The Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum, A Glove of their Own & The Jim Eisenreich Making a Difference By Jay O’Conner

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The Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum, A Glove of their Own & The Jim Eisenreich Making a Difference By Jay O’Conner WCN Sports It is amazing how one life could drastically change wi…
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A GLOVE OF THEIR OWN CO CREATOR, COACH BOB SALOMON CONNECTS WITH FORMER MARINERS BASEBALL PRO JACK PERCONTE (FULL INTERVIEW)

Interview with former baseball pro–Jack Perconte Jack’s Interview with Bob Salomon

Bob Salomon is the co-creator and driving force behind a book called A Glove of Their Own. We have become friends because of our shared passion and goal of helping kids in the world of sports. We both have books that promote this passion and I have joined Bob’s movement to give back, so that all kids around the world will have the necessary sports equipment to enjoy the game the way baseball was meant to be enjoyed. Bob has taken a heartfelt baseball book, A Glove of Their Own, and turned it into a movement to raise awareness, raise funds, and to motivate everyone involved with baseball to “play the game forward” by giving back in any possible way. After all, it’s just a kid’s game. I am proud to have lent my name to Bob’s vision and you will see why in the following (discussion) interview.

Yogi Berra

Jack Perconte – Bob, I was immediately taken back to my days of playing baseball as a kid when I read your book. Give a summary of your book “A Glove of their Own.”

Bob Salomon – It’s a book that brings you back to the days of playing baseball with friends at that special place. The story is about underprivileged children playing for the pure passion of the game. A life changing experience happens to the kids, and a wonderful message of “paying it forward” will be with them forever. Have a tissue box nearby.

Jack – I mentioned how your book reminded me of my youth, but I also believe it is an important book for kids to read so that they realize how things were back in the day, and also, how conditions are in other parts of our country and in other countries around the world where equipment is not readily available. How did this book get started and what was the inspiration behind it all?

Bob – I am a little league coach who loves the game and always will help children in need, if I can. Two moms with the same passions of loving kids wrote and brought this story to me. I got the chills when I first read the words and asked them if they would follow my vision and work on this together as a team. We then contacted Franklin Mason Press Publishing and Lisa Willever joined us. All of us went to work. My dream and vision started, it was published, and the ball has been rolling ever since.

Jack – I am also a big supporter of you and your mission because you are not out to just make money but also to give back as I know you donate much of your proceeds to different organizations that provide baseball equipment to underprivileged kids. Your project is much more than a book but “A Movement,” would you explain that and your passion for helping kids?

Coach Bob Saloman

Bob – I had this vision of not only getting this book published, but creating a “pay it forward movement” that will help kids throughout the world. When people give back they obviously feel good about helping others. The book is the vehicle that will drive us to deliver new and used sporting goods equipment or raise funds to children in need by using this story as a fund raiser. The movement has taken a lot of turns but it keeps growing and growing. The book has won the Ben Franklin Award and has been nominated for the book of the year for other book award organizations.

Jack – I often tell my students, when I am asked about the major leagues, that there are many ways to make it to the big leagues (of life) – Did you ever dream that you would be involved in something this big?

Bob – Yes and no. Once I read the story, I envisioned a big picture and knew it could get big and even global. But deep down you are never sure of how big. I have been amazed at how fast it has taken off. I am getting the support from legends like Yogi Berra and Joe Torre. I just smile and look to the man upstairs. It’s just hard to believe the speed it has gone and all the friendships I have made with many great athletes. Grateful!

Jack – Wow, you may have dreamed that your movement would become big but that has to be awesome to work with Hall of Fame guys like Yogi Berra. What advice would you give people about finding their passion and following up on it?

Bob – Ever since we are kids everyone tells you to follow your dreams and don’t’ give up. But first it’s important to not let your passion overtake your family. The priorities of family and children have to be your number one passion. Second, after family then it’s hard work and don’t quit. And always, always do the right thing – don’t let greed take over and don’t let negative people discourage you – we all run into a lot of negative people who won’t talk to you because they have made it, but you can’t let that discourage you from reaching out to people. The ingredients I mentioned of hard work and not getting discouraged are the key.

Jack – Who are some of the other great baseball guys who have helped you get the word out about “A Glove of their Own?” –

Tommy John

Bob – Guys that look out for children, family men who want to make kids feel good. Guys like Tommy John, Jim Eisenreich, Doug Glanville, Dick Drago, Phil Niekro, Bud Harrelson, Michael Cudyer, Nelson Cruz, and Joe Torre are special people who go over and above – They all believe in the movement to help.

· Jack – That is great that you are reaching out to the different generations of ball players because baseball has such a great tradition. It is especially cool that some of the stars of today are joining in because fans often think of the modern player as rich, uncaring people. It sounds like you are finding out that that is far from the truth.

I know that you are a father of young kids playing sports, what has been your biggest challenge of raising your kids in sports?

Bob – As far as baseball, the number one think I fight and don’t accept are coaches whose only goal is winning and are only out for their own child. This type of coach will use other kids to help their own feel better about themselves. This upsets me the most – so many other kids get slighted to advance these coaches agendas and own kids. I’m sure we all know someone like this. Not Right!

Jack – As you know one of my passions (along with baseball, of course, is helping youth in sports by helping parents become more aware of their behavior. If you could change anything about youth sports today, what would that be?

Bob – Having mainly only dealt with little league baseball up to this point, I feel they need to figure out a better system than the player draft. The draft system is manipulated to stack a few teams and the same five kids get picked year after year by the same coaches, who they know very well. When this happens, five or six new kids to the team usually get slighted. The selected five are the ones that usually get the special treatment – The five kids are usually the complete pitching rotation. (So sad) Maybe cancel the draft and have players more randomly selected so more balance is the result. I have seen many coaches treat Little League like they are running a major league team. I am going to try and get little leagues attention to cancel the draft – figure out a fairer system – it’s been the same system but it’s never addressed. I feel coaches should coach kids because they love to help kids – That’s it! No draft is needed.

· Jack – How have you been able to find the time to do all that you have for the book and work full time?

Bob – Time is my worst enemy and it’s hard with a family and all but I am not complaining.

I get yelled at a lot by my wife, but as I mentioned I take care of family first then try to do a lot when children go to bed – go with little sleep and use spare moments wisely. I won’t stop till A Glove of Their Own is well known throughout country.

Jack – Do you have other projects, book or otherwise in the works?

http://www.agloveoftheirown.com

Bob – My son is a big football guy and my daughter is a dancer so I promised them I will do a story about both. My next project is a football book about a father and son enjoying the game. The story will bring good people in sports together, and we will continue helping children in need and we hope to put smiles on children’s faces. It will be a positive message and I am most thrilled and excited that my friend, former major leaguer, author, ESPN voice Doug Glanville, is going to join me in creating the book and what surrounds it. It will have a poetic touch and hope to warm your heart. My dance one will follow — man it’s going to be tough – I look horrible in tights!

Jack – Just wanted to conclude by saying that Bob’s book A Glove of Their Own can be bought at www.agloveoftheriown.com and the buyer can pick a charity where he or she would like $3.00 per book be donated to the various charities listed on the site. To me it makes a fantastic coffee table book that can be read in a short time, and reread, and you will love the illustrations (kids having fun) in the book. Every baseball family should have it on their coffee table.

Don Mattingly

Finally, we did some pretty good name dropping in the interview and the names need no introduction to any baseball fan, but here is a short bio of those mentioned.

Yogi Berra – Hall of Fame baseball great, 13 World Series Rings – Oh My God! Need I say anything more.

Tommy John – 288 career wins – Future hall of famer for sure. How do you win 288 games after major, major arm surgery – gee, what is the name of that surgery, anyway.

Joe Torre – A no doubt Hall of Famer as a great player and manager. Mister October of modern day mangers.

Phil Niekro – Another awesome Hall of Famer

Jim Eisenreich – Former major league player who now runs the Jim Eisenreich Foundation for Children with Tourette’s Syndrome which was founded in 1996; its goal is to help children with TS to achieve personal success. Even better than the baseball hall of fame – a Hall of Fame person who helps others.

Doug Glanville – Former major leaguer, writer and author and first class gentleman. His book is The Game From Where I Stand, and is another must read baseball book. Buzz Bissinger called Doug’s book “a book of uncommon grace and elegance…filled with insight and a certain kind of poetry.” Whoever said that we ball players were just a bunch of “dumb jocks.”

Dick Drago & Bud Harrelson are former major league players who had distinguished careers.

Michael Cuddyer & Nelson Cruz are current major league stars.

Pay it Forward Day with Tommy John

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• How to “Raise an Athlete” – Insightful Positive Parenting Advice – New Book by Former Major Leaguer Jack Perconte (prweb.com)
• Don Mattingly Joins Bob Salomon’s Epic Journey | Baseball Digest (transmediawomen.wordpress.com)
• Because Inspiration comes in All COLOURS, SHAPES, SIZES AND ABILITIES, WE CELEBRATE THE CAREER OF DAVE CLARK (transmediawomen.wordpress.com)
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WCN Transmedia Group Salutes Spelman Basketball Coach “Lavon Mercer”

WCN Transmedia Group recognizes the Global Career of a true Goodwill Ambassador.  The more we understand the ties between African-Americans and Israel the better.  Did you know that Israel is in North Africa and as you track our heritage you can better understand the calling on the Life of Lavon Mercer.  International Speaker, Innovator and Business Leader, Lavon is a Man on a Mission.  We cite his efforts to Bridge the Gap, Change Mindsets and Transform Cultures through Love, Acceptance and Global Diversity.

LAVON MERCER’s vision for life is simple: He believes his talents and trials have grounded him with wisdom. As it is written in the bible, “Ashes to Ashes and Dust to Dust” he believes that we are all of one earthly plane. For us to obtain greatness in life, we must always understand that our earthly plane is connected to our earthly environment. To give is the most positive change that we can make in striving to obtain greatness.

When organizations and companies want to take performance to another level, they all turn to one man – LaVon Mercer… And with good reason. Whether it’s an hour-long keynote or a day-long interactive session, LaVon’s unique combination of experience, business sense, and giving spiritual will make his appearance a meeting highlight. To learn more or book LaVon Mercer for an event or seminar, contact LaVon directly.

