Revered

ATHLETES do more than just  represent the flag where they came from. Their presence in every sporting event gives their countrymen hope, self-respect, and to many people—pride in who they are.
Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao did just that, when he gave his kababayans another reason to celebrate after prevailing against an undefeated opponent last Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Cotai Arena in Macau.
The Pambansang Kamao (Nation’s Fist) defended his WBO welterweight title against American pugilist Chris Algieri after 12 rounds of relentless displays of explosive punches and dynamic movements.
He wanted a KO victory but the match did not end the way Pacquiao wanted it to. Algieri asserted himself throughout the bout and challenged Pacquiao’s agility. With his eyes on the prize, Pacquiao stood his ground and outclassed his opponent on most rounds. Pacquiao admitted that Algieri was a tough fighter, making it difficult for him to achieve a knockout win.  In the entire spectacle, however, Pacquiao’s tenacity proved too much a task to handle for Algieri.
He brought his challenger to his knees, literally and figuratively, making Algieri hit the mat six times. When the clash concluded, Pacquiao was declared the winner via a unanimous decision from the judges. The 35-year-old Pinoy boxer improved his record to 57-5-2 with 38 KOs. As soon as Pacquiao’s hand was raised, signaling his victory, the Cotai Arena erupted into thunderous applause and delirious cheers.
There is something meaningful about cheering for your kababayan. With this kind of fanaticism, Pacquiao’s feat is an inspiration to Filipinos everywhere. He gave us something to watch and be passionate about. The whole world stood witness to Pacquiao’s rise to the top: from being the struggling 14-year-old boy who left his home in Mindanao to becoming the best fighter of his generation—and in the world. His commitment to the sport, and dedication to winning have catapulted him to be one of the most famous personalities in sports. His career, so far, embodies the stuff legends are made of.
Through his journey, Pacquiao managed to have millions of adoring of fans behind his back. His followers are so devoted that even in his defeat, they find cause for celebration. And why not? After all, his achievements supersede Pacman himself—winning eight championships in different weight divisions by beating boxing champions from around the world. All his hard work has manifested into millions of earnings, a successful showbiz career and a legislative post. His fame has propelled him to become one of the most revered Filipino icons of all time.
Pacquiao and other notable boxers are credited with sustaining the world’s continued love and support for boxing. But for Filipinos, more than the bouts, is Pacquiao himself who his kababayans look up to and idolize.
Pacquiao recognizes his influence, as he continues to live up to his devoted followers’ expectations. Pacquiao’s story is a reminder that heroes may come from all walks of life and in any profession. Not all heroes die in the battlefield or are killed in the line of duty, some can be ordinary men and women who inhabit extraordinary lives that make a change and inspire other people.
(AJPress)