Manny Pacquiao: What Young Fighters Must Learn from Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao has been the consummate professional boxer since he rose to prominence since his career-defining fight against Marco Antonio Barerra back in November of 2003. Young fighters in the sport could learn a lot from him, both in and out of the ring, and they very well should if they want to someday be in his shoes.

He's been the picture of consistency, posting a 54-3-2 record since his first professional fight against Edmund Enting Ignacio way back in January of 1995, when he won via unanimous decision.

And he's also been a model citizen. A congressman in his native country of the Philippines as well as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Reserve Force of the Philippine Army, PacMan has showed loyalty to his home country and his people love him because of it.

In an age where too many professional athletes, and boxers, often find themselves in legal trouble, Pacquiao has set the standard as one of the golden boys of the sport. While Floyd Mayweather is getting ready for a 90-day stint in jail, Pacquiao is getting ready for congressional meetings in the Philippines. 

Too many of today's young fighters grew up watching the unbridled aggression exhibited by Mike Tyson on the court spill out into the real world. Up-and-coming professional boxers have witnessed their idols run into the law constantly.

They could learn a thing or two from Pacquiao's calm demeanor and self control.

In the ring, Pacquiao is an aggressive but technical fighter who utilizes the perfect combination of strategy and knockout power to methodically pick apart his opponents. He's a fearless fighter and once he conquers an opponent once, he has no problem fighting them again, as seen in his rematches against Juan Manuel Marquez and Erik Morales.

He doesn't look down on the casual fan and he certainly would never say things like this about another fighter (I'm looking at you Floyd Mayweather).

He fights because he wants to, not for a pay day. There have been reports that he will fight for the last time on June 9 against Tim Bradley, due to his new "Bible-centered life." That's what's so great about Pacquiao, he fights for himself, his religion and his people, not because of the pressure put on him by outside influences.

The younger fighters of the generation should follow his lead and ignore those around them who are trying to get their hands in their pockets. While Pacquiao's kindness and professionalism may have impacted his popularity among the younger boxers, he will definitely be remembered as one of the best role models for those pursuing a career in boxing, and rightfully so.