Manny Pacquiao: Why He's More Important To Sports Than Tom Brady
Manny Pacquiao's place in the world of sports is nearly unmatched these days.
While Tom Brady is currently on top of the NFL world with his league leading Patriots dominating the competition, he doesn't compare to the likes of Pacquiao.
What makes Pacquiao so special and why is he so important to the world of sports?
10. Pacquiao Is a More Relatable Figure
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Athletes are often placed on a pedestal that makes them seem almost god-like.
Tom Brady is often considered the pretty boy of the NFL. He has the life that all men envy. His marriage to supermodel Gisele Bundchen only raises the bar for him.
However, Manny Pacquiao seems more down to earth and easier to relate to. His wife—while pretty in her own right—really doesn't compare to Bundchen.
9. He Opens Doors For Others
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Manny Pacquiao has really put the Philippines on the map.
This is not to say that they were an irrelevant country. Far from it actually. Pacquiao just happened to open doors for his people.
For instance, there has been a sudden uptick and interest in up and coming Filipino boxers. Something that may have never happened, had Pacquiao not risen to fame.
Pacquiao has even helped people not of Filipino descent.
Look at Nelly. Everyone forgot about him, but he had the opportunity to open up for Pacquiao's bout against Antonio Margarito and everyone suddenly remembered that he was alive.
8. Pacquiao Transcends Boxing
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Manny Pacquiao is best known as an athlete first, but he is also a member of congress for his native Philippines, an actor and a singer.
Pacquiao was listed as one of the 100 most influential people of 2009 by Time.
He is also the first Filipino athlete to appear on a postage stamp.
His place in popular culture really goes way beyond boxing.
7. Dominance
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Tom Brady and the Patriots are on a roll right now and they look practically unbeatable.
Even so, Brady is rarely talked about as being the best player in the NFL these days.
Pacquiao, on the other hand, was named fighter of the decade and is widely considered to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in boxing.
6. Mesmerizing
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Tom Brady's heroics have been well documented over the years, but he doesn't quite have that wow factor that he used to have.
Every time Pacquiao puts on his gloves and gets in the ring, he enthralls the world. He commands attention and captures it with every bob, weave and punch.
5. Face Of Boxing
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Manny Pacquiao is without question the face of boxing. His every move in the sport is watched by all.
Tom Brady, while still very relevant, is not the most important figure in the sport. Nor is he considered to be the face of the NFL.
4. A True People's Champ
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Manny Pacquiao is well known for his kindness and generosity.
His charitable donations and work—especially to the impoverished people of the Philippines—knows no bounds.
His trainer, Freddie Roach, even thinks that his generosity will be his ultimate downfall.
Pacquiao represents his people in Congress and has only their interest at heart. He is a public servant to his very core.
3. International Icon
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While Tom Brady is one of the most celebrated athletes in the United States, Manny Pacquiao is an international icon.
The NFL may be the most popular sport in the United States, but it doesn't have much of a global audience.
Boxing, on the other hand, is practiced across the globe with fans hailing from all walks of life.
Pacquiao's worldwide appeal eclipses Brady's by an immeasurable margin.
2. Inspirational Story
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Manny Pacquiao had very humble beginnings. He was born into poverty, but through hard work and perseverance, he has risen the ranks to become one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
At one point, Pacquiao was forced to live on the streets, doing and selling whatever he could to survive.
It wasn't until that he started to box that his fortunes began to turn.
He gives hope to others around the world in unfortunate circumstances and especially to the people of his country.
1. Represents a Nation
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When Manny Pacquiao fights, he fights not only for himself, but for all the people of the Philippines.
If Pacquiao is fighting, the entire country essentially comes to a standstill. Nearly everyone is glued to the TV set watching him masterfully rearrange his opponent's face.
Even crime plummets on fight night because the criminals would rather watch their idol fight.
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