Manny Pacquiao blows out candles but what about Floyd Mayweather? -- Examiner.com

By Michael Marley, Examiner.com

AP Photo Madame President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, with the National Fist, Manny Pacquiao

There are 31 candles on the big birthday cake today (December 17) in GenSan and they say Miguel Cotto will be among those celebrating Manny Pacquiao’s natal day along with Jinkee, Pacmom and all the rest of the extended family.

I know Manny will blow out the candles but can he blow out Floyd Mayweather Jr.?

The world may get that answer come March 13, or so we all hope.

H is for the Hammer of a left hand that some refer to as “Manila Ice,” by any name it chilled Ricky Hatton, defrosted Oscar de la Hoya and put Miguel Cotto into cold storage.

A is for the Awesome attitude of the kid finding exactly what he begged Santa Claus to get for him under the Christmas tree, the humble manner and unimpeachable joy that Manny exudes for, well, just for being Manny.

P is for the punching power which is both quick and explosive, the likes of which Floyd Mayweather Jr., defensive wizard, has never had looming in his face.

P is for the Pinoy Power that Pacman has running through his veins, knowing that 97 million countryman are on his boxing back and supporting him to the fullest.

Y is for the Yet meaning that we probably have yet to see the absolute best of a still peaking Pacquiao. Just turning age 31 today, the most frightening thought for Money May or any other foe is that he keeps on getting better from fight to fight.

B is for the Bombs he rained on the head and body of Overmatched Oscar, on Hapless Hatton and Courageous Cotto. Don’t worry about Iran’s nuclear power, be concerned with the nukes inside Pacman’s gloves.

I is for the undeniable fact that it’s not all I, I, I, I, I—all about him—when Pacman discusses his success. Full credit is given to Coach Freddie Roach, to his entire team and, of course, to the Big Guy Upstairs.

President GMA probably wishes she was riding the huge wave of popularity that Pacman enjoys, hang ten, Madame President! (Mylot.com)

R is for the rebound a young Pacquiao made for those early career losses, defeats which could have crushed the fighting spirit and career of a lesser fighter. In many ways, how he handled those defeats were the first ingredients for his massive talent of today.

T is for the Tenacious style Manny brings not only to a fight but to the everyday rigors of training, how he always wants more rounds on the mitts with Coach Roach, how he and his little mutt named “Pacman” log mile after mile, be it in Baguio or the Hollywood Hills.

H is for Hero status which Pacquiao wears so well. I bet he pinches himself every morning and says his prayers at bedtime every night. Given the world’s economic turmoil, there’s never been a time for a humble hero and he is it.

D is for the dominance of his sizzling victories over Oscar, Hatton and Cotto but let’s not forget that Manny had to take some hot licks (see bandaged ear) from the Boricua Bomber before he could overpower him.

A is for the troops on the ground, in the Philippines, in Canada, in the UK, in United Arab Emirates, in Australia, in Hong Kong and elsewhere, including all the OFWs scattered through the Filipino Diaspora. They are, as I like to refer to them, the PWA, Pacquiao Worldwide Army and they count on marching to victory over Mayweather in the ultimate battle.

Y is for the Youth and the impact Pacquiao has on the young people of his nation. Like it or not,. he is a role model by acclamation. Maybe with Tiger Woods’ every day bimbo eruptions turning into hot, molten lava, it’s not a good time period to cite a superstar athlete as Family Guy but Pacman seems to be all that and a serving of balut.

(mlcmarley@aol.com)

Source: examiner.com