Could Manny Pacquiao Become The Most Popular Boxer Of All Time?

Manny Pacquiao is a media junkie.  Even when he is not fighting, it seems he is all over the Internet and all over SportsCenter.  Well I admit, I am fascinated by him and his draw of numerous fans to the sport.

Pacquiao is a star but still is not to Ali status, yet Ali wasn't at Ali status until after his career was over.

Will Pacquiao be the most popular boxer of all time?

James Evens is a Purdue student and Basketball/Football Featured Columnist for the Boilermakers, along with being a Writing Intern at Bleacher Report.    Follow him on Twitter or like him on Facebook

Smart

Dondi Tawatao/Getty Images

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - NOVEMBER 20: Boxer and congressman, Manny Pacquiao attends his concert in Manila with wife Jinky and youngest daughter Qeen Elizabeth following his win of the WBC super welterweight crown against Mexican Antonio Margarito on Novembe

Pacquiao is very smart, in and out of the ring.  He has the ability to manipulate the media to portray him as a great guy.  

This will help him if he plans to become the most popular fighter of all time.

Political Career

Dondi Tawatao/Getty Images

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - NOVEMBER 20: Philippine President Benigno Aquinoo III addresses the audience at Malacanang Palace in Manila following Manny Pacquiao's win in the WBC super welterweight crown against Mexican Antonio Margarito on November 20, 2010 in

Pacquiao is not only known for boxing, but he is known for his political career in his home nation of the Philippines.  

Pacman holds public office, and is well liked, as well as being a world celebrity. 

Singing Career

Dondi Tawatao/Getty Images

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - NOVEMBER 20: Boxer and congressman, Manny Pacquiao performs with his band during a concert in Manila following his win of the WBC super welterweight crown against Mexican Antonio Margarito on November 20, 2010 in Manila, Philippines

Yet another talent of the Pacman is his ability to sing.  He often performs and is known for his appearances that excite the crowd.

Acting

Dondi Tawatao/Getty Images

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - NOVEMBER 20: Boxer and congressman, Manny Pacquiao attends his concert in Manila with wife Jinky and youngest daughter Qeen Elizabeth following his win of the WBC super welterweight crown against Mexican Antonio Margarito on Novembe

Manny has also started acting as of recent, and is becoming quite a star in that industry as well.  If he keeps this up, he might just have to quit boxing altogether.

He's a Champion

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 13: The likeness Manny Pacquiao (white trunks) of the Philippines is seen on the giant screen as he is introduced prior to fighting against Antonio Margarito (black trunks) of Mexico during their WBC World Super Welterweight Titl

Manny Pacquiao is a champion and rarely loses.  When he does lose, it's a national event and the world stops turning.  

Okay, so that was an exaggeration, but it doesn't happen often.

Not Controversial

Nick Laham/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 13: Manny Pacquiao (white trunks) of the Philippines celebrates after he was declared the winner by a unanimous decision against Antonio Margarito (black trunks) of Mexico during their WBC World Super Welterweight Title bout at C

This could actually hurt Manny in the long run.  The most popular fighters in the history of the sport have been controversial figures who were always in the media for the wrong reasons, i.e. Mike Tyson.

Even Ali was controversial back in his time.

Steroid Allegations

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - MARCH 13: (R-L) Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines throws a right to the head of Joshua Clottey of Ghana during the WBO welterweight title fight at Cowboys Stadium on March 13, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. Pacquiao defeated Clottey by unanimo

The steroid allegations have caused a lot of stir as of late and could hurt his image as a fighter in the future.  

If it is ever found that he took steroids, that could ruin his fan-base forever.

He Will Go Down As Popular, But Not the Most

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX - DECEMBER 23: Muhammad Ali attends the NBA game between the Miami Heat and the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on December 23, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Heat defeated the Suns 95-83. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees t

Finally I have determined that he will go down as very popular but not the most popular in the sport.

Muhammad Ali will always carry that title, unless someone better and bigger comes along to knock him off that perch, and Manny is not the man to do that.