Manny Pacquiao: Pac-Man's Wide Ranging Exposure Helps Boxing Remain Relevant

Manny Pacquiao is the face of boxing, not only in the United States and the Philippines, but around the world. Although the sport has struggled to remain mainstream over the past decade, Pac-Man's presence helps it stay relevant.

That exposure will continue with the release of Esquire Philippines, a new magazine due out next month. To nobody's surprise, Pacquiao graces the cover.

GMA News, which calls itself the go-to site for Filipinos everywhere, discusses the release.

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The boxing champ slash congressman of Saranggani province graces the cover of Esquire Philippines–out this October–as five magazine writers go “5 Rounds with Manny Pacquiao" inside the magazine’s maiden issue.

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Pacquiao was also featured in the February 2011 issue of Esquire UK, in an article recounting the Saranggani congressman’s electoral campaign, his rags-to-riches story, and his then-recent victory over boxer Antonio Margarito.

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With the emergence of MMA, boxing is in constant battle for a pay-per-view audience. There aren't many sure things left in the sport, but Pacquiao is one of them. And as long as he continues to get in the ring, boxing will survive.

The mega fight between Pac-Man and Floyd “Money” Mayweather may or may not happen, but Pacquiao should do everything within his power to get a deal done. It's the only bout that could revitalize the sport.

Mayweather has delayed any deal by forcing Pacquiao into Olympic-style drug testing. It seems like pure posturing on the part of Mayweather, but it has worked so far.

While it would mess with his usual pre-fight regimen, Pac-Man has to know it's a bluff by Mayweather. He should call it and force the only man who would give him a real battle to show his hand.

It would be a win-win Sarangani congressman. If Mayweather accepts to fight, Pacquiao gets a big pay day and would probably win. If Mayweather backs down, he looks like an invincible superhero.

The powers that be in the sport aren't going to force Manny to make any decisions, though. They know if he decides to hang up his gloves, the sport is in major trouble. He needs to keep fighting until a new superstar emerges to save the day.

Manny Pacquiao isn't just a boxer, he's a global icon that reminds people that boxing still exists.