Manny Pacquiao: Does He Have the Same Mystique As Muhammad Ali?
No one argues Manny Pacquiao's place in boxing.
The pound-for-pound king returns to the ring on May 7 against Shane Mosley, looking to add to an already incredible legacy. There's no doubt that Pacquiao is a future hall-of-famer, and most fans know he is a beloved figure back home in the Philippines. As great of a champion as he is, and when his enormous appeal is factored in, the question exists: Does he have the same mystique as Muhammad Ali?
At first glance, the question seems a little absurd to even consider. Here are five reasons it's the same, and five reasons it's not:
Reason No. 5 It's The Same: Ducking Nobody
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Ali and Pacquiao haven't ducked anyone, and each kept on winning. Part of their mystique, though, has been forged through punishment: Ali got whupped in his first fight with Joe Frazier, and had his jaw broke by Ken Norton Sr. Ali also said the legendary "Thrilla in Manilla" was "the closest I've ever felt to
death." Pacquiao, too, has been in brutal fights with Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez.
Reason No. 5 It's Not: They Remain in Awe
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For decades, Ali's the only athlete who has attained mythical status and is admired by presidents, dictators, princes, other athletes and actors (pictured, with Will Smith) and actresses.
Reason No. 4 It's the Same: Self-Confidence
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While they have completely opposite personalities, both Pacquiao and Ali are fighters who display the same confidence in themselves and their abilities. Even in tough fights, and losses, neither gave up and kept trying until the final bell.
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Reason No. 4 It's Not: Polar Opposite Personalities
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On TV and in interviews, Pacquiao is more reserved and quiet. Ali, on the other hand, was always loud, brash and cocky. Pacquiao wasn't born here, either, but his English has continued to improve, and he's also had more major interview opportunities as well. Ali never left the TV after he upset Sonny Liston in
1964 when he was still known as Cassius Clay.
Reason No. 3 It's the Same: Delivering Punishment
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They've taken shots, but more times than not, Ali and Pacquiao have both delivered plenty of punishment too. Fans will remember how Ali knocked out Foreman when they fought in 1974 in what's known as "The Rumble in the Jungle." Pacquiao has also knocked out Ricky Hatton, had Oscar De La Hoya not even want to continue fighting, and left Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito bruised, bloodied, disfigured messes.
Reason No. 3 It's Not: Hasn't Been Matched
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Ali's been retired for a long time, and his success is something that still hasn't been matched by anyone in the heavyweight division.
Most thought Mike Tyson would be the heir apparent, but we all saw how that worked out. Evander Holyfield was well-liked and had a huge following, but he also lost twice to Riddick Bowe and to Michael Moorer. He was cheered by many, though, when he upset Tyson in their first fight. Lennox Lewis was a respectable, talented champion, but the British heavyweight was never going to captivate American sports fans.
Both the Klitschko brothers are talented as well, but being from Europe and fighting in an atrocious heavyweight division doesn't help their cases either.
Reason No. 2 It's the Same: Name Brand Recognition
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Back when Ali fought and now with Pacquiao, fans tune in because they know they'll be treated to entertaining fights featuring two very complete fighters. Even if both whupped their opponents, seeing their talent on display was worthwhile. Back then, and now, it's obvious that both are once-in-a-generation fighters.
Reason No. 2 It's Not: Different Level
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Ali's mystique was developed in the sport's glamour division against great opponents like Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Ken Norton and Larry Holmes. While he's won eight world titles in eight weight classes, and faced just as many quality opponents, champions like Pacquiao simply will never be
held in the same regard by general sports fans as heavyweight champions are.
Reason No. 1 It's the Same: Transcending the Sport
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When Ali was emerging, he became loved by many African-Americans in the United States and eventually by people worldwide. He even took a photo with the Beatles. Pacquiao is an icon in the Philippines, and even won a seat in Congress last year. Both have also had throngs of reporters following, and
documenting, their every move.
Reason No. 1 It's Not: The Showman
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Ali was a master showman. He constantly played to the camera, whether it was reciting poetry, taunting opponents like Joe Frazier or Sonny Liston, or holding court with Howard Cosell in one of their priceless interviews. Ali basically invented trash talk and his emergence came just as more Americans were buying
TVs for their homes. The timing couldn't have been more perfect.
Conclusion
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If you're talking just about their talent, both stand out above the rest. But Muhammad Ali's mystique was just as much about his personality and charisma, and that will never be matched.
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