I am currently in a hotel ballroom watching the Pacquiao vs Juan Miguel Marquez bout. There have been countless pre-fight vignettes chronicling Manny Pacquiao's impact on boxing, the Philippines, and sports in general.
NBA star Kobe Bryant's recent visit to LA's WildCard gym is a fine example of how far forward Pacquiao's helped Pinoys' positive reputation go.
10-20 years ago, who would have thought a Filipino would grace Nike Billboards across the US? 10-20 years ago, who would have thought that American sports pundits would refer to a Pinoy as the best pound-for-pound fighter in contemporary boxing?
Maybe Manny's impact on Pinoy culture, and on Pinoy sports specifically, can even lead to more opportunities for Pinoy ballers.
Indeed, Manny is a icon- not only in the realm of boxing, but also, in the lives of the "common tao".
Kobe's a champion. Manny's a champion. Birds of a feather, flock together. When you inspire others to be better, you know you've made it- further.
MC
No comments:
Post a Comment