LaVon Mercer

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

LaVon Mercer (born 13 January 1959 in Metter, Georgia), is an American–Israeli retired basketball player. He played in the center position (height 2.08m or 6’10”).

In college, Mercer played for the University of Georgia Bulldogs and was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the 3rd round (60th overall) of the 1980 NBA Draft.^[1]

In the 1980s and 1990s, Mercer played professional basketball in Israel for Hapoel Tel Aviv (1981–1988) and Maccabi Tel Aviv (1988–1995). LaVon Mercer led his teams to 6 Israeli Champions (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995) and 5 Israeli State Cups (1984, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994). While playing for Maccabi, the club reached the Euroleague finals in 1989 and the Euroleague semifinals in 1991.

Mercer also played for the Israeli national team in the 1986 FIBA World Championship and 1987 Eurobasket Championship.

He is currently the women’s basketball coach at Spelman College (2009).

References

1. ^ 1980 NBA Draft

External links

• Personal site
• basketpedya.com

WCN Transmedia Group Sports Showcase “Manny Pacquiao”

WCN Transmedia Group Sports Showcase “Manny Pacquiao”‘s performance in and out of the ring.  This Humanitarian, Political Leader and Inspirational Sports Icon is loved and for good reason.  We celebrate his life, his causes and passion for Sports and Life.

Join the Manny Pacquiao Foundation

Manny Pacquiao

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

“Pacquiao” redirects here. For Manny Pacquiao’s brother, see Bobby Pacquiao.

Manny Pacquiao
Pacquiao during the ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game
Statistics
Real name	Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao
Nickname(s)	Pac-Man, Fighting Pride of the Philippines, The Destroyer, The Mexicutioner, The People’s Champ, Pambansang Kamao (National Fist), The Fighting Congressman
Rated at	Light Middleweight Welterweight Light Welterweight Lightweight Super Featherweight Featherweight Super Bantamweight Flyweight
Height	5 ft 6½ in (1.69 m)[1]
Reach	67 in (170 cm)
Nationality	Filipino
Birth date	December 17, 1978 (age 32)
Birth place	Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines
Stance	Southpaw[2]
Boxing record
Total fights	57
Wins	52
Wins by KO	38
Losses	3
Draws	2Official Site

Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao (English pronunciation: /ˈpæki.aʊ/ PAK-ee-ow, Tagalog: [pɐkˈjaʊ];^[3] born December 17, 1978), also known as Manny Pacquiao, is a Filipino professional boxer and politician. He is an eight-division world champion, the first boxer in history to win ten world titles, the first to win in eight weight divisions,^[4] and the first to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes.^[5] He was named “Fighter of the Decade” for the 2000’s by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). He is also a three-time The Ring and BWAA “Fighter of the Year”, winning the award in 2006, 2008, and 2009.^[6]

Currently, Pacquiao is the WBC Super Welterweight World Champion and WBO Welterweight World Champion (Super Champion). He is also currently rated as the “number one” pound-for-pound best boxer in the world by most sporting news and boxing websites, including The Ring, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, NBC Sports, Yahoo! Sports, Sporting Life and About.com.^[7][8]

Aside from boxing, Pacquiao has participated in acting, music recording, and politics. In May 2010, Pacquiao was elected to the House of Representatives in the 15th Congress of the Philippines, representing the province of Sarangani.^[9] He is the only active boxer to become a congressman in the Philippines.^[10]

Personal life

Pacquiao was born on December 17, 1978, in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines. He is the son of Rosalio Pacquiao and Dionesia Dapidran-Pacquiao.^[11] His parents separated when he was in sixth grade, after his mother discovered that his father was living with another woman.^[11] He is the fourth among six siblings: Liza Silvestre-Onding and Domingo Silvestre (from first husband of his mother) and Isidra Pacquiao-Paglinawan, Alberto “Bobby” Pacquiao and Rogelio Pacquiao.

Pacquiao is married to Maria Geraldine “Jinkee” Jamora,^[12] and they have four children: Emmanuel Jr. “Jimuel”, Michael, Princess, and Queen Elizabeth “Queenie”. He resides in his hometown General Santos City, South Cotabato, Philippines.^[13] However, as a congressman of lone district of Sarangani, he is officially residing in Kiamba, Sarangani, the hometown of his wife.

Pacquiao is a devout Roman Catholic.^[14] Within the ring, he frequently makes the sign of the cross and every time he comes back from a successful fight abroad, he attends a thanksgiving Mass in Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila to kneel and pray.

Pacquiao is also a military reservist with the rank of Sergeant Major for the 15th Ready Reserve Division of the Philippine Army. When younger he had considered becoming a soldier, and was enlisted in the military reserve force as an Army Private.^[15]

Education

Pacquiao completed his elementary education at Saavedra Saway Elementary School in General Santos City, but dropped out of high school due to extreme poverty.^[16] He left his home at age 14 because his mother, who had six children, was not making enough money to support her family.^[16]

In February 2007 he took, and passed, a high school equivalency exam making him eligible for college education.^[17] He was awarded with a high school diploma by the Department of Education. Pacquiao enrolled for a college degree in business management at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) in his hometown in General Santos City.

On February 18, 2009, Pacquiao was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa) by Southwestern University (SWU) at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Lahug, Cebu City in recognition of his boxing achievements and humanitarian work.^[18]

In preparation for his career as a lawmaker in the House of Representatives, Pacquiao enrolled in the Certificate Course in Development, Legislation, and Governance at the Development Academy of the Philippines – Graduate School of Public and Development Management (DAP-GSPDM).^[19]

Amateur boxing career

At the age of 14, Pacquiao moved to Manila and lived, for a time, on the streets. He started boxing and made the Philippine national amateur boxing team where his room and board were paid for by the government. Pacquiao reportedly had an amateur record of 64 fights (60–4).^[20]

Professional boxing career

Early years at Light Flyweight division

In 1995, the death of a young aspiring boxer and close friend Eugene Barutag spurred the young Pacquiao to pursue a professional boxing career.^[21] Pacquiao started his professional boxing career when he was just 16 years of age, stood at 4’11”, and weighed 98 pounds (7 pounds under the minimumweight division). He admitted before American media that he put weights in his pockets to make the 105-pound weight limit.^[22] His early light flyweight division fights took place in small local venues and were shown on Vintage Sports‘ Blow by Blow, an evening boxing show. His professional debut was a four-round bout against Edmund “Enting” Ignacio, on January 22, 1995, which Pacquiao won via decision, becoming an instant star of the program.

Pacquiao’s weight increased from 106 to 113 pounds before losing in his 12th bout against Rustico Torrecampo via a third-round knockout. Pacquiao failed to make the required weight, so he was forced to use heavier gloves than Torrecampo, thereby putting him at a disadvantage.^[23]

Flyweight division

Following the Torrecampo fight, Pacquiao continued undefeated for his next 15 fights. He went on another unbeaten run that saw him take on the vastly more experienced Chokchai Chockvivat in flyweight division. Pacquiao knocked out Chockvivat in the fifth round and took the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) Flyweight title.^[24] After one official defense and two non-title bouts, Pacquiao got his first opportunity to fight for a world title. Pacquiao captured the World Boxing Council (WBC) Flyweight World Title (his first major boxing world title as well as the flyweight lineal title) over Chatchai Sasakul by way of knockout in the eighth round. He defended the title successfully against Mexican Gabriel Mira via a fourth-round technical knockout. However, Pacquiao lost the title in his second defense against Medgoen Singsurat, also known as Medgoen 3K Battery, via a third-round knockout. The bout was held in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. Singsurat got Pacquiao on the ropes and landed a flush straight right to the body coiling Pacquiao over and keeping him there. Technically, Pacquiao lost the belt at the scales, as he surpassed the weight limit of 112 pounds.

Super Bantamweight division

Pacquiao with his trainer Freddie Roach at Pacquiao’s Christmas and birthday bash, Los Angeles, California

Following his loss to Singsurat, Pacquiao gained weight anew and skipped the super flyweight and bantamweight divisions. This time, Pacquiao went to super bantamweight or junior featherweight division of 122 pounds, where he picked up the WBC Super Bantamweight International Title. He defended this title five times before his chance for a world title fight came. Pacquiao’s big break came on June 23, 2001, against former IBF World Super Bantamweight champion Lehlohonolo Ledwaba. Pacquiao stepped into the fight as a late replacement on two weeks’ notice but won the fight by technical knockout and won the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Junior Featherweight World Title belt, his second major boxing world title. The bout was held at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao went on to defend this title four times under head trainer Freddie Roach, owner of the famous Wild Card Gym in West Hollywood.

Featherweight division

On November 15, 2003, Pacquiao faced Marco Antonio Barrera at the Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, in a fight that many consider to have defined his career. Pacquiao, who was fighting at featherweight for the first time, brought his power with him and defeated Barrera via technical knockout in the eleventh round and won The Ring Featherweight World Title (as well as the lineal featherweight champion), making him the first Filipino and Asian to become a three-division world champion, a fighter who won world titles in three different weight divisions. He defended the title twice before relinquishing it in 2005.^[25]

On November 24, 2003, the then Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred on Pacquiao the Presidential Medal of Merit at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang Palace for his knockout victory over the best featherweight boxer of the world. The following day, the members of the House of Representatives of the Philippines presented the House Resolution No. 765, authored by the then House Speaker Jose De Venecia and Bukidnon Representative Juan Miguel Zubiri, which honored Pacquiao the Congressional Medal of Achievement for his exceptional achievements. Pacquiao is the first sportsman to receive such an honor from the House of Representatives.^[26][27]

Six months after the fight with Barrera, Pacquiao went on to challenge Juan Manuel Márquez, who at the time held both the World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) Featherweight World Titles. The fight took place at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, on May 8, 2004, and after twelve rounds the bout was scored a draw, which proved to be a controversial decision that outraged both camps.^[28]

In the first round, Márquez was caught cold, as he was knocked down three times by Pacquiao. However, Márquez showed great heart to recover from the early knockdowns, and went on to win the majority of rounds thereafter. This was largely due to Márquez’s counterpunch style, which he managed to effectively utilize against the aggressive style of Pacquiao. At the end of a very close fight, the final scores were 115–110 for Márquez, 115–110 for Pacquiao, and 113–113.^[28] One of the judges (who scored the bout 113–113) later admitted to making an error on the scorecards, because he had scored the first round as “10–7” in favor of Pacquiao instead of the standard “10–6” for a three-knockdown round.^[28] In fact, the fight should be scored as split decision in favor of Pacquiao. Consequently, both parties felt they had done enough to win the fight.

