Manny Pacquiao: How Pac-Man's Boxing Success Has Helped His Homeland

Rare is the occasion when one person, athlete or otherwise, has the power to lift the spirits of a nation by example.

Yet, that's precisely what Manny Pacquiao does for his home country of the Philippines every time he steps into a ring.

It's a burden that Pac-Man has borne well, more often than not, and will have both the privilege and responsibility of bearing once again when he steps between the ropes against Timothy Bradley.

Pacquiao's plethora of nicknames in his native Tagalog tongue is indicative of just how much he means to the collection of islands in the South Pacific from which he hails. To some, he's Ang Pambansang Kamao, or "The Nation's Fist." To others, he's Pambansang Ninong, or "National Godfather."

To all, he's Manny, a man who rose from poverty—the very same poverty in which so many in the Philippines are mired—to become the first man to be crowned champion in eight different weight classes, a congressman and one of the world's most famous (and wealthiest) athletes.

Not to mention a national hero, though that should go without saying, thanks to the rest of his resume.

His fight nights are practically national holidays in the Philippines, as legions of loyal followers stop to watch their "Fighting Congressman" do his best to uphold their collective pride and put their country on the proverbial map.

Pacquiao's career record of 54-3-2, including 38 knockouts and victories in each of his last 15 outings, is a testament not only to his hard work, dedication and excellence in the ring, but also what his countrymen are capable of.

Every punch in every round of every fight is another occasion for inspiration, to encourage people to fight for their own well-being as well as that of those around them, both figuratively and literally. His is the success story to which every person can cling, in good times and bad, as a reminder of the power to change that lies within.

Say what you want about the chances Manny would stand in the ring against Floyd Mayweather Jr., but there's no denying that Pacquiao's sheer impact in the Philippines goes miles beyond anything Money May has ever done to galvanize the forces of good in America.

Unless, of course, you live and work in Las Vegas. 

That's not to say, though, that Pacquiao's popularity has been nothing but positive for the Philippines. Pacquiao's tax returns have come under scrutiny in recent months, and his success has led more fighters in the Philippines to pursue careers as professional pugilists right away, thereby forgoing the opportunity to compete for their country at the Olympics.

Surely, no man is perfect. The benefits of Pacquiao's popularity and success still far outweigh whatever problems have sprung up along the way.

And with a win over Bradley, his positive footprint in the Philippines (and elsewhere) will grow ever larger and more indelible.

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