Had quite a lengthy chat with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao last week.
While we talked about the fight game, it didn’t dominate our convo.
Know who did?
Mommy D.
Just a day after being elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Pacquiao was very vocal about his relationship with his mother Mommy D.
“She disciplined all of us. It was her upbringing that made me who I am today,” Pacquiao said.
One time, according to Pacquiao, who will celebrate his 46th birthday early next week, she tied young Manny to a tree.
Had it not been for his ways, Manny doubts whether he was able to become what he is today.
“Despite that, I don’t feel any hatred towards her. Love her so much.”
Which brings to mind the case of an outstanding young athlete who, this early, is being hailed as the greatest Filipino athlete of all time.
Really?
The guy is a pure joy to watch but he is somehow unpopular because of his strained relationship with his family.
Yeah, he did win two Olympic gold medals but did the world stop when he won those two?
Just recently, an editor-friend approached me to tell me that “that” guy is being seen as the country’s finest ever.
I disagreed simply because while his accomplishment is extraordinary, compared to what Pacquiao has done, there is simply no comparison.
“If a Filipino sprinter wins an Olympic gold in the 100 meters, that’s the only time — I think — I will be convinced that he is TBE.”
Remember that for a time, Pacquiao was the face of the sport. He was Tiger Woods. Kobe Bryant. Roger Federer.
Get my drift?
Eight world titles in eight divisions.
He became a world champion in four different decades.
Then here comes Floyd Mayweather claiming that he is the greatest of all time.
Oh, please.