Super Featherweight division

On March 19, 2005, Pacquiao moved up in super featherweight or junior lightweight division of 130 pounds, in order to fight another Mexican legend and three-division world champion Érik Morales for vacant WBC International and IBA Super Featherweight Titles. The fight took place at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. In this fight, Pacquiao sustained a cut over his right eye from a from an accidental clash of heads in the fifth round. He lost the twelve-round match by a unanimous decision from the judges. All three scorecards read 115–113 for Morales.^[29]

On September 10, 2005, Manny Pacquiao fought Héctor Velázquez at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. He knocked Velázquez out in six rounds to capture the WBC Super Featherweight International Title, which he went on to defend five times. On the same day, his rival, Érik Morales, fought Zahir Raheem and lost via unanimous decision.

Despite Morales’s loss to Raheem. Pacquiao got matched up against Morales in a rematch which took place on January 21, 2006 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. During the fight, Morales escaped being knocked down twice, once in the second round by holding onto the ropes, and once in the sixth by falling on the referee. Pacquiao eventually knocked Morales out in the tenth, the first time Morales was knocked out in his boxing career.^[30]

On July 2, 2006, Pacquiao defended his WBC Super Featherweight International Title against Óscar Larios, a two-time super bantamweight champion, who had moved up two weight divisions to fight Pacquiao. Pacquiao won the fight via unanimous decision, knocking down Larios two times in the 12-round bout at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines. The three judges scored the fight 117–110, 118–108, and 120–106 all for Pacquiao.^[31]

On July 3, 2006, the day after winning the fight against Larios, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo personally bestowed the Order of Lakandula with the rank of “Champion for Life” (Kampeon Habambuhay) and the plaque of appreciation to Pacquiao in a simple ceremony at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace.^[32]

Pacquiao and Morales fought a third time (with the series tied 1–1) on Nov. 18, 2006. Witnessed by a near record crowd of 18,276, the match saw Pacquiao defeat Morales via a third-round knockout at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.^[33] After the Pacquiao–Morales rubber match, Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s main promoter, announced that Manny had returned his signing bonus back to Golden Boy Promotions, signaling intentions to stay with Top Rank. This prompted Golden Boy Promotions to sue Pacquiao over breach of contract.^[34]

After a failed promotional negotiation with Marco Antonio Barrera’s camp, Bob Arum chose Jorge Solís as Pacquiao’s next opponent among several fighters Arum offered as replacements. The bout was held in San Antonio, Texas, on April 14, 2007. In the sixth round, an accidental headbutt occurred, giving Pacquiao a cut under his left eyebrow. The fight ended in the eighth when Pacquiao knocked Solis down twice. Solis barely beat the count after the second knockdown, causing the referee to stop the fight and award Pacquiao a knockout win. The victory raised Pacquiao’s win–loss–draw record to 44–3–2 with 34 knockouts. This also marked the end of Solis’s undefeated streak.

On June 29, 2007, Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions announced that they agreed to settle their lawsuit, meaning the long-awaited rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera would occur despite Pacquiao being the top-ranked contender for the super featherweight title of Juan Manuel Márquez. On October 6, 2007, Pacquiao defeated Barrera in their rematch via an easy unanimous decision. In the eleventh round, Pacquiao’s punch caused a deep cut below Barrera’s right eye. Barrera retaliated with an illegal punch on the break that dazed Pacquiao but also resulted in a point deduction for Barrera. Two judges scored the bout 118–109, whereas the third scored it 115–112.^[35]

In The Ring Magazine, Pacquiao (45–3–2) remained at the top of the super featherweight division (130 pounds). He had been in the ratings for 108 weeks.^[36][37] On November 13, 2007, he was honored by the World Boxing Council as Emeritus Champion during its 45th Annual World Convention held at the Manila Hotel.^[38]

On November 20, 2007, José Nuñez, manager of WBO Super Featherweight champion Joan Guzmán, accused Pacquiao’s handler Bob Arum of evading a match between the two boxers to protect Pacquiao.^[39] Guzmán went as far as to directly call out Pacquiao at the postfight press conference of the Pacquiao–Barrera rematch in front of the crowd at the Mandalay Bay Events Center‘s media room in Las Vegas.^[40]

On March 15, 2008, in a rematch against Juan Manuel Márquez called “Unfinished Business”, Pacquiao won via split decision. The fight was held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. With the victory, Pacquiao won the WBC Super Featherweight and The Ring Junior Lightweight World Titles (as well as the lineal junior lightweight title), making him the first Filipino and Asian to become a four-division world champion, a fighter who won world titles in four different weight divisions. The fight was a close hard fought battle, during which both fighters received cuts.^[41] Throughout the fight Márquez landed the most punches at a higher percentage; however, the decisive factor proved to be a third-round knockdown, wherein Márquez was floored by a Pacquiao left hook.^[41] At the end of the fight, the judges’ scores were 115–112 for Pacquiao, 115–112 for Márquez, and 114–113 for Pacquiao.^[41]

In the post-fight news conference, Márquez’s camp called for an immediate rematch. In addition, Richard Schaefer, Golden Boy Promotions CEO, offered a $6 million guarantee to Pacquiao for a rematch.^[42] However, Pacquiao ruled out a third clash with Márquez, saying, “I don’t think so. This business is over.”^[41] The reason that Pacquiao did not want a rematch was because he intended to move up to the lightweight division to challenge David Díaz, the reigning WBC Lightweight World Champion at that time.^[41] Díaz won a majority decision over Ramón Montano that night as an undercard of the “Unfinished Business” fight.

Lightweight division

On June 28, 2008, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Pacquiao defeated David Díaz in lightweight division via ninth-round knockout and won the WBC Lightweight World Title. With the victory, Pacquiao became the first and only Filipino and Asian to become a five-division world champion, a fighter who won world titles in five different weight divisions,^[43] and also became the first Filipino fighter to ever win a world title at lightweight.^[44] During the fight, which Pacquiao dominated, Díaz was cut badly on his right eye in the fourth round.^[45] After the bout, Díaz acknowledged Pacquiao’s superior hand speed, stating “It was his speed. It was all his speed. I could see the punches perfectly, but he was just too fast.”^[46]

Bob Arum reported that the fight had made 12.5 million dollars earning Díaz his best payday of 850,000 dollars, whilst Pacquiao earned at least 3 million dollars.^[43] Official records revealed an attendance of 8,362 (out of a maximum capacity of 12,000).^[47]

Holding both the WBC World Super Featherweight and World Lightweight titles following the win, Pacquiao decided to vacate his super featherweight title in July 2008.^[48]

On August 7, 2008, the members of the House of Representatives of the Philippines issued a House Resolution, sponsored by South Cotabato Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio, which recognized Pacquiao as a “People’s Champ” — “for his achievements and in appreciation of the honor and inspiration he has been bringing… to the Filipino people.” He received a plaque from the then House Speaker Prospero Nograles.^[49]

First Welterweight division

On December 6, 2008, Pacquiao moved up to the welterweight division, in order to face the six-division world champion Oscar De La Hoya at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, in a fight called “The Dream Match“. Presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, the bout was scheduled as a twelve-round, non-title fight contested at the 147-pound welterweight limit. Although Pacquiao went into the fight widely recognized as the leading pound-for-pound boxer in the world, some boxing pundits had speculated that 147 pounds could be too far above his natural weight against the larger De La Hoya.^[50] However, due to rehydration after the weigh in, De la Hoya came into the fight actually weighing less than Pacquiao, and close to 20 pounds under his usual fighting weight. Pacquiao dominated the fight, and after eight rounds De La Hoya’s corner was forced to throw in the towel, awarding Pacquiao the win via technical knockout.^[51]

Pacquiao was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards before the stoppage, with two judges scoring the fight at 80–71 and one scoring it at 79–72.^[52] Moreover, Pacquiao landed 224 out of 585 punches, whilst De La Hoya landed only 83 out of 402 punches.^[52] After the bout, trainer Freddie Roach stated “We knew we had him after the first round. He had no legs, he was hesitant and he was shot.”^[53] The fight would be De La Hoya’s last, as he announced his retirement from boxing shortly after.^[54]

Pacquiao received 15 to 30 million dollars (share of the pay-per-view), plus a guaranteed amount.^[55] Tickets reportedly sold out just hours after they went on sale. Moreover, the total gate revenue for the fight was said to be nearly 17 million dollars, making it the second largest gate revenue in boxing history.^[56]

See also: Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao

On December 22, 2008, Pacquiao has been decorated with the Philippine Legion of Honor with the rank of “Officer” (Pinuno) in a ceremony marking the 73rd founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. As an army reservist, he was given recognition for bringing pride and honor to the country through his remarkable achievements in the ring.^[57]

Light Welterweight division

Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton with their trainers at the Trafford Centre

On May 2, 2009, Pacquiao fought at light welterweight or super lightweight division for the first time against Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, in a fight billed as “The Battle of the East and West“. Pacquiao won the bout via knockout to claim the International Boxing Organization (IBO) Junior Welterweight and The Ring Junior Welterweight World Titles (as well as the lineal light welterweight title). In doing so, Pacquiao became the second man in boxing history to become a six-division world champion, a fighter who won world titles in six different weight divisions and the first man ever to win lineal world titles in four different weight classes.^[58]

The fight was originally placed in jeopardy due to disputes with both camps over the fight purse money.^[59] Eventually, the money issue was settled and the fight went on as scheduled. HBO aired the contest.^[60]

Pacquiao started the fight strong, knocking down Hatton twice in the first round.^[61] A somewhat shaken Hatton beat the count, only to be saved by the bell seconds later. In the second round Hatton seemed to have recovered, as he stalked Pacquiao for most of the round. However, with less than ten seconds remaining in the second round, Hatton was knocked out cold by a sharp left hook, prompting the referee to award Pacquiao the win by knockout (at 2:59 of the round).^[62] The knockout won him the The Ring Magazine “Knockout of the Year” for 2009.

