Where does the Pacman draw his extraordinary strength and speed?
The myth surrounding boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has become legendary. After his glorious boxing years, people following the sport would likely say he belongs to the best of the best among many athletes installed in the Hall of Fame.
The Filipino icon is set to grab today in Las Vegas, USA his seventh world title in seven different weight classes, a feat that will secure his name in the history of boxing.
Among predictions, a win over Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto will be via knockout.
Accounts have it that before Pacquiao climbs the ring, he says a shaman's prayer which draws his deepest power and stamina.
We only see Pacquiao hold a rosary in his hands when he climbs the ring which may be the reason why boxing fanatics think of talismans or amulets instead of a disciplined boxer and his fervent belief in his Creator.
After Pacquiao defeated boxing greats whom he stripped of their crowns, people tried to explain his peculiar strength, speed and stamina which he retains even when he goes up in weight.
Two Boholanos offered their own interesting piece. One local fishing magnate says Pacquiao draws his strength from a hammer that he found floating on the sea while fishing with his father during his teenage days in his birthplace - Kibaue, Bukidnon.
He narrates a firsthand experience with the grandfather of Pacquiao who saved a delivery truck fully loaded with freshly harvested corn from being stuck in mud.
Pacquiao's grandfather (father side) believed to have possessed a talisman, lifted the truck by himself taking the vehicle to safety.
He said Pacquiao may have inherited the gift from his grandfather.
The other, an international master mariner, relates the account of a crewman who claims to be a neighbor of the pound-for-pound king.
According to the crewman, "Pacquiao has in his possession a powerful amulet," which makes him unbeatable even by heavier opponents.
But what about Manny's unparalleled quickness and agility? Surely these attributes couldn't have come from the hammer.
Quoting the stories of other people would not necessarily persuade the many who are convinced of Pacquiao's greatness - the amount of work, dedication and discipline he puts into his craft, his humility and faith in God. - Bohol Chronicle
Comments