Manila, Philippines - Stunning power, erratic footwork, and blinding hand speed these are some of the things that led Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao to 54 wins, 38 knockouts, and world titles in eight different weight classes.
Many of us still remember that fateful day a decade ago when Pacquiao defeated Featherweight champion Marco Antonio Barrera in a fight that many consider to have defined his career. Who would have thought that the street kid from General Santos city would soon topple giants and overcome odds, singlehandedly putting the country back on top of the boxing world?
For 17 long years, Manny has sworn by discipline and determination to overcome odds, proving that there’s nothing you can’t achieve with the heart of a champion.
But as Manny’s fame grew, his responsibilities grew even bigger. Aside from being a boxer, he also has to deal with being an advocate, a soldier, a preacher, and a politician, among many others — much to the dismay of his training corner. His distractions seem to be getting the best of him, as many analysts have pointed out in his last fight against the aging Marquez.
On June 9 (June 10, Philippine time), Manny’s focus will be put to the test as he faces Timothy Bradley. Unlike much of his previous opponents, the undefeated WBC light welterweight champion is quick and agile, possessing fast hands and a tough chin that makes him unafraid to go toe-to-toe. He’s also much younger, and has a deep hunger for recognition. Bradley will stop at nothing to jump at the opportunity of beating the world’s pound-for-pound champion.
Manny admits that he could not have survived on athleticism alone. For 17 years, he has brought honor to the country — and for 17 years, the people he fights for have given him the support from which he draws strength and inspiration.
“We know that a lot of Manny’s strength comes not from training, but from the support that he gets from his fans,” stresses Kristine Martinez, Alaxan FR product director. “That is why we’re always looking for more ways to encourage the nation to support him, every time he steps inside the ring.”
This time, Alaxan FR — Pacman’s body pain partner for 17 years — takes the rally for support online through “Aray Mo, Galing Natin Pilipinas.” The campaign aims to gather support for Manny online, through well wishes in the form of videos, pictures, and/or tweets. The results so far have been overwhelming — Filipinos from all walks of life have taken an active stand to show that they are one with Manny Pacquiao wherever they may be in the world. Even celebrities like Pekto, Moymoy Palaboy, Boy Abunda, Rhian Ramos, Enzo Pineda, Pepe Smith, Coach Rio, Vince and Patricia Hizon, have been greeting Manny on video to show their support. “We’re encouraging all Filipinos to post their messages supporting Manny through ‘Aray Mo, Galing Natin Pilipinas’,” adds Martinez. “Especially now that he’s facing a young and undefeated foe, our support is more important than ever.”
Support Manny Pacquiao, log on to http://www.facebook.com/AlaxanFastRelease or follow @Alaxan_FR on Twitter for details.