Showcasing his extraordinary boxing legacy.
On Tuesday, February 24, a number of memorabilia of Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao was formally handed over to the National Sports Museum at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City.
Among the items formally entrusted to the Museum are Representative Fight Trunk (Miguel Cotto Bout, 2009); Representative Fight Trunk (Antonio Margarito Bout, 2010); and World Boxing Council (WBC) Championship Belt.
“They are not merely symbols of victories inside the ring but reflections of Filipino character: strong in adversity, humble in success, and steadfast in faith,” Pacquiao said.
The ceremony was led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who honored the former senator and regarded him as a boxing legend and a true champion of the Filipino spirit.
In his remarks, President Marcos said, “Hindi lang siya champion sa boxing. He is a champion of humanity. He is a champion as a Filipino. He is a champion as a man. And he is a champion in all our hearts and he will always be our champion.”
The chief executive then recalled how Pacquiao’s victories brought the nation together and earned admiration worldwide and recalled how the country would stand still to watch Pacquiao’s fights.
“And we can say that sa buong kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, there was never a time when we were more proud to be Filipino than when Manny was winning all those fights… But hindi lang kasi napakagaling niya, never niya kinalimutan ang pagka-Pinoy niya.”
He added, “Saan ka naman nakakita ng atletang Pilipino na pagka may laban, ‘yung putukan sa Mindanao nagsi-ceasefire muna para manood sila kay Manny Pacquiao? Where did you ever hear of such a thing?“
Aside from his athletic achievements, President Marcos also praised Pacquiao for his humility, compassion, and faith. He also highlighted Pacquiao’s generosity in helping fellow boxers facing health and financial difficulties.
“But there is a side also to Manny that maybe most people do not know about. I remember when we went for dinner during the award sa Elorde at pinuntahan namin at lumabas lahat ng mga boksingero na wala na silang hanap-buhay at ‘yung iba, tinamaan na, nagkasakit, nagkaramdaman. Lahat ‘yun tinulungan ni Manny,” the President revealed.
Marcos furthered, “Hindi niya sinasabi kahit na kanino. Kung hindi nila in-announce doon sa programa na ‘yun, nobody would know about it. Ganyan ang ugali, ganyan ang pagkatao ng ating Manny Pacquiao.”
“What can I say about Manny Pacquiao and his boxing career that hasn’t been said before? Because lahat — all the superlatives that can possibly be used, all the praise that can possibly be had by an athlete have already been heaped upon him, and well deserved,” the President also conveyed.
For his part, PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio said: “We commit Manny Pacquiao’s legacy to national memory to inspire and ignite future champions. Your sweat. Your tears. Your blood. Your life. We can never thank you enough.”
Pacquiao has two upcoming bouts this year, including a September rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the Sphere in Las Vegas, which will be streamed by Netflix.