World’s best pound-for-pound fighter Manny Pacquiao tells DNA that crowd adulation and that little money motivated him to take up boxing.
Seven titles against seven different boxers, what keeps you motivated to win more titles?
Yeah, seven different weight classes, from 108 pounds all the way to the 147 pounds title... My motivation comes from the inspiration I get from my family, my countrymen and for the glory of God.
Was it your friend Mark Penaflorida’s death that led you to boxing, if not, what else did prompt you to come to such a physical sport?
I was into boxing like any other curious kid on the streets of my native General Santos, in the southernmost part of the Philippines. I loved the adulation of the crowd and the one hundred pesos ($2) that came with it.
Which amongst your seven titles was the most difficult, who was the toughest competitor till now? Why?
Every title is special because for every weight class, I had to adjust. It was hard competing in the lower weight categories because I had to drain myself to maintain the weight as the action was fast-paced. It is also hard going up in weight category because as you go higher, the opponents get bigger and you have to cope with stronger sparring competitors. The only thing good in fighting at 147 pounds is that I could eat a lot and still maintain my weight.
Boxing has so many associations, IBF, WBC, WBO, does it make the job difficult for a boxer? Which of these is the most respectable body?
I’ve been a champion under all of these governing bodies and every one of them is prestigious. Also a special mention is required for the Ring Magazine People’s Champion title/belt.
You won titles before Freddie Roach became your trainer, what changed after he started training you?
Freddie is the Master! We had a good chemistry ever since our first punch mitts session.
Who’s been the most influential person in your life, Freddie, Bob Arum or your wife Jinky?
God comes first.
Which sportsman do you admire the most?
Michael Jordan for his competitive nature, Lance Armstrong for his heart and spirit.
Outside boxing you have interests in politics, would you like to curtail your boxing career to get involved in active politics?
I just wanted to help the poor people of my birth place. I will continue to fight for the people as long as I still have the legs and lungs to fight.
Don’t your interests in politics and films distract you from boxing?
On the other hand, it helps me relax and film is a different challenge, which includes my singing career.
What has been the lowest point in your life till date?
Every time I lost a fight...
I am sure your wife Jinky must be worried every time you enter the ring, how do you convince her that you are strong enough to come back unscathed?
Our faith in God keeps us strong
What about your kids, have they seen you fighting, what do they say?
They watch me fight on TV and they love it. They’re too young to be in the boxing arena and I don’t want them to get interested in this sport. It is very dangerous sport.
You are Philippines’ most sought after hero, don’t you think an Olympic medal would have been an icing on the cake?
I tried out with the Philippine Olympics team. Too much politics involved!
Lastly, if not a boxer what would you have become?
A lawyer. But then again, I may have been too poor to become one.
Tell me about your favourites…
Actor - Bruce Lee
Holiday Destination - Philippine beaches
Cuisine - Filipino
Movie - Godfather series.
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