A Legacy That Never Fades: Manny Pacquiao’s 8th Division World Championship

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Today, we celebrate the 8th World Division Championship of the Philippines’ very own “Pambansang Kamao” Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, after defeating the much larger than to him, Antonio Margarito in the WBC Super Welterweight Title match held at Cowboys Stadium, Dallas, Texas, USA, on November 13, 2010.

Before this legendary bout, Pacquiao had already claimed numerous titles: WBC Flyweight Title, IBF Super Bantamweight Title, WBC Super Featherweight Title, WBC Lightweight Title, The Ring & Lineal Light Welterweight Title, WBO Welterweight Title, and lastly, the WBC Super Welterweight Title, which ultimately made Pacquiao the first boxer in history to win eight world titles in eight different divisions.

Nothing to World Champion 

He was born in Bukidnon and grew up in poverty, where at a very young age, he had to work to help his family survive, he also took on various sideline jobs, such as selling bread and working as a construction worker, to provide for his loved ones.

At 14 years old, he left home to find a better life in Manila and his boxing journey began in Malabon, where he started training and joined amateur boxing competitions, during that time, the one of his idols was the legendary Muhammad Ali.

As an amateur boxer, Pacquiao showed great potential, speed, strength, and dedication inside the ring and he also participated in almost 60 amateur fights before officially turning professional boxer.

Remark a New History 

In 1998, Pacquiao’s world boxing career started, he began to be  recognized for his incredible talent, calling him a champion inside the ring, and soon, he earned the title “Pambansang Kamao”because of his powerful and lightning-fast punches that knocked out many opponents.

Small but Terrible 

In 2010, Pacquiao fought the Mexican boxer Antonio Margarito, who was 17 pounds heavier than him, but even with the big size difference, Pacquiao did not refrain from accepting the challenge for the WBC Super Welterweight Title.

From the first round, Pacquiao immediately displayed his speed and strategy, every punch he threw was like a relentless storm, a combination of lefts and rights that Margarito could barely keep up with and as the rounds went by, Margarito’s defense shattered under Pacquiao’s relentless assault.

For all his injuries, brought about by the Pacquiao punches, Margarito's face was hardly recognizable by Round 10, yet Pacquiao did not try to knock him completely as a sign of respect and sportsmanship.

After 12 intense rounds, the judges unanimously declared Manny Pacquiao the winner and as his hand was raised, he made history as the first boxer ever to win world titles in eight different weight divisions from flyweight to super welterweight.

A Blazing Inspiration 

That moment was not only for Manny Pacquiao but for every Filipino, from the streets of Malabon, where he first trained, to every home in the Philippines that celebrated his victory.

His triumph stands as an inspiration that no matter how small or underestimated one may seem, greatness can be achieved through faith, heart, and perseverance, it is also proof that each belt he brings home represents sacrifice, dedication, and unwavering determination and become the true marks of a champion.

May never forget this historic moment when Pambansang Kamao- Manny Pacquiao, didn’t just bring home championship belts but also, he brought hope, honor, and pride to the Pilipino people.

Via Raven Angeline Casao, Staff Writer