‘I’m still the same Pacman’

MACAU – Manny Pacquiao tried to look back at how he was or where he was five years ago.

Pacquiao said nothing much has changed really, except perhaps that he’s five years older now.

“I’m still the same,” said the world-famous Filipino boxer who at around that time was knocking out almost anybody thrown in front of him.

It was when he demolished Ricky Hatton and reconfigured Oscar dela Hoya’s beautiful face, as the great ring analyst Larry Merchant put it.

Then came big wins over Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto.

Five years ago should represent the most memorable moments in Pacquiao’s boxing career. Up to this day, he describes his win over Dela Hoya as his greatest.

As a boxer, Pacquiao said he’s the same old Pacquiao.

“The speed is still there, the power is still there, the hunger is still there,” he told reporters.

No one could question Pacquiao for saying that, even if he hasn’t knocked anybody out since he stopped Cotto in the 12th round in 2009.

“It just depends on the opponent,” Pacquiao said.

Depending on what happens on Sunday, he might consider moving down in weight.

“I can go down to 140. Even 135 is good for me,” he said.

Pacquiao also looked back at 2012 when he lost twice, including the stunning knockout to Juan Manuel Marquez.

Many thought that was the beginning of the end for Pacquiao. After that loss, he vowed to “rise again.”