Pacman on the cover of Time Magazine
Posted on November 5th, 2009
Manny Pacquiao has added another credit to his very colorful career by landing on the cover page of Time Magazine. The Pacman takes his place alongside legendary boxing figures like Joe Louis, Max Schmeling, Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Frazier, Muhammad Ali, Jack Dempsey, Gene Tunney, Mike Tyson and Primo Carnera. He is the second Filipino to achieve such status, following former Philippine president Corazon Aquino.
The “pound-for-pound” king was described in the latest Asian edition of Time magazine as “the latest savior of boxing,” and described his rise from poverty to become the world’ biggest boxing attraction and the Philippines’ greatest sports superstar.
His story is featured in a five-page article on Time Magazine Asian edition which will be hit the US and global magazine stands this weekend.
Manny Pacquiao said of the recognition given to him by Time Magazine, “It’s amazing. I never expected that to happen.”
His picture on the cover is accompanied by the words: “The Great Hope: Why Manny Pacquiao is more than just the world’s best boxer.”
In his interview with Fightnews.com, Pacquiao expressed elation at gracing the cover of the prestigious magazine. “I absolutely had no idea that when I started my career in boxing, to provide a better life for myself and my family, that I would now be where I am today and on the cover of Time Magazine,” he said.
“A fighter’s dream is to win a world title and gain financial stability. But what is happening to me now is the most humbling experience of my life.”
“It is a great honor for me to be the face of my people and to let everyone know we are a small but mighty country. I have great pride for all of the Filipinos living throughout the world and it is these people that I fight for each and every time I step into the ring,” Pacquiao said.
On November 14, Pacquiao will go head to head to Puerto Rican powerhouse Miguel Cotto for the WBO welterweight title in Las Vegas. Another fight that he would dedicate to the Filipino people, who always respond with an unmatched dedication to support the people’s hero.
