By John F. McKenna (McJack): It has been reported in the Philippine Star that Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO’s), the man who has won multiple world titles in eight different weight divisions, says that his inspiration and source of power is where he came from and the manner in which he grew up. Manny grew up homeless and in poverty on the streets of the Philippines. He was eventually given the opportunity to box as an amateur and received food and a place to live.

That is how it all began for the “Pacman”. It is a true “rags to riches” story which Manny accomplished through sweat, hard work and his amazing ability as a fighter. Pacquiao makes it clear in interviews that he never wants to forget where he came from and how he had to scrape just to keep from starving to death.

Manny was quoted as saying to philstar.om “There is bad news all the time in my country. There is not enough food. We have typhoons. There is corruption in the government and too much crime. So many people are suffering and have no hope. Then, I bring them good news and they are happy. I know that millions of people are praying for me and that gives me strength. My fight is not only for me, but for my country.”

Pacquiao’s popularity in the Philippines is because he is sincere in caring for his people. His political future when it becomes his time to retire knows no limits.
Manny has already earned well over 100 million dollars in the ring and he is on the verge of signing a huge promotional deal with Nike.

Manny always pays tribute to his people and says that they are his inspiration. The reason he trains so hard and fights so hard is because of them. The reason the “Pacman” has the core beliefs that he does is because of the way he grew up. There is no substitute for life’s experiences and the lessons they bring. In Manny’s case, they made him the fighter he is.

Manny is also a very religious person. He never forgets to give thanks to God for his blessings before and after every fight, win or lose. It is not a phony show he is putting on for the fans when he kneels in his corner in prayer. In Manny Pacquiao, what you see is what you get.