Manny Pacquiao

Imagine a young, poor child sitting on the corner of a busy intersection. Him sitting down, selling cigarettes by the piece. He looks starved and probably does not know where his next meal is. Even if it all looks hopeless the little child continues to sell cigarettes, trying to survive, refusing to give up. It is no wonder that the determined child grew up to become the man known as The Mexicutioner, The Filipino Slugger, and his most beloved title, Manny "The Pac-Man" Pacquiao. Born in 1978, Pacquiao was born  on the island of Mindanao in the country of Philippines. Fighting his way out of his poverty, Manny became the most feared and legendary boxer of his era, winning 10 titles in 8 different weight divisions over the course of his career. Not only has Pacquiao made a living in boxing, but the boxer has looked to expand his talents into acting, singing, and has even tried to finally bring peace to the Philippines as a senator. He also continuously aids the Philippines with his donations to the country and its people. Pacquiao's courageous feats in the ring, acts of generosity and kindness to his home, and ambitious attitude truly defines him as a modern day hero.

Pacquiao's courageous feats fighting in the ring and his journey to become the man he is today is one of his most heroic traits. Like many in the Philippines, Manny grew up in a life of poverty. Unlike many however, Manny took it upon himself to take care of his family. "When he was young, Pacquiao sold candy and cigarettes on the streets. There were days he didn't make enough to eat. At 14, he ran away -- stowed away, actually -- to Manila to help earn more money for his siblings and single mother. At first he was a laborer, but he soon learned he could earn 100 pesos (a few U.S. dollars) fighting unsanctioned bouts -- the kind where the losers occasionally died."(Manny Pacquiao.). Manny's early life wasn't easy. Unlike many of us, Manny had to resort to menial jobs such as selling candy and cigarettes on the streets. He did this all at the age of 14. During the times when many teenagers would be learning within a school, Manny was forced onto the job of a provider at a young age. He courageously took this role knowing he was counted upon by his siblings and his mother. Most kids nowadays procrastinate and choose not to make commitments they could not handle. Manny, as a child, courageously gave up his education to better his family knowing it was the right choice. His acts of courage did not stop at merely just selling things on the street. Manny chose to take a risk and stow away onto a boat to the Philippines to earn more money for his family as a champion boxer. However, these fights were unsanctioned and thus proved to be very dangerous and sometimes could lead to the death of one of the fighters. Everyday he risked his life to train and become a champion who could support his troubled family. Manny's courageous feats did not end at the end of his childhood days. They continued well into his prime years of boxing. His will and determination in training led him into becoming one of the best boxers in the world and him challenging Oscar De La Hoya, one of the best boxers at the time. "When it was determined that Pacquiao would fight American boxer Oscar De La Hoya, many observers speculated that Pacquiao was out of his league. De La Hoya had won ten titles in six weight classes and was a former Olympic gold medal winner. At the time he also outweighed Pacquiao by 20 pounds. When they met in the ring in Las Vegas on December 13, 2008, the general opinion was that it was a severe mismatch. However, Pacquiao made headlines when he beat De La Hoya in an eighth-round technical knockout."(Manny Pacquiao.). Manny's small stature led many to believe he would be weak when fighting boxing legend  Oscar De La Hoya. However, even with knowing Oscar's impressive resume, Oscar having won ten titles in six weight classes and an Olympic gold medal. Pacquiao still sought to fight the legend, no matter how good of a boxer Oscar De La Hoya was known for. He craved to prove he was a champion by beating the very best. Entering the fight Manny was not just at a disadvantage in the eyes of the crowd, he was statistically at a disadvantage being 20 pounds lighter than Oscar De La Hoya. Having the larger weight and body many could not see Pacquiao beating De La Hoya, the fight being seen as a severe mismatch. Even knowing all of this, Manny was courageous enough to step up and beat De La Hoya in an eighth-round technical knockout. Manny has proven he has the courage to do things many would not have the guts to do. Starting from his childhood, he chose to forego his education and train to become a champion to help provide for his family. He later took it to a whole another level, challenging legend Oscar De La Hoya, a living legend, to prove his worth as a boxer.

