Profile of Manny Pacquiao on Famous Like Me

Emmanuel "Manny" D. Pacquiao, (born December 17, 1978) the "Pac Man", is the reigning WBC International Super Featherweight Champion (2005-present), former People's Featherweight Champion of the World (2003 to 2005), former IBF Super Bantamweight Champion (2001 to 2004), and former WBC Flyweight Champion (1998 to 1999). Only 26 years of age, he has already compiled an impressive 40 Wins, 3 Losses, and 2 Draws record, with 31 wins coming by way of knockout.

The boxer who hails from General Santos City (The Tuna Capital of the World), Philippines is also dubbed "The Destroyer" by his peers in the boxing world, because of the way he dominates and sweeps over his challengers and opponents. He has a devastating left punch that has the ability to end a match in an instant.

The 26 year old Pacquiao started his professional boxing career in 1995 at 106 pounds. He bounced in weight from 106 to 113 pounds before losing in his 12th fight against Rustico Torrecampo via third round TKO. Shortly after the Torrecampo fight Pacquiao settled in at 112 pounds winning the WBC Flyweight title only to lose it in his second defense against Medgoen Singsurat by third round knockout. Technically, Pacquiao lost the belt at the scales by not being able to make weight of 112 lb (51 kg).

Following the loss to Singsurat, Pacquiao again jumped in weight, this time stopping at the Super Bantamweight division of 122 lb (55 kg) where he picked up the WBC International title defending it five times before his big break came. Pacquiao’s big break came on June 23rd, 2001, against IBF Super Bantamweight champion Lehlohonolo Ledwaba. Pacquiao stepped into the fight as a late replacement and walked out of the fight the newly crowned IBF Super Bantamweight champion. Pacquiao scored three knockdowns before the end of the fight was called in the fifth round.

Manny went on to defend his title four times before the match that defined his career against his childhood boxing idol the venerable and legendary Marco Antonio Barrera of Mexico came. His perseverance and hardwork paid off as he pummelled Barrera into submission in a stunning 11th round TKO when Barrera’s corner had seen enough, they had the fight stopped in the eleventh round. With this victory the "Pacman" captured the People's Featherweight Title. Pacquiao's performance established himself as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, and put the Philippines on the boxing world's map again where he follows in the footsteps of past Filipino boxing stars such as Gabriel_"Flash"_Elorde and Pancho Villa.

Pac Man wasted no time with tune ups before his next big fight, only six months removed from his dominating win over Marco Antonio Barrera. Pacquiao's march to greatness continued as he went on to challenge another respected and technical Mexican boxer, Juan Manuel Marquez, holder of the WBA and IBF Featherweight Title. Experts predicted that Marquez, a dangerous counter-puncher, would prevail over Pacquiao because of his superior boxing skills. The fight turned out to be one of the greatest Featherweight clashes in the history of boxing. Pacquiao's superior handspeed and punching power was displayed early as he stormed Marquez with lightning jabs and straight lefts that sent the Mexican Champion to the mat three times in the first round alone. It looked as if Pacquiao was on his way to a quick night's work but things changed as Marquez started to take control in the second, dominating the fight and getting better with each passing round. When the bell to end the 12th round sounded, the fight was scored a draw.

Pacquiao also worked against Fahsan (3K-Battery) Por Thawatchai. Pacquiao pulled down Por Thawatchai to the canvas three times en route to a knock out in the fourth-round. The devastating ax-like left uppercut to the jaw knocked down the Thai fighter with both feet off the canvass and ended the fight completely.

Manny once again jumped in weight, this time to the Super Featherwight division and squared off against former three-time division champion Erik Morales on 19th of March, 2005. However, Pacquiao lost the 12 round match with a unanimous descision from the judges. Pacquiao showed a lot of heart against Morales in their fight, having to fight with a bad cut in his eye for most of the fight against a great champion. Despite the loss, Pacquiao gained further credibility as a fighter who could fight back under adversity.

On September 10, 2005, Manny Pacquiao TKO'd Hector Velazquez, capturing the WBC International Super Featherweight Title in the process. The victory proved once again the power of Pacquiao's fists.

A rematch with Erik Morales is set on January 21,2006 at Las Vegas, NV, USA. This is going to be a potential fight of the year on 2006. This upcoming fight will rock the boxing industry that will be witnessed by millions or rather billions of people worldwide.

External Links

Vote For Manny Pacquiao in TIMEasia Mag

Manny Pacquiao Fan Site, with news and photos

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