MANILA, Philippines - For all his accomplishments as well as shortcomings, Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao has landed among the top 100 finalists of Time Magazine’s search for the most influential person this year.
The Filipino boxing icon was also voted ‘Fighter of the Year’ for the second time by the Boxing Writers of America after posting three impressive victories last year. (See related story on page 20.)
Top Rank publicist Fred Sternburg yesterday broke the news of Pacquiao’s inclusion in the long, distinguished list that has the biggest names in politics, business, entertainment and sports.
A quick glance at the list showed that the 30-year-old Pacquiao is the only boxer.
Also in the list are swimming sensation Michael Phelps, tennis star Rafael Nadal, baseball great Alex “A-Rod” Rodriguez, NBA champion Kobe Bryant, cycling phenomenon Lance Armstrong and golfer Tiger Woods.
“The Filipino prizefighter - better known as “Pac-Man” - stunned the boxing world in December by defeating Oscar de la Hoya. He’s readying a move into politics, where his popularity should land him another knockout: Pacquiao’s bouts are so heavily viewed in the Philippines, the crime rate goes down when he brawls,” said Time magazine.
However, it also wrote that “fans have been vocally displeased with his decision to go into politics. And he has a lot of fans.”
Win or lose, landing in the list is a great accomplishment for Pacquiao, who recently found himself in the middle of another controversy involving Philippine TV networks vying to air his fights.
He is the first Filipino athlete to land in the distinguished list. Former President Corazon Aquino is a past honoree.
On top of the list is American President Barrack Obama, Pope Benedict XVI, George W. Bush, John McCain, Hillary Clinton, Britney Spears, Angelina Jolie, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Oprah Winfrey and George Clooney. – Abac Cordero