Manny Pacquiao is a once-in-a-lifetime athlete.
Having started out in the light flyweight division (108 lbs), Pacquiao made huge strides facing larger, tougher opponents and eventually winning championships in eight divisions.
Throughout that journey, Pacquiao has captured various World Boxing Council-sanctioned belts, including the international belts in the super bantamweight (122 lbs) and super featherweight (130 lbs) divisions; world championships in the flyweight (112 lbs), super featherweight, and lightweight (135 lbs); and even special championships: the WBC Emeritus Super Featherweight Champion and the
WBC Diamond Welterweight Champion.
During his visit to the Philippines, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman could not help but be amazed by the popularity of boxing here in the country. “Boxing in the Philippines is a national sport and it is because of the great era that Flash Elorde began. Flash opened the world to what Philippine Boxing is,” he shared to Tiebreaker Times.
“There’s so many boxing icons in this country. Every boxer has the potential to be a great boxing champion.”
With Pacquiao having won his final bout against Timothy Bradley last Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sulaiman was grateful for what the “Fighting Pride of the Philippines” has contributed, not only Philippine boxing, but to boxing in general. “Manny Pacquiao has been an unbelievable star. He’s retiring. He has contributed a great deal to, not only Philippine boxing, but also world boxing as well,” he reflected about Pacquiao.
After a legendary 21-year career and the blood, sweat, and tears he has contributed to the support, Sulaiman hopes that Pacquiao can find the same success he found in the ring in the world outside of the squared circle. “We wish him the best of luck. He’s a great fighter and he can be very successful in his life. We wish him nothing but the best,” the WBC President closed.
