I’m not sure if am alone but I must admit I never liked boxing myself and I seldom watch such fights. But that has all changed because of Manny “PacMan” Pacquaio who inspired me to look past the uncomfortable physical bruises and wounds and embrace the game as pure sports. Like me, this eight-division world champion is a Filipino – born out of poverty but because of dedication to the sports he love has rose to fame and success.
- As a young construction worker, and now on the cover of TIME Magazine
During my last visit in the Philippines, my daughter Mish and I was invited to dinner by a young gentleman from Ireland. He read my book “The Tale of Juliet” and I was happy to be his guest to a fine dinner at Chef Jessie’s restaurant in Rockwell.
This European man loves the Philippines - its culture, people, sights and sounds over the many countries he visited which is why he decided to stay longer. Asked what’s keeping him busy in the Philippines aside from his corporate work he excitedly told me he is into boxing. In fact he is the number one of “PacMan”. Yes he hired his own personal boxing trainer, he buys all the promotional items related to “PacMan”, and is always at the front row whenever “PacMan” defends or snatches a title.
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Paul Fox (second from left) calls himself Manny Pacquiao's #1 European fan with his Filipino boxing coach. My daughters (third and fourth from left) with their Pacquaio shirts during the fight.
Millions from all over the world tuned on their TV sets and computers to watch Manny Pacquaio’s fight last November. Here in Canada, excitement built up as the day ends. We received several invitations to watch and “potluck” party that evening. My two daughters, though born and raised in Canada shared their pride and support – wearing shirts and jacket imported from the Philippines. For extra loyalty, excitement and camaraderie they even watched the fight with their Filipino-Canadian friends.
Amazing how this small man from a remote place in the Philippines, who worked at the age of 14 and lived on streets when he runs out of money, became the only fighter to win ten world titles in eight different weight divisions and was named “Fighter of the Decade” for the 2000’s by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA).
Rough is Only Mental
“Rough is only mental” is one of the promotional messages on his recent match with Mexican fighter Antonio Margarito. Yes it’s mental on any game that we play in life. It’s only rough because we think it’s rough. For Manny, the fight can be an exciting, nerve wracking 12 rounds especially when you are up against a bigger guy. I wonder what’s going inside his head during the fight but I believe that one thing is true – it’s all about mind set. Change our thoughts and change our results.
His blows are powerful, his fists strong. And I believe that beyond his physical strength lies a greater power with Pacquiao:
1. Power of Intention – PacMan is focused on one goal – to do an excellent job . “Great things are done by people who think great thoughts and then go out into the world to make their dreams come true” – Plato
2. Power of Focus – Like a laser beam, PacMan only has his eye on the fight and channels all his energy to deliver one great fight. “Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon will inevitably come to pass.” - Paul J. Meyer
3. Power of Determination – Even as a young boy, PacMan is keen on winning despite poverty. He sets his eyes on his goals, and surrounds himself with the best team who can help him succeed. “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life whih he has imagined, he will met with a success unexpected in common hours.” Henry David Thoreau
4. Power of Believing – PacMan always believed in himself, in his coach Freddie Roach, and always sees himself as one who has already won the game. “What is genuinely lacking in people is that they do not believe. You are able to obtain in life what you belief will enable you to obtain.” – Mohammed Ali
5. Power of Action – Though he encountered distractions along the way, Pacquiao poured in his time on months and weeks of training. He took action to be physically and mentally prepared – and you saw how many punches he made!
6. Power of Gratefulness – Always kneeling and praying before and after a fight, Pacquaio dedicates his game to God, shows that he is grateful for his family, his friends, supporters and his country. This expression of gratitude is a very powerful force and when we apply this into our lives we get more of what we already received. “When you feel grateful, you become great and eventually attract great things.” Plato
7. Power of Sharing – Even before taking his oath as a congressman and amassing wealth which can outlast his lifetime, Pacquiao has always shared his winnings to the poor – donating goods and food to his native town. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” - Winston Churchhill
Inspired by my country’s hero, I have included in my “bucket list” to meet Pacquaio personally and interview him as an inspirational athlete, a great ambassador and as a public servant. We have few things in common – and one of them is our height. 
We petite people have no fear of the giants. Hail to the world’s greatest boxer!
