By Yannis Mihanos: In boxing there are so many different weight categories, and so many different title belts. Some say these things are unnecessary. Nowadays an average fighter with a little push can grab one of these titles and proudly claim himself as a champion.

But even with some titles and accomplishments not all of the fighters can get the total respect. People seem to have a different criteria to recognize someone as a champion and that comes not by the belt or title he has won but of what he represents to them in their heart.

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao throughout his career has won many titles, such as WBO welterweight champion and fighter of the decade. The list is too long for me to mention all of his many titles. These are just two of the many he has earned, but the one that only few in every generation can get is being called the ‘People’s Champion.’

To become the People’s Champion, you have to excel first at something .That something is CHARACTER. When somebody speaks about Pacquiao, he knows that he speaks about a person with a heart of gold.

I think people in Philippines are lucky to have a person of such integrity in their government as a congressman. For them and other people around the world, Manny Pacquiao is not just a boxer but an ambassador, a symbol, a beacon of light, strength and hope.

One thing that each ‘People’s Champ’ does well is this: He motivates and inspires people. It is difficult at these times that we live in to find someone where you can identify with, someone who has strong morals and values. Manny Pacquiao is one of those special people where you can identify with. He is people’s champ, and he has earned it.

No matter what happens in the future win or lose, people will stand by his side because they will always see him as one of them. I have always thought of boxing for more than just a sport, with personalities like Pacquiao I understand why.