Pacman - The pride of Philippines

I never felt so much excited about boxing match ever until i saw a recent match between a filipino boxer Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao and mexican boxer Antonio Margarito. You would find that this post is more about Manny (AKA Pacman/ Mexicutioner) and little about Margarito. It's partly because of my attachment with Philippines and partly for the kind of "player" manny is.
The match is announced and here comes Margarito surrounded by his coach and other fellas, moving on the ramp with gladiator looks. Then follows manny and astonishing to notice,
1. He comes smiling on the ramp, passing on his hi and hello to everyone. Who's seen a boxer like this? I never did. And, the commentator announces "He is such a nice man outside the ring but inside he is something else".
2. The moment he gets inside the ring, you would know that he is a devout catholic (being a filipino). He will offer his prayers at his corner and you can see him making "holy cross" sign many times during breaks. Surely, he remembers His grace and power. Common to see that devotion to God goes when riches come.
3. Manny is pretty small (5.6") against margarito (5.11") and lighter by 17 pounds. it's implied that Margarito definitely has better reach and heavier punches.
4. The first few rounds, it's going okay like a normal match and all of a sudden, i saw manny moving at the speed of light and hits margarito right at the bottom of right eye and the stream of blood comes right though. This was the first time Margarito took a back step. All through round 4 or 5, margarito was so stubborn and he was moving forward and forward so the he can take manny to the ropes or corner him for taking a whack at him. Because in an open space, it's almost impossible to get hand at manny, he moves like a jumping jack.
5. I don't know how but manny can hit several jabs within a second (seems like a challenge to rajnikanth) ;)
6. But Margarito is too stubborn to give up, he kept on moving forward and tried to knock-out manny. I totally appreciate his courage. It's scary if a tall and heavy man keeps on moving forward like a robot even though bleeding profusely. There can be a Knock-out at any point of time.
7. Margarito's eye is almost getting closed. Then like a god's own man, Manny asked referee to check if he is doing okay. Who does that? Only a gentleman!
8. Such a gentleman ...but only for a moment, he's been dodging margarito's jabs and hitting him in every possible nano-seconds. I never thought that a small man can do so much damage to a big guy. Margarito stood and faced all jabs until round 12 and manny was declared the winner. Manny managed to win without a scratch on the face (except little flossy blood in the teeth). But no one would notice it when he is smiling mollar-wide. He is the only boxer in the history to win 10 world championships in 8 different weight categories. Amazing, isn't it? Not even Muhammad Ali did it.

There was also an interview on the TV, where a old person (skipped the name) who arranged several fights for Muhammad Ali and he proclaimed that Manny is a better boxer than Muhammad Ali. When asked why, he explained that Muhammad Ali is a one hand man, but Manny can hit with both hands with same force. I wonder if our school books will have a chapter on Manny Pacquiao just like one on Muhammed Ali.
One of the news correspondent asked manny how much did he make when he had his first fight. He answered 100 pesos (appx INR 100). Then he asked how much he earns now, with no hesitation (like a lamb of God) he said "Millions" and laughed. I never heard any celebrity being so open about the money or compensation.

The catholic chuch in Philippines changed the mass timings because of the match. You would not find anyone on the philippines road/ streets during the match. Entire population is glued to TV, wherever they find place. Besides the pristine beaches in Philippines, they have manny to be proud about.