The Charm of Manny Pacquiao

I hope you caught at least a glimpse of the historic bout last Saturday. You know, that one between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto.

Sometimes I wonder if there is any Filipino anywhere who is totally unaware of what went down that night. Pacquiao is so huge that the entire Philippines seems to stop to watch his fights. All over the world, Filipinos gather together in gyms, community areas and homes to cheer him on.

It was a great fight. I admit I was nervous before it started, because Cotto was taller, stronger and rather meaner-looking, with his shaved head and unsmiling visage.

Manny, on the other hand, looked a little unkempt, his hair a little long. He entered the MGM Grand arena grinning and waving, as if he was about to have a meet-and-greet with fans, instead of get beat on by a muscle-bound fighter. The commentators on the fight even remarked whether there was ever any boxer who smiled as much on his way to a bout.

There, I think, is one of the secrets of Manny’s popularity. On Saturday, he showed us all how great he really is. Whatever doubters he might have had before this fight should be silent now. He took some hard punches from Cotto, yet he was able to stand his ground, control the fight, and finally beat his opponent to submission (TKO in the 12th round, if you didn’t yet know).

But Manny’s charm is what endears him so to his fans. Sure, Filipinos would still love him even if he’s surly and haughty. But, since he’s not, he is adored.

When I watch a video clip of Manny anywhere, he almost always makes me laugh. He’s cute, he’s funny, he’s not self-conscious, and, at heart, he seems to be a very simple guy. He doesn’t answer in ways that are designed to please the media. He tells it as it is, and is always ready to laugh, even at his own words.

Watch this interview of him at ESPN. Brian Kenny asks Manny whether he was so confident of a win against Cotto that he actually booked a concert at the Mandalay Bay after the fight. Manny said, “Yeah” matter-of-factly, then burst out laughing, as if he didn’t want to appear that he was too confident but he just couldn’t help it. He must also have realized how ridiculous such a schedule might sound. But this is the way he is, Manny Pacquiao, whose idea of relaxing after a big fight is to sing a few songs at a concert. And what fan will not love him for that?

Manny Pacquiao is the greatest Filipino boxer ever, now with 7 titles in as many weight divisions. He is also, by any standard, one of the most beloved national figures we’ve seen in a while. He has the goods to deliver and the charm to make it look easy and fun.

Thanks, Manny, for a great win and the joy you give to Filipinos everywhere.

image via Picapp