Pacquiao: Blessed, But Not Perfect
Jon Mariano

There's no question about Pacquiao's gift: he's strong, fast, and wily inside the ring. In addition to those qualities, he trains hard when needed. And another thing that should not be forgotten is he surrounds himself with people that can help him. The last one is debatable, but at least people around him get the job done: getting Pacman ready for his fights.

He's not only good inside the ring as can be seen by his business moves including contract negotiations. Cutthroat is the norm in the boxing business, and Pacquiao seems to be on top of things. Very good.

After languishing in anonymity, he has risen to heights never known by any Filipino boxing icon before. That's so surprising because he's not holding any crown of distinction. Can you imagine if he was the holder of at least one major title? Nowadays, the title is just nominal. Very good fighters has at least gotten away from mafia like boxing organizations whose roles have evolved from that of organizing the boxing establishment and protecting the boxers to a money making one. Boxers can make money now without the blessing of these "tyrannical" organizations.

Pacquiao is no saint though. His chosen business is a violent one. Boxing is a sport where you're adored if you can bloody up or drop your foe. His other questionable virtues of gambling, drinking and womanizing have been chronicled (although he claims to have changed in order not to damage his boxing career). His handling of his love child and its mother is also not very good. He came out as somebody running away from his responsibility. I'm sure a lot of Filipinos would still give Pacman the benefit of the doubt. The ex-lover only came out when Pacquiao was already rich and famous, when there was already a lot of money to be had.

Our latest boxing hero also does not endear himself to many anti-Arroyo people. He's not smart enough to just keep clear of politics and not be used by shady politicians. Sure, he's friend of presidential son Mikey, but a more neutral stand is more appropriate.

All of these things aside, I would like to congratulate Manny Pacquiao for the achievements he's done for they're no ordinary feat: from being a lowly worker to a world famous athlete bringing joy and honor to the Filipino people. He should be recognized as such, not less but nothing more.

Article Source:

http://hkbigmind.blogspot.com/

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