See also: Ricky Hatton vs. Manny Pacquiao

Welterweight division

On November 14, 2009, Pacquiao defeated Miguel Cotto via technical knockout in the twelfth round, at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, in a fight billed as “Firepower“. Although the bout was sanctioned as a world title fight in the welterweight division, where the weight limit is 147 pounds, Cotto agreed to fight at a catchweight of 145 pounds.^[63]

Pacquiao dominated the fight, knocking Cotto down in round three and round four, before the referee stopped the fight at 0:55 of round twelve.^[64] With this victory, Pacquiao took the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight World Title and WBO Super Champion belts, to become the first seven-division world champion, the first fighter in boxing history to win world titles in seven different weight divisions.^[65] Pacquiao also won the first and special WBC Diamond Championship belt.^[66] This belt was created as an honorary championship exclusively to award the winner of a historic fight between two high-profile boxers.^[67] After the fight, promoter Bob Arum stated “Pacquiao is the greatest boxer I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen them all, including Ali, Hagler and Sugar Ray Leonard.”^[68] Miguel Cotto said in a post fight interview: “Miguel Cotto comes to boxing to fight the biggest names, and Manny is one of the best boxers we have of all time.” Cotto showed heart and fans regarded this as one of the year’s best fights.

The fight generated 1.25 million buys and $70 million in domestic pay-per-view revenue, making it the most watched boxing event of 2009.^[69] Pacquiao earned around $22 million for his part in the fight, whilst Cotto earned around $12 million.^[69] Pacquiao–Cotto also generated a live gate of $8,847,550 from an official crowd of 15,930.^[69] On November 20, 2009, in a simple rites at the Quirino Grandstand, President Macapagal-Arroyo conferred Pacquiao the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross) with Gold distinction (Katangiang Ginto) which usually bestowed to foreign diplomats and heads of state. It was awarded to Pacquiao for winning his historical eight weight division world title.^[70]

See also: Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto

Following the victory against Cotto, there was much public demand for a fight between the seven-division world champion Manny Pacquiao (the number-one pound-for-pound boxer) and the five-division world champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (the number-two and former number-one pound-for-pound boxer). Pacquiao reportedly agreed to fight Mayweather on March 13, 2010, for a split of $50 million up front.^[71] And it was later agreed that the venue for the fight would be the MGM Grand Las Vegas. However, the bout was put in jeopardy due to disagreements about Olympic-style drug testing. The Mayweather camp wanted random blood testing by the United States Anti-Doping Agency,^[72] whereas Pacquiao refused to have any blood testing within 30 days from the fight, because he thought it would weaken him, but he was willing to have blood taken from him before the 30-day window as well as immediately after the fight.^[73] Freddie Roach, on the other hand, commented that he would not allow blood to be taken from Pacquiao one week before the fight.^[74][75] In an attempt to resolve their differences, the two camps went through a process of mediation before a retired judge. After the mediation process Mayweather agreed to a 14-day no blood testing window. However, Pacquiao refused and instead only agreed to a 24-day no blood testing window.^[76] Consequently, on January 7, 2010, Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum declared that the fight was officially off.^[77]

Because of Pacquiao’s reluctance to submit to random blood testing to the extent requested by Mayweather, and despite lack of evidence, the Mayweather camp repeated their suggestion that Pacquiao was using banned substances, which resulted in Pacquiao filing a lawsuit for defamation, seeking damages in excess of 75,000 dollars.^[78] The lawsuit cited accusations made by Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Floyd Mayweather Sr., Roger Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya, and Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer.^[78][79]

Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey shortly after the weigh in for their fight in Dallas, Texas. In the background are Bob Arum and Jerry Jones

After negotiations for the Mayweather fight fell through, other boxers were considered to replace Mayweather as Pacquiao’s next opponent, including former light welterweight champion Paul Malignaggi,^[80] and WBA World Super Welterweight champion Yuri Foreman.^[81] However, Pacquiao chose to fight former IBF Welterweight World Champion Joshua Clottey instead.

On March 13, 2010, at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Pacquiao defeated Clottey via unanimous decision to retain his WBO Welterweight World Title belt. The judges scored the fight 120–108, 119–109 and 119–109, all in favor of Pacquiao.^[82] During the fight, Pacquiao threw a total of 1231 punches (a career high), but landed just 246, as most were blocked by Clottey’s tight defense. On the other hand, Clottey threw a total of 399 punches, landing 108.^[83]

The fight was rewarded with a paid crowd of 36,371 and a gate of $6,359,985, according to post-fight tax reports filed with Texas boxing regulators.^[84] Counting complimentary tickets delivered to sponsors, media outlets and others, the Dallas fight attracted 41,843,^[84] well short of the 50,994 that was previously announced,^[85] but still an epic number for boxing. In addition, the bout drew 700,000 pay-per-view buys and earned $35.3 million in domestic revenue.^[86]

See also: Manny Pacquiao vs. Joshua Clottey

Manny Pacquiao was named as the Fighter of the Decade for years 2000–2009 by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). This award was presented by legendary boxer Joe Frazier, who was also a recipient of the award himself back in 1978 for defeating Muhammad Ali. Aside from this prestigious recognition, he was also named as the Sugar Ray Robinson Fighter of the Year for 2009, having received the same honor in 2006 and 2008. The awards ceremony was held at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City on June 4, 2010.^[6]

After his victory over Clottey, Pacquiao was expected to return to boxing in late 2010 with a possible matchup against Floyd Mayweather Jr. It was later reported that Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer and Top Rank Chief Bob Arum worked out a ‘”Super Fight” between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. However, complications arose when Mayweather requested Pacquiao undergo random blood and urine testing up until the fight day. Pacquiao responded that he would agree to undergo blood and urine testing up until 14 days before the fight (as requested by Mayweather in the first round of negotiations), stating that giving blood too close to the fight day would weaken him. On May 13, 2010, Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum announced that he had penciled in November 13, 2010 as the date of Manny Pacquiao’s next fight, possibly against Mayweather. However, the stumbling block over demands that Pacquiao submit to Olympic-level random drug testing put the fight in jeopardy.^[87]

On June 12, 2010, the President of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya, stated during an interview with a Spanish network that the deal for the fight was very close and the negotiation process has been very difficult.^[88] On June 30, 2010, Arum announced that the management of both sides had agreed to terms, that all points had been settled (including Pacquiao agreeing to submit to both blood and urine testing) and only the signature of Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was needed to seal the deal that could have earned both fighters at least $40 million each. Mayweather was then given a two-week deadline for the fight contract to be signed.^[89] Arum also announced that Pacquiao accepted the terms of the random drug testing, blood and urine, leading up to the fight.^[90]

On July 15, 2010, Bob Arum announced that Pacquiao’s camp would give Mayweather until Friday midnight to sign the fight. The next day the Top Rank website embedded a countdown clock on their website with the heading “Money” Time: Mayweather’s Decision.^[91] On July 17, 2010, Arum announced that there was no word from Mayweather’s camp and the deal for a November 13, 2010 fight with Mayweather Jr. was not reached.

On July 19, 2010, Leonard Ellerbe, one of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s closest advisers, denied that negotiations for a super fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao had ever taken place. Ellerbe stated that Bob Arum was not telling the truth.^[92] Bob Arum responded, questioning that if there was no negotiation, then who imposed the gag order (referring to a gag order about the negotiation allegedly imposed on both camps) and who could there be a gag order from if there were no negotiations. He also criticized Oscar De La Hoya and his Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer for denying that negotiations took place, when De La Hoya himself had previously stated that they were “very, very close in finalizing the contracts”.^[93] Arum revealed that HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg acted as the mediator between Mayweather’s handlers and those of Pacquiao’s from Top Rank Promotions.^[94] On July 26, 2010, Ross Greenburg said in a statement that he has been negotiating with a representative from each side since May 2, 2010, carefully trying to put the fight together and he did in fact act as a go-between in negotiations with the two sides, but they were unable to come to an agreement.^[95][96] Floyd Mayweather Jr., after the second negotiation had been officially declared off, told the Associated Press that he had fought sixty days ago and that he was not interested in rushing into anything and was not really thinking about boxing at the moment.^[97]

Light Middleweight division

On July 23, 2010, Bob Arum announced that Pacquiao would fight Antonio Margarito on November 13, 2010. The fight for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Title gave Pacquiao the chance to win a world title in his eighth weight class, the light middleweight or super welterweight division.^[98] A catchweight of 150 pounds was established for the fight although the weight limit for the light middleweight division is 154 pounds. During the pre-fight, Pacquiao weighed in at a low 144.6 pounds, while Margarito weighed in at the limit of 150 pounds. Pacquiao said he was pleased with his weight because he loses too much speed when he gains pounds. During the fight itself, Pacquiao weighed 148 lbs, 17 pounds lighter than Margarito’s 165.^[99]

Prior to the fight, Pacquiao’s team demanded to the Texas officials to test Margarito for banned substances after a weight loss supplement, reportedly Hydroxycut, was found in his locker. It was stated that the officials would undergo testing for both boxers after the fight.^[100] In the fight, Pacquiao defeated Margarito via unanimous decision, using his superior handspeed and movement to win his 8th world title in as many divisions. In the penultimate round, Pacquiao implored referee Laurence Cole several times to stop the fight as Margarito had a swollen face and a large cut beneath the right eye, but the referee let the fight continue.^[101] Margarito had to be taken directly to the hospital after the fight, where it was discovered his orbital bone had been fractured; he had to undergo surgery.^[102] Because Pacquiao had no plans to defend the title he won against Margarito, the WBC Board of Governors voted to declare the title vacant.^[103]

