PacMan Forever:

The Manny Pacquiao Legacy

By Daniel Ongpin Meñes

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is arguably the greatest athlete the Philippines has ever produced. With a career spanning over 20 years, he has dedicated his life and his body to the sport of boxing—more importantly to representing the Filipino people on the international stage. He is a true to life rags to riches story, having hailed from the slums of Saranggani province and fighting his way to the bright lights of Las Vegas.

As of his last fight, the Pacman has officially announced his retirement from the world of boxing. His fighting career may be over but he will always be remembered as one of the greatest prize fighters to have ever set foot in the ring. Here are the 8 moments in Manny Pacquiao’s career that earned him the nickname “Ang Pambansang Kamao.”

The Birth of a Star

On June 23, 2001, Pacquiao, fresh off the plane for his first fight in the US, annihilated Lehlohonolo “Hands of Stone” Ledwaba on only two weeks’ notice as a replacement fighter. He painted Ledwaba’s shorts red with blood on the way to a TKO victory to announce that he had, indeed, arrived.

Manny the Singer

As much as we would love to forget that Pacquiao has an album, we can’t. Pacquiao is a renowned karaoke star in his hometown and just like every other Pinoy, the man loves to sing. He proved just that when he released his debut album Laban Nating Lahat Ito. That’s the beauty of Manny Pacquiao–he just does what he loves and inspires others to do the same.

PBA Manny

One of the other things that Pacquiao loves is basketball. In 2014 he bought the KIA PBA Basketball team (now known as Mahindra Enforcers) and appointed himself as playing coach. Although he may not win any MVP awards in the foreseeable future, people still come to watch the living legend in action. Manny Pacquiao is a true renaissance man.

Manny Movie

In 2014, the world was able to see sides of Manny Pacquiao not often seen in the ring. The film followed Manny Pacquiao’s humble beginnings as a prize-fighter in the Philippines all the way to becoming a cultural megastar. It showed Manny’s human side as they documented his problems in life and how he eventually found, and embraced, God.

PacMan Forever: The Manny Pacquiao Legacy Knockout of the Year Pacquiao separated Ricky Hatton from his consciousness within two rounds, silencing the thousands of British fans in attendance. It earned him the honor of Knockout of the Year from The Ring Magazine and the respect of the entire boxing world. The Giant Slayer Manny Pacquiao played David and Antonio Margarito played Goliath in this clash of Titans. Pacquiao bloodied and beat his largest opponent to date with a non-stop barrage of speed and power. By the end of the fight, Margarito had a broken orbital bone and could barely see out of his right eye. Pacquiao had rearranged the Tijuana Tornado’s face like putty. This fight showed Pacquiao’s compassion as he admitted to taking his foot off the gas in the later rounds to avoid punishing his opponent further. Time Magazine Cover Via flickr.com/bruin805 Pacquiao solidified his status as a pop culture icon when appeared on the cover of Time Magazine as 2009’s most influential person in Asia. He represented the Philippines not only as a boxer but an equally polarizing personality. Manny Pacquiao embodies the true Filipino spirit with his work ethic, humility and unending determination. The Dream Match Coming into the fight with Oscar Dela Hoya, Pacquiao was a heavy underdog. Nobody gave him a chance in winning this fight except maybe his family and his team. Pacquiao shocked the world as he battered Dela Hoya into retirement on his stool when he refused to come out in the ninth round. Larry Merchant famously quipped that the fight was “Death by 1,000 left hands.” What do you consider Manny’s greatest moments? Share your thoughts in the comments below!