Manny Pacquiao and Success

Manny Pacquiao became the first in history to earn 7 titles in 7 divisions when he demolished Cotto during the eventful Firepower. The fact that it took so long for someone to achieve this kind of feat simply means that it is a very difficult task to accomplish. But what made him so successful? How did he do it? Here are a 5 things that have contributed to his success.

Action

Manny Pacquiao is a man of action. He doesn't just say what needs to be done, but does what he needs to do. He knows his priorities and acts on them first hand. He does not leave for tomorrow what he can do for today.

Heart

Manny has passion for what he does. No matter who his next opponent is, he practices hard and always opts to go the extra mile. No one is too great for him to lose his heart, nor is anyone too small for him to engage half-baked. He does things to the best of his abilities and strives hard to continue to improve his skills.

Focus

Even in the aftermath of the typhoons hitting the Philippines during his training camp in Baguio, being visited by fans, and doing activities that seemed to affect his training, Manny stayed focused. He didn't allow himself to be distracted from all the fuss that was going on. Yes he did entertain politicians and fans visiting him, a little cocktail party, and even visited typhoon victims, but when it's time to go back to business, it's only business that he attends to.

Humility

After defeating Cotto and earning the 7th title of his career, Manny still declared, "I'm just an ordinary boxer." He never considers himself as better anyone else. He doesn't underestimate his opponents. He doesn't think that he is the best, but he works hard to be the best that he can be.

Faith

Before and after every match, Manny kneels down on his corner and prays for "Thy will be done." He prays that he will be able to give a good fight, that he and his opponent be kept safe from serious injuries the sport holds, and whether win or lose, whatever is the will of his Father up above, so be it. His display of faith is there for every person to see. One doesn't have to be a Christian to see that he dedicates his fight in the hands of God, that we might also follow what the Church have taught us all the time: to seek the Lord's will and ask for His wisdom and guidance in everything that we do.

These 5 things are not just given to Pacquiao. These things are priceless and do not require too much effort to acquire. In our own little ways, whether at work or at school, we can acquire these traits by doing things and chores with all our hearts. It doesn't have to be boxing, as Pacquiao does.  It doesn't have to be big. It can be the work that we have right now, or maybe the simple chore that we have at home. Big things come from small beginnings, and so did the Pacman. Always remember that the things that happen today are supposed to prepare us for a greater challenge tomorrow, just as Manny began as an unknown boxer to a champion who is acknowledged worldwide. Best of all, the God that watches over our champion is the same God that watches over all of us. All we need to do is bow down our heads and pray that he might bless us for the things that we are doing and praise Him for all the good things that He has shown to us.

May God bless us all.

My Thoughts on Firepower: Pacquiao Vs Cotto

History was made on Saturday, November 14, 2009, when Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao beat Miguel Cotto. With referee Kenny Bayless stopping the fight 55 seconds into the 12th round, the Pacman officially became the first boxer in history to win seven titles in seven divisions.

Cotto came in strong in the opening round when he delivered powerful jabs. But Pacman dominated the welterweight champion in virtually the next 11 rounds knocking him down in the 3rd and 4th round.

After a convincing performance over the latest former welterweight champion, Pacquiao erased all doubts that cloud his legitimacy as the pound-for-pound king. The two knockdowns prove that his power is strong enough to bring a welterweight champion to the canvas. He proved that his chin and body are hard enough to withstand a welterweight punch when he took 93 power punches. The 276 power punches that landed speaks that his speed and accuracy are still blinding even to a formidable welterweight in his prime.

At the end of the night, Pacquiao placed himself as one of boxing's all-time greats, joining the likes Ali, Leonard, and Hagler. But there is still one more test that people would like to see: a showdown with the former pound-for-pound king Mayweather. But will that fight ever happen? That will be for Bob Arum and Money Mayweather to discuss. Pacquiao and his team for sure will not back down if the price is right. He never did. He never will.