See also: Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito

Return to Welterweight division

On May 7, 2011, Pacquiao will face Shane Mosley to defend his WBO World Welterweight Title.^[104]

See also: Manny Pacquiao vs. Shane Mosley

Professional boxing record

52 Wins (38 knockouts, 14 decisions), 3 Losses (2 by knockout, 1 by decision), 2 Draws [105]
Res.	Opponent	Type	Rd	Date	Location	Notes
N/A	Shane Mosley	–	– (12)	2011-05-07	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, United States	WBO Welterweight World Title on the line
Win	Antonio Margarito	UD	12 (12)	2010-11-13	Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, United States	Won vacant WBC Super Welterweight World Title.
Win	Joshua Clottey	UD	12 (12)	2010-03-13	Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, United States	Retained WBO Welterweight World Title.
Win	Miguel Ángel Cotto	TKO	12 (12)	2009-11-14	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, United States	Won WBO Welterweight World Title and WBC Diamond Belt.
Win	Ricky Hatton	KO	2 (12)	2009-05-02	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, United States	Won IBO and The Ring Light Welterweight World Titles.
Win	Oscar De La Hoya	TKO	8 (12)	2008-12-06	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, United States	A non-title fight, fought at Welterweight.
Win	David Díaz	TKO	9 (12)	2008-06-28	Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, United States	Won WBC Lightweight World Title.
Win	Juan Manuel Márquez	SD	12 (12)	2008-03-15	Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, United States	Won WBC and vacant The Ring Super Featherweight World Titles.
Win	Marco Antonio Barrera	UD	12 (12)	2007-10-06	Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, United States	Retained WBC Super Featherweight International Title.
Win	Jorge Solís	KO	8 (12)	2007-04-14	Alamodome, San Antonio, United States	Retained WBC Super Featherweight International Title.
Win	Érik Morales	KO	3 (12)	2006-11-18	Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, United States	Retained WBC Super Featherweight International Title.
Win	Óscar Larios	UD	12 (12)	2006-07-02	Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines	Retained WBC Super Featherweight International Title.
Win	Érik Morales	TKO	10 (12)	2006-01-21	Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas, United States	Retained WBC Super Featherweight International Title.
Win	Héctor Velázquez	TKO	6 (12)	2005-09-10	Staples Center, Los Angeles, United States	Won vacant WBC Super Featherweight International Title.
Loss	Érik Morales	UD	12 (12)	2005-03-19	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, United States	Vacant WBC International and IBA Super Featherweight Title match.
Win	Fahsan Por Thawatchai	TKO	4 (12)	2004-12-11	Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Philippines	Retained The Ring Featherweight World Title.
Draw	Juan Manuel Márquez	Draw	12 (12)	2004-05-08	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, United States	Controversial Draw. WBA and IBF Featherweight World Title match.
Win	Marco Antonio Barrera	TKO	11 (12)	2003-11-15	Alamodome, San Antonio, United States	Won The Ring Featherweight World Title.
Win	Emmanuel Lucero	KO	3 (12)	2003-07-26	Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, United States	Retained IBF Super Bantamweight World Title.
Win	Serikzhan Yeshmagambetov	TKO	5 (10)	2003-03-15	Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines
Win	Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym	KO	1 (12)	2002-10-26	Rizal Memorial College Gym, Davao City, Philippines	Retained IBF Super Bantamweight World Title.
Win	Jorge Eliecer Julio	TKO	2 (12)	2002-06-08	The Pyramid, Memphis, United States	Retained IBF Super Bantamweight World Title.
Draw	Agapito Sánchez	TD	6 (12)	2001-11-10	Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, United States	WBO and IBF Super Bantamweight World Title match.
Win	Lehlohonolo Ledwaba	TKO	6 (12)	2001-06-23	MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, United States	Won IBF Super Bantamweight World Title.
Win	Wethya Sakmuangklang	KO	6 (12)	2001-04-28	Kidapawan City, Cotabato, Philippines	Retained WBC Super Bantamweight International Title.
Win	Tetsutora Senrima	TKO	5 (12)	2001-02-24	Manila, Philippines	Retained WBC Super Bantamweight International Title.
Win	Nedal Hussein	TKO	10 (12)	2000-10-14	Ynares Center, Antipolo City, Philippines	Retained WBC Super Bantamweight International Title.
Win	Seung-Kon Chae	TKO	1 (12)	2000-06-28	Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines	Retained WBC Super Bantamweight International Title.
Win	Arnel Barotillo	KO	4 (12)	2000-03-04	Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila, Philippines	Retained WBC Super Bantamweight International Title.
Win	Reynante Jamili	KO	2 (12)	1999-12-18	Elorde Sports Complex, Parañaque City, Philippines	Won WBC Super Bantamweight International Title.
Loss	Medgoen Singsurat	KO	3 (12)	1999-09-17	Pakpanag Metropolitan Stadium, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand	He was overweight at weigh-in. WBC Flyweight World Title was stripped.
Win	Gabriel Mira	TKO	4 (12)	1999-04-24	Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines	Retained WBC Flyweight World Title.
Win	Todd Makelim	TKO	3 (10)	1999-02-20	Kidapawan City, Cotabato, Philippines
Win	Chatchai Sasakul	KO	8 (12)	1998-12-04	Tonsuk College Ground, Phutthamonthon, Thailand	Won WBC Flyweight World Title.
Win	Shin Terao	TKO	1 (10)	1998-05-18	Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan
Win	Panomdej Ohyuthanakorn	KO	1 (12)	1997-12-06	South Cotabato Stadium, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philippines	Retained OPBF Flyweight Title.
Win	Melvin Magramo	UD	10 (10)	1997-09-13	Cebu City, Philippines
Win	Chokchai Chockvivat	KO	5 (12)	1997-06-26	Mandaluyong City, Philippines	Won OPBF Flyweight Title.
Win	Ariel Austria	TKO	6	1997-05-30	Almendras Gym, Davao City, Philippines
Win	Wook-Ki Lee	KO	1 (10)	1997-04-24	Makati City, Philippines
Win	Mike Luna	KO	1 (10)	1997-03-03	Muntinlupa City, Philippines
Win	Sung-Yul Lee	TKO	2	1996-12-28	Muntinlupa City, Philippines
Win	Ippo Gala	TKO	2	1996-07-27	Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Win	Bert Batiller	TKO	4	1996-06-15	Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Win	John Medina	TKO	4	1996-05-05	Manila, Philippines
Win	Marlon Carillo	UD	10 (10)	1996-04-27	Manila, Philippines
Loss	Rustico Torrecampo	KO	3	1996-02-09	Mandaluyong City, Philippines	He had not made the weight so he was forced to use heavier gloves.
Win	Lito Torrejos	UD	5	1996-01-13	Parañaque City, Philippines
Win	Rolando Toyogon	UD	10 (10)	1995-12-09	Manila, Philippines
Win	Rudolfo Fernandez	TKO	3 (10)	1995-11-11	Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Win	Renato Mendones	TKO	2 (8)	1995-10-21	Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines
Win	Lolito Laroa	UD	8 (8)	1995-10-07	Makati City, Philippines
Win	Armando Rocil	KO	3	1995-09-16	Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Win	Acasio Simbajon	UD	6 (6)	1995-08-03	Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Win	Dele Decierto	TKO	2	1995-07-01	Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Win	Rocky Palma	UD	6 (6)	1995-05-01	Montano Hall, Cavite City, Philippines
Win	Pinoy Montejo	UD	4 (4)	1995-03-18	Mindoro Occidental, Philippines
Win	Edmund Enting Ignacio	UD	4 (4)	1995-01-22	Mindoro Occidental, Philippines	Professional boxing debut at Light Flyweight division.

Titles in boxing

Major World Titles:

• WBC Flyweight World Champion (112 lbs)
• IBF Junior Featherweight World Champion (122 lbs)
• The Ring Featherweight World Champion (126 lbs)
• WBC Super Featherweight World Champion (130 lbs)
• The Ring Junior Lightweight World Champion (130 lbs)
• WBC Lightweight World Champion (135 lbs)
• The Ring Junior Welterweight World Champion (140 lbs)
• WBO Welterweight World Champion (147 lbs)
• WBC Super Welterweight World Champion (154 lbs)

Minor World Title:

• IBO Junior Welterweight World Champion (140 lbs)

Lineal Championship Titles:

• Lineal Flyweight World Champion (112 lbs)
• Lineal Featherweight World Champion (126 lbs)
• Lineal Super Featherweight World Champion (130 lbs)
• Lineal Light Welterweight World Champion (140 lbs)

Regional/International Titles:

• OPBF Flyweight Champion (112 lbs)
• WBC Super Bantamweight International Champion (122 lbs)
• WBC Super Featherweight International Champion (130 lbs)

Special Titles:

• WBC Emeritus Champion
• WBC Diamond Champion
• WBO Super Champion

Acting career

Manny Pacquiao
Born	Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao
Other names	Manny, Pacman
Occupation	Professional Boxer, Actor, Politician
Years active	2000 – Present

Pacquiao started his acting career as an extra in some local films and guest appearances on ABS-CBN shows.

In December 2005 Pacquiao took his first lead role in Violett Films’ Lisensyadong Kamao (Licensed Fist).^[106] The movie is titled so because (according to director Tony Bernal), being a Boxer, Pacquiao is licensed to use his hands.^{[citation needed]}

In 2008, Pacquiao starred with Ara Mina and Valerie Concepcion in Anak ng Kumander (Son of Commander). The movie was not a commercial success and was panned by critics.^{[citation needed]}

Pacquiao starred in the superhero/comedy film entitled Wapakman, which was released on December 25, 2009 as an entry to the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival.^[107] Like his previous films Wapakman was not commercially successful.^[108]

Upon the expiration of his contract with ABS-CBN, Pacquiao signed with GMA Network as an actor in September 2007. On December 17, 2007, he taped his first episode of the networks infotainment show Pinoy Records.^[109] His other projects with the network included Totoy Bato and the sitcom Show Me Da Manny in which his mother, Dionesia, also appeared.