Pacquiao's generosity with his donations to the Philippines and its people and his continuous support and aid to the country proves his willingness to give, proving his heroism. During the rise of Manny's success he spent a large amount of his money on others. "When one of his sparring partners said he was getting married, Manny Pacquiao helped the newlyweds buy a house. When the poor province in which he grew up in the Philippines needed a hospital, he ponied up some of the money for one "(Pacquiao Opens Wallet). Manny's generosity knows no bounds when it comes to his personal wealth. Once Manny figured out one of his sparring partners was getting married, he did not even question on aiding them to purchasing a house, no doubt in gratitude for his help in his training. His excess wealth allows Manny to aid others and help those in need of his assistance. When he found out his old province needed a hospital, "...he ponied up some of his money for one." Manny stays loyal and generous no how big he gets and he is always willing to help those who need him. Even when its a whole province, Manny still chooses to give. Generosity is not only defined in the act of giving money, but also through the act of giving one's time. "His electoral promise was to lobby for the 600,000 people in his constituency who do not have free education or healthcare. Pacquiao ran twice for and finally won a post in congress. He helped start one program to give cattle to farmers and another to give small motors to fishermen for their boats." (Manny Pacquiao.). Not only has Manny donated his wealth but even his time. Even while boxing Manny ran twice for a position in the Filipino congress. As an athlete, time spent training is so important, yet Manny donates his time towards the possibility of becoming a senator and help better the third-world country of the Philippines. Manny's devotion can be seen with the programs he also had started. "He helped start one program to give cattle to farmers and another to give small motors to fishermen for their boats." Manny wants to help the middle-class workers of the Philippines so he is happy to generously donate his time to make a difference in the filipino senate. From his donations to his friends and the needy in the Philippines and his effort to better his home, defines his generosity, is one of his true traits of heroism.

Manny's ambition has shown he is constantly looking to improve himself and people around him. Manny's clear ambition can be seen with his many accolades in the ring. "Pacquiao is the first boxer ever to win ten world titles in eight different weight divisions. He has been described as being the toughest man alive, pound for pound. He has a record of fifty-four wins, three losses, and two draws. Thirty-eight of his wins came about because of knockouts." (Manny Pacquiao.). Over the course of his career Manny has achieved more than any other boxer could dream of. Him achieving, "...ten world titles in eight different weight divisions." and,"...a record of fifty-four wins, three losses, and two draws." Manny's ambitious nature has earned him titles, an astounding number of knockouts and wins, and the glory of being described as, "... the toughest man alive, pound for pound."  His desire has allowed him to continue to achieve and prove himself. A true hero will always try to better himself and the people around him. Manny's ambition shows he is constantly looking to improve his boxing career and his own record. Not only does Manny's ambition grow in the ring, but outside of the ring he has grown many different passions, even joining in the world of politics. "'Boxing may be his first love, but public service is now his passion. I've seen him in action, I've worked with him and we've discussed bills and issues. He is a legislator, not just a boxer,' said Carol Jayne Lopez, a fellow member of the Philippines.  Congress, last year. So far, Mr Pacquiao has served just two terms in Congress after winning in a landslide last May and being sworn in the following month."(Manny Pacquiao: His Political Career). Many people have a certain thing they love doing and thus they improve on it everyday to become the best. This is true with Manny Pacquiao, but his talent and desire grows beyond his first true love, now, "...public service is now his passion." With his growing popularity and fame, Manny knew that he had the power to change the Philippines for the better. Not only that but Manny has tackled the issues straight on. Him already discussing different bills and issues with fellow congressmen, shows how ready he is to change the Philippines for the better. Manny's drive to become the best boxer out there and to bring stability to the Philippines is truly one of the defining traits of his heroism.

The courage to do the hard things in life, the generosity to give to others, and the ambition to always improve, these are the things that describe a hero, these are the things that describe Manny Pacquiao. Over his life Manny has proven time and time again he has the courage, generosity, and the ambition of a hero. Overall, his actions inspire many people. His story of how he started his life having to drop out of school as a child to sell cigarettes in the street and then through pure determination became the superstar boxer he is today, proves to everyone that anyone can make it. Not only has this story touched many around the world, it is especially important in the Philippines. Manny's success not only belongs to him, but he has became the pride of the Philippines. It is said that when Manny fights the crime rate drops to zero in the Philippines for a short time and the islamic terrorists that plague the Philippines leave for a short while as well just to watch Manny. Manny recognizes the admiration his home has for him as he has grown over the years. He even has repaid his home and stayed loyal, donating millions of pesos to help support the troubled country. He even touches my heart, with his pure determination and will in and outside of the ring. Just knowing that he was able to become this feared, legendary boxer, who sings, acts, and is loved by many, when he started off as a poor boy on the street amazes me. It inspires me enough to continue to fight for my own dreams and become a hero to others. Manny Pacquiao is the quintessential definition of a hero. No matter what stood in his way, poverty, criticism, conflict, he has stepped past it and grown stronger everyday. Pacquiao has proven anyone can do anything as long as they themselves believe that.