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Manny Pacquiao: 50 Things You May or May Not Know About the Pacman
November 25, 2010Manny Pacquiao: 50 Things You May or May Not Know About the Pacman
A lot has been written about Manny Pacquiao over the years. But there are still a few things you may not know. So here's a few things about Manny and a few about the Wild card for those who still can't get enough of the Pac-Man. In no particular order. Hopefully they will enlighten even the novice fans.
50. Manny's Biggest Upset Loss Did Not Come In The Ring
Manny lost his attempt at a congressional seat of his province of South Cotabato in the Philippine general election of May 2007. Incumbent congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio won by a landslide with a final tally of 139,061 votes over Pacquiao's 75,908 votes. Antonino-Custodio's major argument against the Pacman was that he would quit boxing if elected to congress. More people wanted Manny to keep fighting.
46. Manny Founded His Own Political Party
Founder and president of the People's Champ Movement (PCM), a political party focused on government posts in General Santos City (South Cotabato province) and Saranggani province. His political party, the People's Champ Movement (PCM), was approved by the Philippines' commission on elections as a legitimate entry for the 2010 elections.
44. Voted
And that's before he got really big!
43. Won The 2009 Star Award Newsmaker Of The Year
Don't tell me you didn't know that.
39. Loves To Sing Karaoke In LA's Koreatown District
His Karaoke nights have been the bane of Freddie Roach's existence the last few years.
37. Manny Fights Better Than Frank Stallone
Frank did beat Geraldo Rivera in a fight once, however.
36. Loves Thai Food.
When in LA, Manny eats Thai food almost every day at a joint below the Wild Card.
35. Never Turn Off The Champs Music
There is an unwritten rule at all boxing gyms that the Champ owns the music. Once a hot shot Fox News producer turned off Manny's Shakira CD without asking and he almost got torn limb from limb. Fortunately it was Manny. Pacman called off the dogs and saved the producer's hide. Who knows what would have happened if it was James Toney's CD.
33. Manny's Trainer Freddie Roach Is The 2nd Most Popular Man In The Philippines
They call him Coach Freddie.
32. Robert Duvall Came By The Wild Card To Meet Manny and Freddie
"I love the smell of napalm in the morning."
31. Arnold, Sly and Mark Wahlberg All Came By To Meet Manny, Too
They're all fans.
30. Filipino Town Is a Neighborhood In LA, and Manny Has Lots Of Friends There
This isn't one of them. But she IS from LA.
29. Manny's Wife Is Named Jinkee.
You probably knew that one.
28. He and Jinkee Have Four Kids.
And Jinkee still looks great.
27. His Real Name Is Emmanuel.
That's right.
26. His Middle Name Is Dapidran.
Don't know what it means.
25. You Can Call Him Dr. Pacquiao
Pacquiao was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa) by Southwestern University.
24. He's Defeated Fighters From 16 Countries
That's a lot.
23. He's Defeated 8 Mexican Fighters
That's why they call him the Mexicutioner.
18. Has A Presidential Medal Of Merit
On November 24, 2003, the then Philippine President Gloria macipagal-Arroyo conferrd it on Manny back in 2003.
17. Manny Agreed To a Rematch With Juan-Manuel Marquez After Their First Fight
This one is for the on-line haters. Marquez refused to fight a rematch with Manny at the time.
13. Manny Has Never Ducked Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Again for the haters. Manny and team Pacquiao have wanted Money May for a long time. They won't give away the fight, but last summer they did give into almost every demand that Floyd's people made.
12. Manny Gives Money To The Poor Every Day When He's Home
Manny, who grew up poor, gives money to people every day in the Philippines.
11. Manny Gives Out Loans To The Filipino Community In LA As Well.
He's really that guy.
10. Manny's Handlers Almost Blew The De La Hoya Fight.
Top Rank wanted to demand a bigger cut than Oscar was willing to offer. Then it was pointed out that Floyd Mayweather accepted the same deal and made a boatload of money and cooler heads prevailed.
9. Manny Had a Horrible Diet Before He Started Traing at The Wild Card
Much has been made of Manny's added strength as he has climbed the ranks. If you saw what Manny ate when he showed up at the Wild Card you would understand. Freddie Roach was appalled at the junk food Manny was living off of and immediately got Manny on a new diet.
8. Dionisia Pacquiao Is Manny's Mom
If you've ever seen pictures of Dionisia you might think she's Manny's older sister. But the youthful appearing 60 year old is really Manny's Mom.
7. Freddie Roach Knew Manny Was Special Almost Immediately
Freddie Roach was impressed with Manny's power and speed from the moment he worked the mitts with Pacman that first time. The fact that he took the Ledwaba fight at the last minute shows Roach's confidence in his fighter right out of the gate.
5. Pacquiao and Roach Are So In Sync They Usually Know What Round They Will Win
Ask Roach privately what he thinks and he'll know. He knew the first Morales and Marquez fights would be tough back in the day. Now they can almost call rounds.
4. Manny Takes Politics Seriously
In preparation for his career as a lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Pacquiao enrolled in the Certificate Course in Development, Legislation, and Governance at the Development Academy of the Philippines – Graduate School of Public and Development Management.
3. Manny Really Is a Nice Guy
Maybe it is his upbringing. Maybe it is his time with Freddie. But believe me he still treats people with kindness and humility. It is amazing to see and refreshing as well.
2. It Is Hard To Write 50 Things About Manny That People May Not Know
So much has been written about the man. And he's so focused.
1. He Wants Floyd Mayweather Bad
There are people who say this fight won't be made. But Manny will do whatever it takes to make it happen at this point. It is the only thing left for Pacquiao because he has nothing left to prove. He knows it will be a difficult fight. He knows that he could lose. But the best always want to fight the best.