American actor Sylvester Stallone is reportedly in talks with Pacquiao over co-starring in one of Stallone’s future films, which is in the planning stages. The film would be Pacquiao’s Hollywood debut.^[110]

Filmography

Year	Film	Role	Other Notes
2000	Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin	Dong
2001	Mahal Kita… Kahit Sino Ka Pa!
2001	Basagan ng Mukha	Dodong
2005	Lisensyadong Kamao	Ambrosio “Bruce” Lerio
2008	Anak ng Kumander	Kumander Idel	Writer/Producer
2008	Brown Soup Thing	Cousin Manny
2008	Pangarap Kong Jackpot	Abel	segment “Sa Ngalan ng Busabos”
2009	Wapakman	Magno Meneses/Wapakman
Year	Television Shows	Role	Other Notes
2004	Walang Bakas	Himself (uncredited)
2004	No Fear: The Manny Pacquiao Story	Himself	Video documentary
2004	The People’s Champion	Himself	Video documentary
2005	Kamao: Matira Ang Matibay	Himself – Host
2005	Ok Fine Whatever	Himself – Guest
2006	Ako ang Simula	Himself	TV documentary
2007	The Battle of Cebu: Moment of Truth	Himself – Crowd
2009	Kababayan LA: Manny Pacquiao Specials	Himself
2009	Pinoy Records	Himself – Host
2009	Totoy Bato	Emmanuel
2009	Show Me Da Manny	Manny Santos
2009	Rome is Burning	Himself – Correspondent	Episode dated May 1
2009	Jimmy Kimmel Live	Himself – Guest	Episode dated November 3
2009	MMA H.E.A.T.	Himself	Episode dated November 12
2010	Jimmy Kimmel Live	Himself – Guest	Episode dated March 3
2010	HBO Boxing After Dark	Himself – Audience Member	Episode dated June 18
2010	ESPN Friday Night Fights	Himself	Episode dated July 2
2010	Jimmy Kimmel Live	Himself – Guest	Episode dated November 1
2010	60 Minutes	Himself – Guest [111]

Discography

Manny Pacquiao
Birth name	Emmanuel D. Pacquiao
Origin	General Santos City
Occupations	Boxer, Actor, Singer, Politician
Years active	2006–present
Labels	Star Records MCA Records GMA Records
Associated acts	Lito Camo Francis Magalona

Manny Pacquiao discography

Releases
↙Studio albums	2
↙Singles	3
↙Music videos	4

Most of the Tagalog songs of Pacquiao were composed by Lito Camo. The following are the songs from Manny Pacquiao’s albums:

• Laban Nating Lahat Ito (2006) – under Star Records
  • “Bilog”
  • “Para Sa’Yo Ang Laban Na ‘To”
  • “Pagsubok Lamang Yan”
  • “Byaheng Pag-asa”
  • “Ipakita Mo”
  • “Ikaw at Ako”
  • “Hindi Ko Kaya”
  • “Kanta Tayo”
  • “Champion Sa Kantahan”
  • “Laban Nating Lahat Ito” (feat Francis M.)

• Pac-Man Punch (2007) – under MCA Records
  • “Pac-Man Punch” – Willie Wilcox feat. Nemesis Yankee and Manny Pacquiao
  • “Pac-Man Punch (R U Ready?)” – Willie Wilcox feat. Nemesis Yankee
  • “Pac-Man Punch (Knockout Remix)” – Willie Wilcox feat. Nemesis Yankee and Manny Pacquiao
  • “Pac-Man Punch (Minus One)”

• Under GMA Records
  • “Lahing Pinoy”

Political career

Emmanuel D. Pacquiao

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Member of the House of Representatives from Sarangani

IncumbentAssumed office 
June 30, 2010Preceded byErwin L. Chiongbian

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Political partyLiberal Party (2007, 2010)
Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (2008)
Nacionalista Party (2009–2010)
People’s Champ Movement (2010)ResidenceKiamba, SaranganiAlma materNotre Dame of Dadiangas UniversityProfessionProfessional Boxer, ActorReligionRoman CatholicWebsitewww.congress.gov.ph

On February 12, 2007, Pacquiao officially announced that he would be running for a seat in the House of Representatives in the May 2007 legislative election as a candidate of the Liberal Party, aiming to represent the 1st District of South Cotabato.^[112] Pacquiao, who has been known to be supportive of the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, said that he was persuaded to run by local officials of General Santos City, who hoped he would act as a bridge between their interests and the national government.^[112] Pacquiao was defeated in the election by incumbent Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio, who said, “More than anything, I think, people weren’t prepared to lose him as their boxing icon”.^[113]

In September 2008, Pacquiao was sworn in as member of Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI), a pro-administration political party.

On November 21, 2009, Pacquiao confirmed that he would run again for the congressional seat but this time in Sarangani province, the hometown of his wife Jinkee.^[114] He originally planned to run for congress under his own party, the People’s Champ Movement, but has since joined the Nacionalista Party headed by Manny Villar. Villar said arrangements were made to accommodate Pacquiao’s People’s Champ Movement in a coalition with the Nacionalista Party for the May 2010 elections in Sarangani.^[115]

On May 13, 2010, Pacquiao was officially proclaimed congressman of the lone district of Sarangani. He scored a landslide victory over the wealthy and politically well-entrenched Chiongbian clan that had been in power in the province for more than thirty years. Pacquiao got 120,052 votes while his opponent for the seat, Roy Chiongbian, got 60,899 votes.^[116]

On June 28, 2010, Pacquiao took his oath of office as congressman before Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio in the Provincial Capitol of Sarangani in Municipality of Alabel. He announced that he will transfer to President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III‘s Liberal Party from Nacionalista Party as he wants to ensure the entry of more projects to his province.^[117]

In popular culture

A film based on Pacquiao’s life, Pacquiao: The Movie, was released on June 21, 2006, featuring Filipino actor Jericho Rosales as Manny Pacquiao and was directed by Joel Lamangan.^[118] The film flopped at the box office, grossing a total of only P4,812,191 (approximately US$99,322), as confirmed by Lamangan.

Pacquiao is featured in the boxing video games Fight Night Round 2, Fight Night Round 3, Fight Night Round 4 and Fight Night Champion. EA Sports released a limited edition demo of Fight Night Round 4, featuring Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton prior to their May 2 fight.^[119]

Pacquiao became the first Filipino athlete to appear on a postage stamp.^[120]

Pacquiao became the first Filipino Olympic non-participant to be Team Philippines’ flag-bearer during the August 8 opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium. Swimmer Miguel Molina, 2005 Southeast Asian Games’ Best Male Athlete, yielded the honor to Pacquiao, upon the request of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the national sports officials on the Philippines at the 2008 Summer Olympics.^[121]

Pacquiao plays basketball as a cross-training to keep himself in shape. He is playing in the semi-professional basketball league, Liga Pilipinas, with the team he owns, the MP-Gensan Warriors. He made his debut in the Smart-Liga Pilipinas Conference II in January 16, 2009. He wears jersey number 17.^[122]

Pacquiao became an honorary member of Boston Celtics. The honorary membership was bestowed on him in a brief ceremony and he was presented with a replica of a green and white Celtics jersey bearing his name and number 1.^[123] As a measure of gratitude, Pacquiao delivered a stockpile of red autographed boxing gloves to TD Garden. On March 10, 2010, prior to the night’s game with Memphis Grizzlies, many of the Celtics had a special motivational gift waiting for them in their lockers.^[124]

With his popularity, various business sectors have solicited Manny Pacquiao’s help in endorsing their products through commercial advertisements in print and in broadcast media. These include detergents, medicines, foods, beverage, garments, telecommunications, and even a political ad for politicians during the 2007 and 2010 Philippine elections. His most acclaimed commercials yet were for Nike‘s “Fast Forward” campaign (alongside Tiger Woods, Kobe Bryant, Maria Sharapova, Roger Federer, Cristiano Ronaldo and Liu Xiang)^[125] and San Miguel Beer with Jet Li^[126] and Érik Morales.^[127]

Pacquiao has been included by Time Magazine as one of the world’s most influential people for the year 2009, for his exploits in boxing and his influence among the Filipino people.^[128] Pacquiao was also included by Forbes Magazine in its annual Celebrity 100 list for the year 2009, joining Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie and fellow athletes Tiger Woods and Bryant.^[129] Forbes also listed Pacquiao as the World’s 6th Highest Paid Athlete, with a total of 40 Million Dollars ($40,000,000.00) or 2 Billion Pesos (₱2,000,000,000.00) from the second half of 2008 to the first half of 2009. Tied with him on the sixth spot was the NBA player LeBron James and golfer Phil Mickelson.^[130] Pacquiao was again included in Forbes’ list of Highest Paid Athletes from the second half of 2009 to the first half of 2010; he was ranked 8th with an income of $42 million.^[131] Pacquiao had also won the 2009 ESPY Awards for the Best Fighter category, beating fellow boxer Shane Mosley and Brazilian mixed martial arts fighters Lyoto Machida and Anderson Silva.^[132]

Pacquiao has also graced the cover of Time Magazine Asia for their November 16, 2009 issue. According to their five-page feature story, “(Pacquiao is) a fighter with enough charisma, intelligence and backstory to help rescue a sport lost in the labyrinth of pay-per-view. Global brands like Nike want him in their ads.” They also added, “Pacquiao has a myth of origin equal to that of any Greek or Roman hero. He leaves the Philippines to make it even bigger, conquering the world again and again to bring back riches to his family and friends.”^[132][133] He became the eighth Filipino to grace the cover of the prestigious magazine, after former Philippine presidents Manuel L. Quezon, Ramon Magsaysay, Ferdinand Marcos, Corazon Aquino, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III and Filipino actress and environmentalist Chin Chin Gutierrez. Pacquiao was also featured on the cover of Reader’s Digest Asia, where a seven-page story was written about the Filipino boxing superstar. The issue came out before Pacquiao’s epic match against De La Hoya on November 2008.

