Manny Pacquiao meets Ricky Hatton in 12 days' time at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, a fistic appointment which is generating huge interest. Everyone has an opinion on this contest.
Yet few, if any, boxers on the planet, however, can command the rapt attention of a nation like the man from Mindanao. I thought it important to get an inside view of Pacquiao from a compatriot of his.
I had an intriguing - enlightening - conversation in Los Angeles, just outside the Wild Card Gym with Granville Ampong, the respected Los Angeles-based journalist from The Philippines who is editor and publisher of the Maharlikan Times, and files for several Filipino newspapers.
I asked Granville how Manny is viewed by his own people, why there is such huge interest. The only comparison I can come up with of equal status in the UK would be, say, a figure who incorporates the sporting popularity of David Beckham, the quasi-feverish adoration of the late Diana Spencer, combined with perhaps the rock star status of a modern music icon.
It seems that Manny Pacquiao really is a phenomenon. More than simply a boxer. His appeal reaches deeper into the nationality identity. So many Filipinos identify with a quality which Pacquiao embodies.
Ampong explained: "The early life of Manny Pacquiao serves as a paradigm shift, it serves to show people what life can be. Manny launched himself in the US [from 2001], possibly the embodiment in the US of The American Dream, but seen in the context of The Philippines, he has become an icon for Filipinos, not just for their future dreams, but for future generations to look up to. Manny bridges the generations."
I suggested he has become like an uncrowned Prince of the nation.
"For one thing," explains Granville, "The Philippines is in a state of economic meltdown, like everywhere else in the world at present. On the one hand he is an inspiration for people, but he has also been a saving grace for the Philippine government on more than one occasion."
"Our country is also in a state of political chaos; he practically saved the status of the Philippine Government of [Gloria] Arroyo from the attack of revolutionaries. The masses, prompted by the elite, could have overthrown the Government."
There is the suggestion that each time Manny fights, he has a soothing affect on the ills of the nation. But he also represents the strength of the Cathloic faith.
"Other than inspiration, he has great spirituality. You can see men, women, children, beggars with tears in their eyes because they can see an icon they have been dreaming of for so long."
"The Philippines has lost the essence of being a true Maharlikan nation. Long before the Spanish conquered the island [and renamed it after the Spanish royal Felipe] the Maharlikans were a great nation. The spirit of the Maharlikan was imbued with a sense of royalty, and one of divinity. Manny has that parallel in his life. He has the truism of a real national hero."
"He is developing a national identity harking back to the traditional roots. There are so many implications in that..."
I am reminded of the words of Bob Arum, Pacquiao's veteran promoter, who has told me on more than one occasion that he is convinced Pacquiao could one day be voted in as President of his country.
Arum has compared Pacquiao to a modern day Muhammad Ali. Ampong agrees. "Ali's life, his boxing and his faith, are inseparable. Pacquiao, like Ali, has so much humility and altruism. Both are philanthropists. They may have contrasting views, but they have a communality in their faith."
As a filipino (or should that be Maharlikan) does Ampong see Pacquiao as a potential future president ?
"Manny is a charismatic leader. He could be an inspiration for 2 or 3 years, but what we will need are results. Being in power is ultimately about understanding the law, the process of legislation. Becoming a President is not just about being a figurehead."
"He has natural intelligence, but he is short of acquired intelligence, or education. It is too premature to judge his future plans. What may be difficult to bridge within Filipino politics is the reality of the situation and the idealistic wishes Manny Pacquiao has. His motives are pure. He is a crowd pleaser, a nice man. It's going to be very, very difficult for him [in Filipino politics]. That's my opinion."
Viewed with a broad brush with such a backdrop, it is easy to see why there is so much passion, almost vehemence at time, posted by his supporters on forums in support of the fighter. He is the man so many Filipinos desperately want to see succeed. Because he is fighting for them, and their identity.
Source: telegraph.co.uk
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