By Frank Livingstone: A number of great fighters make their way to the ring in an important match of their career fully focused. Their blank faces seem to keep their anxiety in check. But there is also the image of Manny Pacquiao, smiling, grinning and enjoying every minute, waving to the crowd, as he make his way for battle. In fact from then on, Manny has already won the hearts of the casual fans as he steps into the ring. “I always give my best to entertain the fans” is Manny’s constant battle cry.

Sure his style of boxing makes the crowd miss a heartbeat as they watch his speed and power overwhelm his opponent. But his style comes with a risk as he received quite a beating from his fight with Cotto (ruptured eardrum) and his last fight with Margarito (damaged ribs). Some argue that he has no defence, but his offence seems to be his best defence which equates to more meat in terms of slam bang action.

Remember the time that Manny hit Clottey with both hands at the same time out of frustration. He is also a clown with a sting.

Sure his opponents may have been tailor made for him, but his fights were worth watching. He may not have the artistic skills of Floyd Mayweather or the pranks and poetries of Muhammad Ali, but he has his own way of winning the casual fans such as singing “Imagine” in a duet with Will Ferrel or always giving thanks to boxing fans around the world for watching him fight.

Boxing might be a cruel or barbaric sport, but floating like a butterfly and stings like a bee like Ali did in the 70s has transformed the sport to a new kind of entertainment, inside and outside the ring.

“I always give my best to entertain the fans”…..and so you did Manny. “Watch my concert after the fight” Inside or outside the ring, now that’s entertainment.