Manny Pacquiao Success Story

Beginning

At the age of 16, Manny decided to pursue a career in professional boxing. He weighed only 98 pounds which was 7 pounds lesser than the minimum qualification for the light flyweight category. But Manny wanted to prove himself as quickly as possible. So he put weights in his pockets so that his weight would show in excess of 105 pounds. 

He first professional match was against Edmund Ignacio which he won in 4 rounds. As this match was telecast on national television, he became a star overnight.

Soon Manny’s weight increased to 110 and he participated in the Flyweight category. This time he went undefeated for 15 matches and got a chance to face the champion Chokchai Chockvivat. He managed to knock out his opponent in the fifth round and was able to secure the OPBF Flyweight title. This was the first title that Manny had got in his short career. 

Career

Next he got the chance to fight for the WBC Flyweight title and he won in his first attempt by knocking out champion Chatchai Sasakul in the eighth round. This title bought Manny into the spotlight and made him a darling among his countrymen.

When he was stripped of his title before a title defense match because of being overweight, Manny decided to move on to the Super Bantamweight division. Here he was equally successful in winning the WBC International Super Bantamweight title. He got his chance to fight for the World title in June 2001, and he did not miss out on the opportunity by beating Lehlohonolo Ledwaba by technical knockout. Next he went on to fight in the Featherweight division. 

" God's words first... obey God's law first before considering the laws of man." - Emmanuel Manny Dapidran Pacquiao 

In November 2003 he beat reigning champion Marco Barrera by technical knockout in the 11^th round. This was the pivotal match that went on to define his career. He had now won world titles in three different weight divisions. Manny had now become a global boxing superstar with millions of fans around the world. 

In 2005, Manny went on to capture the WBC International Super Featherweight title. In June 2008 he went on to win the WBC lightweight title by defeating champion David Diaz. In December 2008 Manny defeated Oscar De La Hoya and won the Welterweight title. He received in between $15-$25 million for this fight. Every year between 2008-2013 he has earned in excess of $50 million because of the number of viewers that tune up to watch his fights. 

There have been no boundaries to the level of success that Manny Pacquiao has been able to achieve in such a short period. From living in the poorest neighbourhood in Philippines to becoming one of the richest athletes on the planet is an amazing achievement.

Manny Pacquiao Interview