Recognitions

• 2000–09 Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Decade^[134]
• 2000–09 Philippine Sportswriters Association Athlete of the Decade^[135]
• 2000–09 HBO Fighter of the Decade^[136]
• 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Boxing Writers Association Fighter of the Year^[134][137]
• 2006, 2008 and 2009 ESPN Fighter of the Year^[138]
• 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010 The Ring Fighter of the Year
• 2001–2010 World Boxing Council Boxer of the Decade ^[139]
• 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2008 PSA Sportsman of the Year
• 2003 Presidential Medal of Merit
• 2003 and 2010 Congressional Medal of Achievement/Honor
• 2006 Order of Lakandula with the rank of “Champion for Life” (Kampeon Habambuhay)^[70]
• 2008 Philippine Legion of Honor with the rank of “Officer” (Pinuno)^[140]
• 2008 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Honorary Award for Sports Excellence^[141]
• 2008 Sports Illustrated Boxer of the Year^[142]
• 2008 Yahoo! Sports Fighter of the Year^[143]
• 2008 and 2009 TheSweetScience.com Boxer of the Year^[144][145]
• 2008 and 2009 ESPN Star‘s Champion of Champions^[146]
• 2008 and 2009 World Boxing Council Boxer of the Year^[147][148]
• 2008, 2009 and 2010 The Ring No.1 Pound-for-Pound (year-end)
• 2009 Ask Men Most Influential Men (ranked 24th)^[149]
• 2009 ESPN Knockout of the Year (in Round 2 against Ricky Hatton)^[150]
• 2009 ESPY Awards Best Fighter^[151]
• 2009 Forbes Magazine World’s Highest-Paid Athletes (ranked 6th)^[152]
• 2009 Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross with Gold Distinction)^[70]
• 2009 Sports Illustrated Fighter of the Year^[153]
• 2009 The Ring Knockout of the Year (in Round 2 against Ricky Hatton)
• 2009 TIME 100 Most Influential People (Heroes and Icons Category)^[154]
• 2009 TIME Asia Magazine cover for November 16, 2009 Issue ^[155]
• 2009 and 2010 Forbes Magazine Celebrity 100 (ranked 57th and 55th)^[156]
• 2010 Bleacher Report Most Exciting Athletes of All Time (ranked 85th)^[157]
• 2010 World Boxing Organization Fighter of the Year^[158]
• 2010 Yahoo! Sports Boxing’s Most Influential (ranked 25th) ^[159]
• 2011 Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Memorial “Quintessential Athlete” Award

See also

• List of current world boxing champions
• List of The Ring world champions
• List of WBC world champions
• List of IBF world champions
• List of WBO world champions
• List of IBO world champions
• List of flyweight boxing champions
• List of super bantamweight boxing champions
• List of super featherweight boxing champions
• List of lightweight boxing champions
• List of welterweight boxing champions
• List of super welterweight boxing champions
• List of boxing triple champions
• List of boxing quadruple champions
• List of boxing quintuple champions
• List of boxing sextuple champions
• List of boxing septuple champions
• List of boxing octuple champions
• The Ring pound for pound

References

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3. ^ As in most Philippine languages
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   Rankings: Familiar face back on top
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   The Pound-for-Pound Top Fifty
   Pound For Pound List
   Pound-For-Pound Top 20 Boxers Update, 6/10
   Boxing’s New Top 10 Pound for Pound Best
   Inside Fights Boxer Rankings – Mar 2010
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47. ^ SecondsOut.com, Pacquiao-Diaz: Post Fight Press Conference
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52. ^ ^{a b} “Pacquiao dominated match with De La Hoya”. Philippine Daily Inquirer. 7 December 2008.
53. ^ “De La Hoya fails to answer bell in welterweight match”. Daily Mail. 7 December 2008.
54. ^ ESPN.com, Oscar De La Hoya announces retirement from boxing
55. ^ “Longest training for Pacquiao’s ‘greatest fight'”. Philippine Daily Inquirer. 30 August 2008.
56. ^ ESPN.com, Sales from De La Hoya-Pacquiao produce boxing’s second-biggest gate
57. ^ “Pacquiao Decorated with Legion of Honor”. Inside Sports. 22 December 2008.
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60. ^ ESPN.com, HBO bests Showtime in bid for bout
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63. ^ “Pacquiao-Cotto duel whets fight fans’ appetite for action”. GMANews.TV. 22 July 2009.
64. ^ Willis, George (15 November 2009). “Pacquiao bloodies Cotto to affirm dominance”. New York Post.
65. ^ David Dizon (2009-11-15). “Pacquiao wins 7th world title”. ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. Retrieved 15 March 2010.
66. ^ Leprozo, Dave (18 November 2009). “Pacquiao win inspires Baguio City’s young boxers”. GMANews.TV.
67. ^ “WBC Diamond Belt Presentation”. Fightnews. Retrieved 2009-09-08.
68. ^ Davies, Gareth (16 November 2009). “Manny Pacquiao fight would be easy, says Floyd Mayweather”. The Daily Telegraph (London).
69. ^ ^{a b c} ESPN.com, Pacquiao-Cotto tops Mayweather in PPV
70. ^ ^{a b c} Pacquiao conferred ‘Order of Sikatuna’
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72. ^ GMANews.TV, Bob Arum calls Pacquiao-Mayweather fight dead
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74. ^ “Mayweather, Pacquiao camps argue drug-testing points”. Los Angeles Times. 22 December 2009.
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78. ^ ^{a b} “Pacquiao sues Mayweather for defamation”. Yahoo! News. 30 December 2009.
79. ^ “Manny Pacquiao issues Floyd Mayweather Jr with lawsuit”. BBC Sport. 31 December 2009.
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88. ^ Golden Boy Confirms Mega Fight Close To A Done Deal
89. ^ Arum says Mayweather-Pacquiao have agreed to terms – News
90. ^ Manny Pacquiao agreed to drug testing all the way to the fight
91. ^ Pacquiao’s promoter starts “Countdown Clock” for Mayweather
92. ^ Floyd Mayweather Jr denies involvement in talks over super-fight with Manny Pacquiao
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94. ^ Mayweather adviser denies Pacquiao deal
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96. ^ “Mayweather exposed as chicken”. Yahoo! Sports. 2010-07-27.
97. ^ Mayweather silent on status of Pacquiao talks
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125. ^ KOBE BRYANT and other NIKE SUPERSTARS Commercial – YouTube.com
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138. ^ Pacquiao is Fighter of the Year – ESPN.com
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145. ^ thesweetscience.com, Pacman Is The TSS Fighter of the Year and the Decade
146. ^ hoops.blink.ph, Pacquiao named ESPN STAR Sports’ Champion of Champions
147. ^ philboxing.com, WBC names Pacquiao ‘World Boxer of the Year’
148. ^ BoxingScene.com, Manny Pacquiao named Fighter of the Year by WBC
149. ^ Ask Men 2009 Top 49 Most Influential Men
150. ^ Pacquiao wins 2009 Knockout of the Year – ESPN.com
151. ^ Lakers, LeBron among 2009 ESPY winners – ESPN.Go.com
152. ^ The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes
153. ^ Manny Pacquiao is SI.com’s Fighter of the Year for 2009
154. ^ Manny Pacquiao in 2009 TIME 100 – Time.com
155. ^ Pacquiao on Time Asia Magazine
156. ^ The Celebrity 100 – Forbes.com
157. ^ The 100 Most Exciting Athletes of All Time
158. ^ Pacquiao is WBO year’s best boxer
159. ^ Boxing’s Most Boxing’s most influential: Nos. 1–50

External links

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Manny Pacquiao

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Manny Pacquiao

• Manny Pacquiao’s Official Site
• PACLAND – Official Fan Site
• MPBoxing.com
• Professional boxing record for Manny Pacquiao from BoxRec
• Manny Pacquiao at the Internet Movie Database
• Rep. Emmanuel D. Pacquiao Official Profile
• HBO Boxing: Manny Pacquiao: Bio
• Fight Videos
• Manny Pacquiao’s Fight-by-Fight Career Record
• GQ Magazine Profile
• Nike – Inside Pacquiao
• PacMan: Behind the Scenes with Manny Pacquiao: A Biography of Pacquiao, published by Da Capo Press

Awards
Preceded by Roy Jones Jr.	BWAA Fighter of the Decade 2000–2009	Incumbent
Preceded by Ricky Hatton	The Ring Fighter of the Year 2006	Succeeded by Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Preceded by Ricky Hatton	BWAA Fighter of the Year 2006	Succeeded by Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Preceded by Floyd Mayweather Jr.	The Ring Fighter of the Year 2008, 2009	Succeeded by Sergio Gabriel Martínez
Preceded by Floyd Mayweather Jr.	BWAA Fighter of the Year 2008, 2009	Succeeded by Sergio Gabriel Martínez
Preceded by Floyd Mayweather Jr.	Best Fighter ESPY Award 2009	Succeeded by Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Sporting positions
Preceded by Chatchai Sasakul	WBC Flyweight World Champion December 4, 1998 – September 17, 1999 Stripped	Vacant

Title next held by

Medgoen SingsuratPreceded by
Lehlohonolo LedwabaIBF Junior Featherweight World Champion
June 23, 2001 – July 26, 2003
VacatedVacant

Title next held by

Israel VázquezPreceded by
Marco Antonio BarreraThe Ring Featherweight World Champion
November 15, 2003 – March 19, 2005
VacatedVacantPreceded by
Juan Manuel MárquezWBC Super Featherweight World Champion
March 15, 2008 – July 16, 2008
VacatedVacant

Title next held by

Humberto SotoVacant

Title last held by

Brian MitchellThe Ring Junior Lightweight World Champion
March 15, 2008 – July 16, 2008
VacatedVacantPreceded by
David DíazWBC Lightweight World Champion
June 28, 2008 – February 24, 2009
VacatedVacant

Title next held by

Edwin ValeroPreceded by
Ricky HattonIBO Junior Welterweight World Champion
May 2, 2009 – January 15, 2010
VacatedVacantThe Ring Junior Welterweight World Champion
May 2, 2009 – July 26, 2010
VacatedVacantPreceded by
Miguel Ángel CottoWBO Welterweight World Champion
(Super Champion)
November 14, 2009 – presentIncumbentVacant

Title last held by

Sergio Gabriel MartínezWBC Super Welterweight World Champion
November 13, 2010 – February 8, 2011
StrippedVacant

Title next held by

Saúl ÁlvarezHouse of Representatives of the PhilippinesPreceded by
Erwin L. ChiongbianRepresentative, Lone District of Sarangani
2010 – PresentIncumbentParty political officesNew Political PartyChairman of People’s Champ Movement
2009 – PresentIncumbent

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WCN Transmedia Group Showcase: “Sports Icon Bill Russell”

Bill Russell

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about the basketball player. For other uses, see William Russell (disambiguation).

