Unsaved By The Bell

At 2 minutes 59 seconds of the sixth round, Manny Pacquiao was knocked down by Juan Marquez.  Many may be surprised, as we were used of Manny's opponents usually were the ones who were sent flat on the canvass.  But hey, that's why it's called sport.  It's not all the time our guy or team wins, and this time Juan was the better man.  He really had hit Manny pretty good, which Manny never denied during his interviews.

Lucky shot or not, a win is a win, and it's all that matters.  Let's just be happy that none of them incurred permanent damage or worse, disability.  Juan, won it fair and square.  It's his day, let's just give it to him and let him celebrate his victory.  And for Manny, he gave his all and though this time was a lose, we should not forget that he was the one who brought back our country in the map, making us known to the whole world.  He risks his life everytime he steps in the ring, no matter what the outcome maybe, he deserves a hero's welcome, win or lose.

Religion wise, our Lord is fair and just.  Both players, may it be Manny or Juan is a son to Him, as every single one of us.  He didn't and wouldn't side to any of the player.  So the change in Manny's religion, doesn't really answer why he lost the game.  He still believes in the same God, does he?  And blaming his loss to his religion is like blaming our Lord for it.  So, let us just think that everything that happened had it's reason, maybe to humble us in a way.

For Manny, the Filipinos love you no matter what.  You already are a legend being the only boxer in the world who won world titles in eight different weight divisions and no one can take that away.  The Filipinos take pride on that.  You have far uplifted the hopes of Filipinos in the international world, because of you, a lot became proud of who they are, and started exceling in their own fields.  And that I think, is one of the many things the country should be thankful to you.

It's just a defeat compared to all his victories.  I think for now, if Manny decides to continue with his boxing profession, he must learn from what had happened and think of it as a thing of the past.  Moving forward, he was thinking of sharing his blessings to those unfortunate brothers of ours who were badly affected by typhoon Pablo.  And that's the best move for him now, for even his defeat will be nothing compared to the loss experienced by these people.

True champions are those who recognize defeat, know how to stand to it and use it to win again.  Yahweh bless.

After Pacquiao's Defeat To Bradley

After a winning streak of 7 years in boxing, Manny Pacquiao lost to Timothy Bradley by a split decision during their recently concluded fight on June 9, 2012 at the MGM Arena.  There's a lot of speculations and different views about the fight, where Manny  landed more cleaner blows than Bradley, while Bradley had a lot of thrown punches than Manny, and so on and so forth.

But there were judges and its their duty to come up with the decision.  What others may think doesn't really matter for them.  It was their sole judgement, whatever their reason maybe, for choosing Bradley to win the match.  Nonetheless, I want to share my views about the fight.

Sorry, it's just hard to find shots where Bradley's punching Manny.

Much bigger expectations  from Manny.  After his no knockdown fight with Marquez, the judges, as much as all the viewers, were expecting Manny to step up and do a more convincing winning performance above the ring.  Seeing more aggressiveness from Bradley, especially from the later rounds, might had gotten the attention and votes of the 2 judges.

Focus on the fight.  Even though its just a game, I can just imagine myself beating up a person or getting beaten up by someone, in front of my young children.  With all the blood coming out and other stuff, not to mention thinking about other controversies and big expectations.  I don't know about, Manny, but me, I can't focus with all of that.  Though its not an excuse.

Finding that lost spark.  Manny is still young to retire.  His game wasn't that bad, he was not knocked down and there was not even a portion in the fight that he was really overpowered by Bradley.  I think this loss by Manny will bring out that desire and hunger to win again, which someone won't feel especially when your on top.

The power of prayer.  We are so used to Manny winning every fight he had that we forgot to pray for him.  Remember how each and everyone offer a simple prayer for Manny's victory on his previous fights especially when he was still beginning to fight internationally?  I bet, there were more praying for Bradley during their fight.

Morale check.  Not so many people are talking about the fight.  For a long time, Manny Pacquiao always had been our nation's pride.  Because of him, many Filipinos around the world are proud of their being a Filipino or having a Filipino blood.  It's because of him, Filipinos found confidence to succeed in different fields around the world.  It's because of him that we are again recognized in the world map, giving due recognition to our cities not frequently heard by other countries.  I guess we are just sad about Manny's loss.  But life must go on, looking forward for the rematch this November.

