Manny Pacquiao Philippines’ Athlete of the Decade
The Philippine Sportswriters Association of the Philippines selected Manny Pacquiao as a a hands down winner choice as Athlete of the Decade. The Reigning pound-for-pound boxer in the world, Pacquiao was named as PSA Athlete of the Year five times this decade, having won the coveted plum from 2002 to 2004, in 2006 and 2008. Last year Pacquiao was enshrined to the Hall of Fame in the same award giving body in the Philippines.
Nobody thought that Pacquiao will make a mercurial rise on top, not even Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach who quipped, ” I never thought he’ll be this great,” recalling his first meeting with the only winner of seven different world titles in seven different weight classes. Pacquiao ascend to pinnacle in boxing began when he pulled a surprising yet crushing knockout victory over Lehlo Ledwaba of South Africa to bring the International Boxing Federation super bantamweight title. Pacquiao’s seven world titles in different weight categories includes the flyweight, superbantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, junior welterweight and welterweight.
Pacquiao is truly a class of ts own as he waylaid several big names in the world boxing. His victims includes Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, Oscar Dela Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto who are all tipped to be included in the Hall of Fame in the years to come.
For the last two years, Pacquiao registered feat that will surely astound the boxing fans and scribes, startingwith Marquez, then dealt resounding triumphs in succession over Diaz, Dela Hoya, Hatton and Cotto. In 2009 Pacquiao climbed the ring just twice but this twin fight was his best, earnings wise. Pacquiao crisp and solid punching power help him subdue and knockout Hatton in just two rounds then annexed the WBO welterweight title by cutting down the taller and heftier Miguel Cotto in 12 rounds.
“No doubt, he’s the greatest fighter of this era,” Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum said.
January 14, 2010 6:46 am 
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