Manny Pacquiao a symbol of hope

Manny Pacquiao is idolised by million Filipinos for his punching power and as a national symbol of hope after rising from a poor family to one of the world’s best boxer. Also known as “Pambansang kamao”(The national fist), Paquiao is set to fight the undefeated American Floyd Mayweather Jr on May 2. This fight on May 2 will decide who is the world’s best “pound-for-pound” boxer. It will be the biggest fight that most people are waiting for.

Photo by: yahoo.com

Pacquiao was born on December 17, 1978, in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines. His parents Rosalio Pacquiao and Dionesia Dapidran-Pacquiao separated when he is in grade 6 when her mother Dionesia discovered that Rosalio was living with another woman. He is fourth among six siblings. He drop out of high school due to poverty and left home at the age of 14 to support his family. He sold doughnuts on the roadside and became a grocery stacker just to support his two younger siblings.

Pacquiao married Maria Geraldine “Jinkee” Jamora on May 10, 2000.  They have five children, Emmanuel Jr., Michael Stephen, Mary Divine Grace, Queen Elizabeth and Israel.

Pacquiao is a winner of eight world championships in different weight divisions. Despite of being famous and rich, Pacquiao remains simple and humble. Last November Pacquiao announced his apology to neighbors and that he would just sell his $9 million mansion in one of Manila’s luxurious areas after they complained about his visitors wearing shabby clothing.

“I may be as rich as some of them here, but my lifestyle remains the same and so is my heart. I am just a simple man. I will never change that,” he said.

In 2012 he sold his shares in a Manila casino, nightclub and bar because he found God. He gave away the proceeds to his employees. He also gave away his 1,000-plus fighting cocks to friends. On that same year he lost the fight with Marquez knocking him out on 6th round on December 8, 2012. People criticized him for being too religious which caused him to be knocked down by Marquez. But he proved them wrong by winning the following fights vs Rios, Bradley and Algieri.

The biggest fight of his life as a boxer is set on May 2, 2015 with the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. This fight will not only put his name on top of the worlds best boxer but will also give pride of all Filipinos.