Pacquiao looks back on journey to the top

MANILA, Philippines – It was a long and arduous road to the top of the boxing world, Manny Pacquiao said of his career as a professional fighter.

“Dahil na rin sa hirap ng buhay noon, sinimulan kong lumaban kontra sa mga mas matatanda at ekspiriyensadong mandirigma ng ring kahit tingib sa panganib ang trabahong ito,” he wrote in his Dec. 20 “Kumbinasyon” column on PhilBoxing.com.

“Mahal ko ang sport na ito at iba ang pakiramdam ng nananalo at itinataas ang kamay kapag nagapi mo na ang iyong kalaban. Alam ko noon na sa puspusang pagsisikap, matatamo ko ang aking mga minimithing pangarap sa paggamit ng aking mga kamao,” he added.

The world’s best pound-for-pound fighter mentioned that January 22, 2010 marks the 15th anniversary of him being a professional boxer. He started professional boxing at the tender age of 16.

In his 15-year-career, Pacquiao achieved a feat that no other fighter has ever done—winning 7 world titles in 7 different weight divisions.

He overcame boxing stars such as David Diaz, Erik Morales, Oscar dela Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto. He is set to face what critics and fans say is his toughest opponent, former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

The boxing superstars are slated to clash on March 13 in the United States.

God is the reason

Millions of his fans, including Hollywood stars Robert Downey, Jr., Mark Wahlberg and Jude Law, are enamored by Pacquiao’s skills and charm.

But the Filipino boxing sensation stressed that he owes everything he has to God. Without God, Pacquiao said he is nothing.

“Ang aking buhay at lahat ng ating biyayang natatamo ngayon ay kaloob at handog sa atin ng Panginoong Diyos na siyang pinagmumulan ng lahat --- maging ang aking lakas at tapang sa pakikipaglaban sa mga dambuhala ng mapanganib na sport ng boxing,” he continued.

“Kung wala ang aking paniniwala at pananalig sa Diyos, alam kong wala akong mararating, wala akong matatamo at hindi ko maaabot ang lahat ng aking mga pangarap. Alam ko na dahil sa aking mataimtim na panalangin sa Kanya, walang imposible kahit na higante pa ang nasa aking harap,” he declared.

He also made known his gratitude because he is still able to fight. “Nagpapasalamat ako dahil wala akong pinsala sa katawan at pag-iisip at ngayon ay nasa tuktok ako ng sport na ito, may asawa at mga anak.”

Pacquiao, who turned 31 on December 17, also did not forget to thank his family, relatives, friends and supporters for standing by him throughout his career.