It's hard when you get hit on a blindside. But this is what you get when you underestimate your opponent, especially when he comes from a small country in the map that you know nothing about. The amazing 2nd round knockout victory of Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao over the Englishman Ricky Hatton reveals to us many things.
Faith, hardwork, and passion can make all things possible for someone with a dream. Pacquiao's storied boxing career is one for the books, and he is just beginning to show the world that the Filipino can, and he will.
Pacquiao carries with him the hope of a country burdened with poverty but teeming with talent and skills. The potential only needs an opportunity as Manny did.
In a lot ways, Pacquiao is like the Philippines. He represents the poor among us who still live in the slums and hope for a better future in the midst of their dire physical surroundings. As many of you know, Pacquiao was born in Bukidnon, grew up in the southern part of the Philippines known as General Santos province, home of the sumptuous tuna.
Like many poor Filipinos, he slept on a cardboard box and sold donuts and water on the streets, then a small child but already with a big heart. He is used to difficulty and therefore not afraid of challenge, and eager to learn.
He started winning bouts early in his teens and earning P100 (about USD 2) for every fight, to help his family earn a living.
A Filipino manager saw something special in him and he got training in the fundamentals of boxing. Seeing the potential for even greater things, he brought him to America, in search for a trainer who could further develop his raw talent and speed.
They went from the East coast to the West Coast in the US, only be turned down one-by-one. No one would believe that the small Filipino boxer from Asia can make it in the international ring. Just when they were supposed to return to the Philippines brokenhearted, they come to meet Freddie Roach in Los Angeles who after seeing his raw talent, saw something special in him and took him in. Of course, the rest, as they say is history... a history in the making as we speak.
I believe Walt Disney would love this inspiring story. You have the coach Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao connection, the best team in boxing history with Roach fighting his own battle of Parkinson's disease. There is Aling Dionisia, Pacquiao's mum, praying alone in a room away from the maddening crowd while his son fights, who also kneels in a corner asking God for protection not only for himself but for his opponent. With every punch Pacquiao makes, he offers for love of God and country. And when he connects, a whole country rejoices!
It's a classic rags-to-riches story but I believe we are still in for some big surprise Also, reminds me so much of Slumdog Millionaire. But the only difference is the Pacquiao story is true.
As Manny would say, nothing is impossible to one who believes. Of course, there are still many who underestimate people coming from developing countries. And that's the way the world works. However, heaven favors those who fights for others so that they may have hope.
It will be no surprise that while the world celebrates Manny's victory, somewhere in the Philippines, a young boy sleeping on a cardboard box begins to dream big dreams and a seed is sown. Someday, he too will become a champion in the field he chooses to pursue.
Rise, Pearl of the Orient, your time has come.
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