Manny and his Legacy

By: Rijel Reyes

From the image of the fictional greatness Rocky Balboa, from the torch flames of Hall of Famers and All-Time Greats of the sport of Boxing, belts and money are nothing more than superfluous rewards. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao stepped up to imprint his name through the ages by agreeing to split the purse uneven just to make the “Fight of The Millennium” happen against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

That classifies greatness.

No more reasons. No more ducking. No more chicken dance. Blood testing, check. Uneven split of purse in favor of Floyd, check. Setting? Just like what Pacquiao said against a possible rematch after his loss to Erik Morales, “Anytime, anywhere.”

Unblemished records are not always the proof of superiority and dominance over other fighters in your era. Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Rocky Marciano and the like did not need untarnished records. They did not pursue financial stability or the belts. They got to prove themselves. They fight the best, to prove that they are undisputed and immeasurable.

Though coming from a loss in one of the greatest controversial decisions in Boxing history from a non-household name in his last fight, what makes Manny Pacquiao the best among the rest and seals his fate in the Hall of Fame and All-Time Greats despite a debatable flopping?

Well, aside from being a World Championship in eight different weight divisions, aside from being recognized as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, aside from bagging billions of pesos or millions of dollars in a single fight and aside from his demolition of great fighters in his era; he has the guts and glory of being a champion. He has the greatest backbone of all. He has the faith of the people in him.

Falling to 54-4-2 win-loss-draw record after losing to Timothy Bradley, the pride of the Philippines is yet to say “I’m done.” He has nothing to prove anymore for he already contributed to the betterment of the sport; yet, he refusedto stop.

Despite losing, Pacman never lost his composure as a champion, matching the greatness of the legends of the sport. Pacquiao respected the decision, stayed down to earth, prayed and thanked everyone who had fought with him and carried his name with pride. And that’s what makes him different. He is loved by the people. He is recognized. He is praised. He is humbled. Win or lose, people watch and will watch him because he fights anybody in all terms, no ducking reasons.

And now, told to fight yet again his “waterloo” - Mexican superstar Juan Manuel Marquez who gave him three fights of relentless action and controversial escapes, he agreed to face this guy among anyone else. A decision made because he wants to make a statement to end this controversy bothering him for years. And maybe, somehow, before facing Mayweather – the greatest adversary ever compared to him, to be free from doubts and haunting pasts.

Now that he agrees in all the terms which Floyd had wanted, it is now up to the American whether he will continue to “duck” against this fighter or choose to have his name immortalized in the sport and in history.

Manny cares less for the rankings, cares less for his record, cares less for hate and cares too much for his people. He cares for his legacy in the sport and in history.

All of his achievements are less than those people he wanted to amuse.

He got what Micky Ward, Thunder Gatti, The Greatest, Smokin’ and the legends once had and others lack – The People and their faith.

He is the People’s Champion.