Manny Pacquiao

Revision as of 13:14, 24 July 2011

Name: Manny Pacquiao
Alias: Pac Man
Birth Name: Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao
Born: 1978-12-17 (Age:34)
Birthplace: Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines
Nationality: Philippine
Hometown: General Santos City, Cotabato del Sur, Philippines
Stance: Southpaw
Height: 5′ 6½″   /   169cm
Reach: 67″   /   170cm
Boxing Record: click
Promoting Record: click

Trainer: Freddie Roach (2001 - present)
Manager: Shelly Finkel
Manny Pacquiao Gallery

Manny Pacquiao, sometimes known simply as "Pac Man," began his career in 1995, at age 16. He won his first couple of fights, before bumping into Rustico Torrecampo, who scored a third-round KO over Pacquiao. Pacquiao went forward with his career, before fighting Chokchai Chockvivat for the OPBF flyweight title. A few fights later in December of 1998, Pacquiao fought WBC flyweight champion Chatchai Sasakul. The bout was very even, the champion being elusive and a good counter puncher. Pacquiao won by KO in round eight, after which Sasakul did not get up for a few minutes. Pacquiao's next noteworthy assignment came when he fought Lehlohonolo Ledwaba for the IBF 122 lb title. Pacquiao came as a late sub on a few weeks notice and dominated the fight, knocking out the champ in six rounds. Pacquiao made a string of IBF title defenses before moving up in weight and fighting Marco Antonio Barrera. Pacquiao boxed well and his southpaw style seemed to be troubling Barrera. Pacquiao knocked down Barrera three times in this fight. Next Pacquiao fought Juan Manuel Marquez. Marquez was down three times in the first round. However, Marquez did come back to win many of the latter rounds and secure a draw. Pacquiao was then signed for a match with Erik Morales, at 130 pounds after a rematch with Marquez never materialized, because of Marquez demanding far too much money. In a candidate for Fight of the Year, Morales won a slim decision against Pacquiao, winning on all three judges scorecards by scores of 115-113.

He came back from the Morales defeat to knockout Hector Velazquez in six rounds. In January 2006, Pacquiao scored one of the biggest victories of his career, when he stopped Erik Morales in the 10th round of their rematch, the first stoppage loss of Morales career.

Pacquiao is extraordinarily popular in the Philippines, where he is currently the most popular athlete in his country. Pacquiao has branched into acting in Filipino movies and various business ventures as well, including a number of commercial endorsements, seen almost everyday on local TV. Pacquiao carried his country's flag at the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympic games.

Regional & Minor Titles

• OPBF Flyweight Title (1997 - 1998)
• WBC International Super Bantamweight Title (1999 - 2001)
• WBC International Super Featherweight Title (September 2005 - November 2007)
• IBO Light Welterweight Title (2009 - 2010)

World Titles

• WBC Flyweight Title
• IBF Super Bantamweight Title
• WBC Super Featherweight Title
• WBC Lightweight Title
• WBO Welterweight Title
• WBC Light Middleweight Title

Other Title Claims

Pacquiao was recognized as champion at featherweight by The Ring magazine. The website, Cyber Boxing Zone, also recognizes this claim. Pacquiao vacated his featherweight claim, after his loss to Erik Morales, expressing a desire to continue fighting at 130 pounds. Pacquiao knocked out Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009, to win the lineal (as recognized by the Cyber Boxing Zone), The Ring, and IBO junior welterweight titles.

Awards & Recognitions

• 2006, 2008 & 2009 ESPN "Fighter of the Year"
• 2006, 2008 & 2009 Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year
• 2006, 2008 & 2009 Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year
• 2007 World Boxing Hall of Fame Fighter of the Year
• Pacquiao's second round KO over Ricky Hatton was named the 2009 Ring Magazine Knockout of the Year.
• Voted the 2000-2009 "Fighter of the Decade" by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

External Links

• Official website
• Fan site
• IMDB Pacquiao page