By this time, Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao would already be prepped and psyched for his rematch fight with Timothy Bradley at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Amid put-downs made by his opponent Bradley (who said that Manny no longer has the “killer instinct”), the good-natured Filipino boxing champ took the high road and viewed Bradley’s taunts as a challenge, instead of engaging in a spat which is typical among boxing champs and high-profile fighters.
But all things considered, regardless of the outcome of tonight’s fight, Manny really has nothing else to prove — both inside and outside the ring.
He has already earned the respect and admiration, not just of his kababayans, colleagues and past opponents.
Who else has bragging rights, being told by a former US President to run for the presidency? Yet, Pacquiao chose to downplay Pres. Bill Clinton’s magnanimous compliment, saying he would be better off doing his job as Saranggani congressman.
Who else has been invited several times to The Jimmy Kimmel Show, who enjoys himself immensely, musters the courage to belt out some tone-deaf singing and still manages to laugh at himself?
Who is constantly being visited by high-profile Hollywood celebrities, athletes and politicians during training? Only Manny.
Yet, the biggest irony is that Manny never asked for the fame that’s being afforded him. He welcomes every invite, every visit, every compliment (even every taunt or insult) with his trademark sheepish grin.
Many would say that greatness can only be measured by the number of triumphs and one’s longevity in sustaining victories and successes.
But greatness and excellence are two different things.
When Manny first lost to Bradley (via controversial decision) he didn’t whine nor grit his teeth, nor trash-talked about his opponent. He respected the judges’ decision and did not let it deter him from going back into the ring.
When Manny hit the canvas and lost to his nemesis, Juan Manuel Marquez, there was no anger nor resentment from his end — only a painful loss and lessons learned from it.
These are the qualities which make Manny stand out from the rest. He fights, not for himself, but for his countrymen and because as he said: “It is God’s will.”
His youth and fighting form may fade away, but his graciousness in both triumph and defeat will long be remembered by those who admire and respect him.
Despite his achievements and growing number of fans, Manny remains grounded. He is still the same down-to-earth dreamer from the humble province of Saranggani.
His dreams and aspirations remain basic and sincere: to be able to pay his good fortune forward and to help his kababayans in any way he can.
Clearly, with everything that he has accomplished, Manny Pacquiao already has it made. And no one, not even a potential opponent (who does nothing but trash talk and dodge every opportunity to fight him) could bring Manny down and prevent him from having the time of his life.
All Manny needs to do is smile.