Heads up, guys, Manny Pacquiao is the only 8 Division World Champion.  It will be a while before someone can even match that.  To Manny, you will still be our champion, win or lose.  Yahweh bless.

Pacquiao Vs Marquez III - Pacquiao Won By Majority Decision

Manny Pacquiao did it again, gave his country another valuable recognition by defeating Juan Manuel Marquez for the second time.  Marquez knew from the very start, that the only way he could defeat the defending champion was to be the aggressor and he should be able to knockdown Manny in the game.  But through the rest of the game, Manny had always been the one moving forward and was most of the time, the one throwing the first punch... I know it's sad for Marquez fans to see their idol lose the game but I guess having the fact that majority of the judges, 1 draw while the other 2 scored in favor of Manny, should be enough and respected... as it should be the case should the result goes the other way around.

I saw how sad Manny was, when a lot was booing him... he didn't even raised his hands at the end of the game... not because he knew he was going to lose but because he might be thinking that he had given his all... risked everything... but it was not still enough to please the crowd.  Is it just that we expected too much from him, that in every fight he must knock out the opponent or destroy their faces?  People has limitations, and we should know that... Having fought an opponent for a couple of times makes someone somewhat familiar to his moves.  That might be the case here.  It's just sad to hear some people... more even from our very own kababayans, commenting that it should be the other way around... Hey, a Filipino won... risked his life just to fight for our nation's pride... It's really true, you just can't please everyone.

To Manny... it is a great pleasure of having you as our sportsman icon and proud of you being a Filipino.  You had given our country much pride than any other Filipino had... you've put us back in the map... and made us known to the whole world.  You showed great courage and determination in your fights... but  what I admired in you most, is that I always only hear kind words from you... even if it is for your opponent... a perfect sportsman... a perfect gentleman... And you never forget the Lord... that made you a perfect example to all people of all ages.  Whatever they say, it was a game well played and was decided fairly... My sincere thanks for again making our country proud... Congratulations... To Yahweh be the glory.

Thank You Manny Pacquiao

If there is something I'm proud of being a Filipino... one of them will be Manny Pacquiao.  He had not only made a spectacular and unmatched boxing career and changed the world boxing history of becoming an eight division world champion, winning 10 world titles below him... he had also put the Philippines in the world map.  Because of him, I heard a lot of Filipinos around the world now speaking of their being a Filipino or having Filipino blood.  The world watched every match he wins which brought honor to our country.  And  every match he made united us, making every Filipino stop for a while (even the crime rates in all parts of the country falls down and there were no encounters between the military and the anti-government forces).  I may conclude I'm not the only one proud. Truly worthy of being the "Pambansang Kamao".

Emmanuel "Manny" Dapidran Pacquiao

Because of him, people around the world are beginning to see us Filipinos... recognizing us in different fields... treating us with respect and high regards.  This is because Manny represented us all, very down to earth, God-fearing and shown true sportsmanship in his fights.  You seldom hear Manny bragging about himself nor throwing cruel or harsh words to his opponents.  That only shows a person with good breeding, he may not have good educational background during his childhood and adolescence but he's far better than those who might have master's or doctor's degree but have used it for their personal advantage and/or to favor/benefit a few corrupt, influential and power greedy persons. 

Before I again lose my focus on corruption, let me just thank the Pac-man.  It's a pride for us Filipinos having you and other great people who brings honor to our country.  You showed us, that if you just strive hard and put your focus in what you want, you can achieve anything... Pacquiao had made his way up to the boxing ladder... he earned his education... he reached what he dreamed of... he became an actor, a singer,  a true public servant (congressman)... most of all, the greatest boxer in history during his time... and he did these without stepping on anyone or at anyone's risk.  No matter what happens to your upcoming fights, we Filipinos will always be proud, what you did is already more than enough.  It just nice to think, that our country might have a hope after all.  May God bless our country with more people like Manny.