Monday, July 07, 2008 Padilla: Manny Pacquiao owns 4 world-boxing crowns By Nars Padilla Sportscope
NEWLY-crowned World Boxing Council lightweight champion of the world Manny Pacquiao is back in the centerfold with his beloved family, throngs of admirers and millions of kababayans in the country.
The Pacman and his entourage planed into the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 2 from Los Angeles, USA Friday at 5:30 in the morning with less funfare and palabas compared to previous years when he came home triumphant from his ring exploits abroad.
Seemingly, there was lack of publicity and program coordination.
At any rate, Manny was very happy and full to the brim with pride bringing back home with him his fourth world boxing crown he wrested from David Diaz, an American prize fighter from Chicago with Mexican origin.
Of course, Manny's golden performance against Diaz who kissed the canvass for good in the ninth round after two minutes and 24 seconds proved to all in sundry that the Pinoy was the better boxer.
Manny lived up to his latest ranking and reputation as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world today after Floyd Mayweather hanged his boxing gloves for good, a few weeks ago.
Manny fought a methodical and tactical battle, most of the time delivering left and right heavy devastating combination on the face, head, and body of Diaz who was more often than not puzzled where the punches were coming from.
The fight night dubbed "Lethal Combination" staged at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on June 26 was truly lethal for Diaz who sustained a big cut above his right eye and on his nose.
Personally, I have great respect for Diaz. He fought like a gentleman notwithstanding the brutal punishment he received from Manny. He was fair and square all the way.
For the record, Manny is the first Filipino and Asian boxer with at least four different division world boxing titles -- WBC flyweight, IBF super bantamweight, WBC superfeatherweight, and the WBC lightweight.
One great thing I like about Manny is that he places himself, first and foremost, in the presence of the Lord especially before and after an encounter.
After the reception at Naia, Manny and his charming wife, Jinky, and their children attended a thanksgiving mass at historic Quiapo church.
Later during the day, he was honored with a motorcade along the key streets in Metro Manila.
A highlight of his mabuhay welcome activities was a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at Malacanang.
Arroyo, Manny says with consistency that the "president is a prime supporter in his pro-boxing career."
As highlight of his visit, President Arroyo commissioned Manny as special envoy to the Beijing Olympics that will take centerstage next month in China.
Manny was designated to serve as the official flag bearer of the Philippine team during the grand opening day parade of nations. Earlier the position was given to swimmer Miguel Molina because of his four gold medal feat in the Thailand Southeast Asian games last year.
The Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Association will have to seek the approval of Manny's participation.
From any perspective, the appearance of Manny in the RP team will generate interest and attention in the best interest of our country and people.
The worldwide popularity of Manny in the international boxing spectrum will in many countless ways, give the Filipinos added respect and admiration for their prowess and accomplishments in the field of sports in general.
Personally, I am anticipating the approval of Manny's special task in RP contingent by the World Olympic Committee and from the host/organizing body.
Manny's next fight sked is still on the drawing board. Famed boxing promoter Bob Arum, who handles Manny is setting his sight on Edwin Valero, the knockout gladiator for Valenzuela.
Valero's stats on the ring are clean like a whistle -- 24 wins, 19 by KO, no loss, no draw. But if many has his way, he likes to fight 140-pounder Ricky Hatton, the Pride of Manchester, England. "I can go to London for the bout," Manny said. "But then, whatever bossman Bob Arum says goes," Manny said.
There are several world boxers who want to fight Manny. Among them are Hamberto Soto, Nate Campbell, Joel Casamayor, Joan Guzman and even Juan Manual Marquez who wants to quench his thirst for a rematch against the Filipino boxing icon. Let's sit tight and watch for the next kabanata.
