Editorial - A global icon

One may often wonder how Manny Pacquiao captivated the world since bursting onto the international boxing stage a decade ago. Yes his exploits in the ring have carried him to unprecedented heights.

But boxing no longer has the monopoly over the Filipino pride. The massive impact he created had made him a global property. And everyone now owns a piece of him.

The fighter many called the “Pacific Storm” is no longer synonymous to the ring. Slowly drifting out of the hands of boxing, Pacquiao has established himself as a universal example of Asian might in the current atmosphere that saw the political and economic tides slowly shifting to Asia. 

Clearly, Pacquiao’s influence has already eclipsed boxing. Forget his pugilistic punch and exciting fighting style that enthralled millions around the globe. The word’s greatest boxer today also packs political punch, an unprecedented feat no other international athlete has achieved today.

The other day, Pacquiao met face to face with the world’s most powerful man. Lasting for only 12 minutes, the meeting of two of the world’s most influential people revolved around boxing and basketball. They happen to share a common passion for the latter.

United States President Barack Obama promised Pacquiao that he would be watching the Filipino superstar’s fight against American Sugar Shane Mosley on May 7 although not in Las Vegas but in the comfort of his White House room through pay-per-view.

It’s not everyday that an athlete of high caliber gets the chance to meet with the US president. Even Pacquiao’s number one rival, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Tiger Woods and Kobe Bryant never had the chance to be invited to the White House.

Pacquiao has indeed come a long way. From an aspiring fighter living in the streets of Manila, he conquered the world through sheer determination. Now a global icon, he is an example of how hard work can elevate one to unprecedented success.