Manny Pacquiao's Character Shines Despite Defeat

Manny Pacquiao's two consecutive defeats fires up different theories and speculations. 

Many people think that his “change of religion / conversion / renewal of faith” as different people call it, was the culprit of his loss. His change of ritual - from wearing the rosary and holding a mass to conducting a Bible Study before the fight must have been the cause. Do you really think so? Remember that he's lost 3 fights already before Bradley. And what if he fights again without the rosary and wins? How do you explain that? 

Mommy Dionisia was furious in television and blaming his son's change of religion. Well, Mommy D is just being Mommy D. We cannot blame her for thinking such. It happened at the same time. Ever since Manny changed from being a catholic to born again Christian, he's been losing his fights. But someday, she will understand. Si Mommy D pa! 

Let's assume that his recent “conversion” caused his two consecutive defeats. Tell me I'm selfish, but if I were Jinky, I would still be comforted and thankful, because that “conversion” has changed my husband tremendously - drunkard, gambler, and womanizer no more! I know most women out there can somewhat relate. Does his multi-million dollars change his ways? Is there any amount of fame that can bring that transformation to Manny? No money, no “honey”, no amount of fame, no commercial endorsements, no power has brought that to Manny. In fact, power, gold, “girls” can make Manny worse. It is his personal encounter with God that's changed him.

His late night Bible Studies and prayer meetings were also being blamed. Lack of sleep affected, diumano, his health. I'm just wondering, when he was still having his vices, weren’t those affected his health too? But he’s bouncy inside the ring during his fight with Marquez! 

Some also says that his new faith has dulled him of his warrior instinct. Hhhmm... it depends? It depends on the athlete’s mindset... how the person separates sports over simply hurting someone. Do you think so? 

How about his several activities? I know that mostly, in job descriptions, it's always required that an applicant "can handle multiple tasks at one time". But, is there really a person who can be so effective while multitasking? In case of Manny, should’ve he focused first on boxing, then, retire? After that, run for a congressman. Next, learn the ways and the tasks of the congressman. Do you think he might have been effective that way? After all, he has a servant’s heart and good intentions to help his countrymen. That way also, he might have prevented his regular absence from congressional hearings. 

But, he's already a congressman now. And he's preparing for political campaigns again. And he's doing TV shows... Urgh!!! Manny is an intelligent man. He will surely take a good break, re-evaluate his priorities and sort things out. (Oh, that reminds me to focus and reassess my priorities too! *Guilty*) 

In his defeats, do you know what struck me BIG TIME? It's Manny Pacquiao's humble acceptance of his losses. It was evident on his defeat over Bradly months ago (well, not truly a loss) and on his recent defeat over Marquez. ‎"First and foremost I would like to thank God for keeping Juan Manuel Marquez and me safe during our fight. I want to congratulate Juan Manuel. I have no excuses. It was a good fight and he deserved the victory...", Manny said. 

WOW! I couldn't believe what I have just heard. Thanking God and mentioning Marquez FIRST before himself because they were still okay after the fight. That's very noble man of you Manny! Despite being a loser inside the ring, his attitude is a WINNER. I admire how his character shines through after the mind -boggling loss. Instead of getting angry or blaming others, he expressed genuine humility, showed positive outlook, smiled genuinely, and congratulated his opponent sincerely. We're not seeing that every day. But we heard that from a world-renowned great fighter, from one of the wealthiest and successful men. I'm not sure how many men are like that. What a great man, indeed!

How about us? Can't we just congratulate Marquez like Manny? I have to watch the slow motion over and over again to see how the knockout moment has happened. I am not a boxing expert. Here’s what I saw. It seemed like Manny threw a heavy punch to Marquez, the latter unintentionally stepped onto Manny’s foot. Manny was off-balanced, Marquez saw the opportunity and took his hit! Pung! Just like that! Split second... Lightning speed! Unbelievable! If Marquez failed to train intensively, he wouldn't have seen and grabbed the opening. He was prepared, he had tactics that worked, he did very well. 

Should Manny retire or not after two consecutive losses? That's the question. As a Filipino, I would answer, "No Manny! Don't quit yet. Fight one or two more. And win the fight(s). Prove to the whole world that you are still the king of boxing. After that, you retire." That is so much sweeter. Win the last fight, and then retire. Your last fight will always be remembered, right? You retire from boxing as a winner. That way you are raising the heads of more Filipinos. Obviously, I don't want Manny to retire yet. I don't want to hear, "He retires because he's already declined... because he's already a loser... because his glorious days are over... yada... yada..." No. I want more glory for his face and the Philippines. 

But as a wife, a mom and a concerned citizen, I want him to retire. Renowned forensic says that repeated head trauma is dangerous. Though the CT scan showed negatives, Manny might have had unseen concussions. Those big blows in his head might have had bad effects on his brain. I'm afraid of that. I can’t even imagine my beloved getting hurt badly. I fear for his life. Putting on Jinkee's shoes, it must have been so terrible and horrifying to see the love of your life, not moving, lying on the floor like a dead man. It’s ssooo scary! It’s sooo traumatic. I don’t want to feel that torture again... I don't care if in your last fight, you’ve won or not. Heck! I don't care about the title and reputation anymore! What I totally care about is that, you are going home with me. That you are going home to our kids, safe and sound. All I want is just to live a normal, happy life. All of us together, one happy family...

How about you? Why do you think Manny lost the fight? Was it really because he didn’t wear the rosary or “change his religion”? Because he’s been over confident or careless? Was it because he lacked rigorous training? Because he’s been distracted by sooo many activities? Or, maybe God is teaching something to him and to the Filipino people? Was it because of pure luck for Marquez? 

So many questions... So many speculations... So many remarks... So many interpretations... 

This is just what I surely know - even if Manny lost his 4th fight with Marquez via KO, it doesn't lessen, even the slightest, his worth as a person. And it doesn't change the fact that he's contributed a lot to the history of world boxing... that he has brought the Philippines glory and honor. (And that he's blessed with a virtuous and loving wife! *wink*)

And, that's the reality of life. Sometimes, you win, sometimes you lose. It can also mean how ironic life is - to win is to lose, to lose is to win. It just depends on one's perspective, your viewpoint in every kind of situation.

So, at the end of the day, it is Manny's decision that will take into account. And fellow Filipinos, whatever his decision is, let us support him. If he wants to have more fights, let’s hope and pray for his and his opponent’s safety. (And that he will WIN! Haha!) If he prefers to retire and do something he wants, let him be. Instead of putting him down, instead of making fun of him, let's give him the respect that he truly deserves. And this man that we have just witnessed the modest and classy response after the defeat, no matter what he chooses, I believe he will bring glory to whom the glory is really due – to God whom he personally encountered. 

Just my two cents... ^_^ 

Lastly, this is for you Manny!

"for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again... Proverbs 24:6"