Bill Russell

Russell in January 2005
No. 6
Center
Personal information
Date of birth	February 12, 1934 (age 77)
Place of birth	Monroe, Louisiana
Career information
College	San Francisco (1953–1956)
NBA Draft	1956 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
Selected by the St. Louis Hawks
Pro career	1956–1969
Career history
As player:
1956–1969	Boston Celtics
As coach:
1966–1969	Boston Celtics
1973–1977	Seattle SuperSonics
1987–1988	Sacramento Kings
Career highlights and awards
11× NBA Champion (1957, 1959–1966, 1968–1969) 5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1958, 1961–1963, 1965) 12× NBA All-Star (1958–1969) 3× All-NBA First Team (1959, 1963, 1965) 8× All-NBA Second Team (1958, 1960–1962, 1964, 1966–1968) NBA All-Defensive First Team (1969) NBA All-Star Game MVP (1963) NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team NBA 35th Anniversary Team NBA 25th Anniversary Team #6 Retired by Boston Celtics
Career NBA statistics
Points	14,522
Rebounds	21,620
Assists	4,100
Info Page
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Basketball Hall of Fame as player
Medals[show]

William Felton “Bill” Russell (born February 12, 1934) is a retired American professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A five-time winner of the NBA Most Valuable Player Award and a twelve-time All-Star, Russell was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won eleven NBA Championships during Russell’s thirteen-year career. Along with Henri Richard of the National Hockey League‘s Montreal Canadiens, Russell holds the record for the most championships won by an athlete in a North American sports league. Before his professional career, Russell led the University of San Francisco to two consecutive NCAA championships (1955, 1956). He also won a gold medal at the 1956 Summer Olympics as captain of the U.S. national basketball team.^[1]

Russell is widely considered one of the best players in NBA history. Listed as between 6’9″ (2.06 m) and 6’10” (2.08 m), Russell’s shot-blocking and man-to-man defense were major reasons for the Celtics’ success. He also inspired his teammates to elevate their own defensive play. Russell was equally notable for his rebounding abilities. He led the NBA in rebounds four times and tallied 21,620 total rebounds in his career. He is one of just two NBA players (the other being prominent rival Wilt Chamberlain) to have grabbed more than fifty rebounds in a game. Though never the focal point of the Celtics’ offense, Russell also scored 14,522 career points and provided effective passing.

Playing in the wake of pioneers like Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper, and Sweetwater Clifton, Russell was the first African American player to achieve superstar status in the NBA. He also served a three-season (1966–69) stint as player-coach for the Celtics, becoming the first African American NBA coach.^[1] Frequent battles with racism left Russell with a long-standing contempt for fans and journalists. When he retired, Russell left Boston with a bitter attitude, although in recent years his relationship with the city has improved. For his accomplishments in the Civil Rights Movement on and off the court, Russell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama in 2011.

Russell is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. He was selected into NBA 25th Anniversary Team in 1971, into NBA 35th Anniversary Team in 1980 and named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, one of only four players that selected into all three teams. In 2007, he was enshrined in the FIBA Hall of Fame. In 2009, the NBA announced that the NBA Finals MVP trophy would be named the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award in honor of Russell.^[2]

Early years

Bill Russell was born to Charles and Katie Russell in West Monroe, Louisiana. West Monroe was strictly segregated, and the Russells often struggled with racism.^[3] Once, Russell’s father was refused service at a gasoline station until the staff had taken care of all the white customers. When his father attempted to leave and find a different station, the attendant stuck a shotgun in his face, threatening to kill him unless he stayed and waited his turn.^[3] At another time, Russell’s mother was walking outside in a fancy dress when a policeman accosted her. He told her to go home and remove the dress, which he described as “white woman’s clothing”.^[3] Because large numbers of blacks were moving to Oakland, California during WWII to look for work there, Russell’s father moved the family out of Louisiana when Russell was eight years old and settled them in Oakland.^[3] While there the family fell into poverty, and Russell spent his childhood living in a series of project homes.^[3]

Charlie Russell is described as a “stern, hard man” who was initially a janitor in a paper factory (a typical low paid, intellectually unchallenging “Negro Job”, as sports journalist John Taylor commented),^[4] but later became a trucker when World War II broke out.^[4] Being closer to his mother Katie than to his father,^[4] Russell received a major emotional blow when she suddenly died when he was 12. His father gave up his trucking job and became a steel worker to be closer to his semi-orphaned children.^[4] Russell has stated that his father became his childhood hero, later followed up by Minneapolis Lakers superstar George “Mr. Basketball” Mikan, whom he met when he was in high school.^[5]

In his early years, Russell struggled to develop his skills as a basketball player. Although Russell was a good runner and jumper and had extremely large hands,^[4] he simply did not understand the game and was cut from the team in junior high school. As a sophomore at McClymonds High School, Russell was almost cut again.^[6] However, coach George Powles saw Russell’s raw athletic potential and encouraged him to work on his fundamentals.^[4] Russell, who was used to racist abuse, was delighted by the warm words of his white coach. He worked hard and used the benefits of a growth spurt to become a decent basketball player, but it was not until his junior and senior years that he began to excel.^[6] Russell soon became noted for his unusual style of defense. He later recalled, “To play good defense… it was told back then that you had to stay flatfooted at all times to react quickly. When I started to jump to make defensive plays and to block shots, I was initially corrected, but I stuck with it, and it paid off.”^[7]

One of Russell’s high school teammates was future Baseball Hall-of-Famer Frank Robinson.

College career

Russell was ignored by college recruiters and did not receive a single letter of interest until Hal DeJulio from the University of San Francisco (USF) watched him in a high school game. DeJulio was not impressed by Russell’s meager scoring and “atrocious fundamentals”,^[8] but sensed that the young center had an extraordinary instinct for the game, especially in clutch situations.^[8] When DeJulio offered Russell a scholarship, the latter eagerly accepted.^[6] Sports journalist John Taylor described it as a watershed in Russell’s life, because Russell realized that basketball was his one chance to escape poverty and racism; as a consequence, Russell swore to make the best of it.^[4]

At USF, Russell became the new starting center for coach Phil Woolpert. Woolpert emphasized defense and deliberate half-court play, concepts that favored defensive standout Russell.^[9] Woolpert was unaffected by issues of skin color. In 1954, he became the first coach of a major college basketball squad to start three African American players: Russell, K.C. Jones and Hal Perry.^[10] In his USF years, Russell used his relative lack of bulk to develop a unique style of defense: instead of purely guarding the opposing center, he used his quickness and speed to play help defense against opposing forwards and aggressively challenge their shots.^[9] Combining the stature and shot-blocking skills of a center with the foot speed of a guard, Russell became the centerpiece of a USF team that soon became a force in college basketball. After USF kept Holy Cross star Tom Heinsohn scoreless in an entire half, Sports Illustrated wrote, “If [Russell] ever learns to hit the basket, they’re going to have to rewrite the rules.”^[9]

However, the games were often difficult for the USF squad. Russell and his African American teammates became targets of racist jeers, particularly on the road.^[11] In one notable incident, hotels in Oklahoma City refused to admit Russell and his black teammates while they were in town for the 1954 All-College Tournament. In protest, the whole team decided to camp out in a closed college dorm, which was later called an important bonding experience for the group.^[10] Decades later, Russell explained that his experiences hardened him against abuse of all kinds. “I never permitted myself to be a victim,” he said.^[12][13]

Racism also shaped his lifelong paradigm as a team player. “At that time,” he has said, “it was never acceptable that a black player was the best. That did not happen…My junior year in college, I had what I thought was the one of the best college seasons ever. We won 28 out of 29 games. We won the National Championship. I was the MVP at the Final Four. I was first team All American. I averaged over 20 points and over 20 rebounds, and I was the only guy in college blocking shots. So after the season was over, they had a Northern California banquet, and they picked another center as Player of the Year in Northern California. Well, that let me know that if I were to accept these as the final judges of my career I would die a bitter old man.” So he made a conscious decision, he said, to put the team first and foremost, and not worry about individual achievements.^[14]

On the hardwood, his experiences were far more pleasant. Russell led USF to NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956, including a string of 55 consecutive victories. He became known for his strong defense and shot-blocking skills, once denying 13 shots in a game. UCLA coach John Wooden called Russell “the greatest defensive man I’ve ever seen”.^[10] During his college career, Russell averaged 20.7 points per game and 20.3 rebounds per game.^[1] Besides basketball, Russell represented USF in track and field events. He competed in the 440 yard (402 m) race, which he could complete in 49.6 seconds.^[15] He also participated in the high jump; Track & Field News ranked him as the seventh-best high jumper in the world in 1956. That year, Russell won high jump titles at the Central California AAU meet, the Pacific AAU meet, and the West Coast Relays. One of his highest jumps occurred at the West Coast Relays, where he achieved a mark of 6 feet 9¼ inches (2.06 m).^[16]

After his years at USF, the Harlem Globetrotters invited Russell to join their exhibition basketball squad. Russell, who was sensitive to any racial prejudice, was enraged by the fact that owner Abe Saperstein would only discuss the matter with Woolpert. While Saperstein spoke to Woolpert in a meeting, Globetrotters assistant coach Harry Hanna tried to entertain Russell with jokes. The USF center was livid after this snub and declined the offer: he reasoned that if Saperstein was too smart to speak with him, then he was too smart to play for Saperstein. Instead, Russell made himself eligible for the 1956 NBA Draft.^[17]