, we all love you here in the Philippines. But then, I’m sure you already know, but you’re too humble to mention it.
As for Erik Morales, he too brought pride to Mexico for many years while maintaining his modesty. I wasn’t surprised to learn that he and Manny were having dinner together and are friends. Even before the fight, I was thinking that Erik would also be given a big welcome here in the Philippines. His achievements and his progress in boxing will surely be respected. Not only that, however, Mexico has close ties to the Philippines, which was also under Spanish rule, administered from Mexico, for more than 300 years.
The Pacquiao-Morales trilogy may be over, but the memories and pride will last forever. Pacquiao achieved massive success, from the worst beginnings, through dedication, endless hard work, vision and perseverance. Those are often the cornerstones of any success, but what sets Manny apart is that he has achieved such success while retaining his humility and respect for his peers, including Erik Morales.