(mini) Joe Frazier vs. (mini) Muhammad Ali.
The Bull vs. the Bear.
The Incredible Hulk vs. Juggernaut.
Yoda vs. Darth Vader.
In the sports universe, no bigger stars shine in the heavens than “Pretty Boy” Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. Rabid fans from both hardcore boxing fanatics as well as the casual sporting observer follow both living legends. It has been said that Manny Pacquiao is our psyche’s physical manifestation of a warrior archetype.
We can reasonably attribute the same to Mayweather. Carl Jung, the famous 20th-century Swiss psychiatrist, regarded an archetype as a psychological organ (much like a biological organ) – which is an evolutionary construct that has morphed within our minds, shaped by human experiences and accumulated wisdom, over time.
Archetypes
According to these persuasive views, there are five recurring archetypical images in our collective consciousness:
- the Child
- the Trickster
- the Hero
- the Wise Old Man
- the Great Mother Goddess/Divine
Mayweather triggers (in us) the Child and Trickster archetypes. After all, (referencing the Child archetype) each of us harbors hidden or otherwise outward desires for being wealthy and famous beyond comprehension. To live in royal settings, to drive fancy cars, and to be surrounded by famous beautiful people is a fantasy shared by all – a “collective unconscious.”
Mayweather is the physical representation – a morphological manifestation – of the American Dream. A winner, an Olympian, in a nation with a gross domestic product approaching $14 trillion.
Born from an elite boxing family, Floyd has been trained all his life. 39 wins, 0 losses. No challenger deemed worthy.
Born of the American heartland, he came from a country that is the wealthiest and most powerful that has ever existed in human history – a colossus in the Titanic. In the boxing ring, Floyd also triggers the Trickster archetype, with hand speed and head/body coordination of a camera flash. The defensive postures and maneuvers, as well as counter-punching acumen, are cunning, deceptive, and precise. He is a master at his craft – the pinnacle of talent in the defensive boxing style. There are strengths and weaknesses.
Fighting Styles
In the martial arts/fight world, a warrior can command another style, each with a mastery of a coordinated skill set, as well as, a distinct philosophy (a way of looking at the world and method of living):
Shaolin (long-range fighting)
Dragon (combination of hard and soft attacks)
Tiger (power fighting)
White Crane (four principles of hurt, evade, penetrate and intercept)
Praying Mantis (close range fighting, offensive blocking, and sudden, whip-like attacks on vital organs)
Monkey style (unusual/unpredictable hopping, comical, and lethal defense – your defenses are weak, when amused).
Floyd Mayweather the boxer: #1 Shaolin, #5 Praying Mantis, and #6 Monkey fighting styles.
“Pretty Boy” and “Money” the archetype: the Child, the Trickster.
Allow these archetypes to sink you into a hypnosis.
The Hero's Adventure
Pacquiao arouses – in each of us – the Hero archetype. Freddie Roach is molded of the Wise Old Man archetype (the former boxer – with 53 total fights – turned the world’s best trainer). Joseph Campbell, the revered 20th century American mythologist and thinker, uncovered for us all the Hero in his literary and philosophical crowning jewel “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.”
A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.1
Pacquiao hails from the forgotten, impoverished corner of the globe. In our actual world, not of televisions or of Hollywood, as much as 30,000 children die daily around the world as a result of poverty (according to UNICEF). Undergoing the severest excruciation of the flesh, a cursed and perpetual nutritional crucifixion, words alone serve no justice in accurately depicting such human experience.
The Abyss
Manny relates to the world’s desperate – those who go through the day without a single meal – because he himself clawed out of this abyss. Each of us can not choose the parents or settings that we are born into – we are given certain cards. We are forced to play them, or die. Born of a family with no money, Manny was forced to drop out of the 6th grade in order to provide food for his mother and siblings.
These hustles included selling cigarettes, serving as a “baker’s assistant.” working in the tuna market, and toiling as a construction worker. Listening to the Mike Tyson and Buster Douglas fight revealed his love – his life’s calling. Boxing in local competitions starting at age 12, Manny earned $1 - $2 if he emerged victorious. The movie Fight Club is an elegant setting compared to the raucous and destitute setting of Third World fights (with little or no health clinics – or the money to pay for it – in case of a fighter’s serious injury). For Manny: win the fight – and your family has something to eat for the day.
Manny Pacquiao invokes the Hero archetype, hailing from the poor, inspiring the sympathetic and idealistic middle and upper classes. Freddie Roach serves as the Wise Old Man archetype, much like the guide Virgil helping Dante’s travels in the Divine Comedy. The Philippines, in particular, is a struggling country of economic and political foibles, wobbling in mass poverty, and injured and maimed from decades of religious and ethnic strife and war. The attempted transition from a historically agricultural and hunter-gatherer society to an advanced geo-political landscape has proven most rough. An entire nation of 90 plus million – like 12 year old Manny – must claw and climb out of the abyss. As the Hero goes into a tremendous Adventure, so must this whole country traverse a path to the Promised Land.
The Journey
Joseph Campbell’s Adventure of the Hero follows an archetypal template, summarized as:
- the Call to Adventure – boyhood Manny’s plight for individual and family survival
- Refusal of the Call – fear of leaving for Manila to undergo boxing training
- Supernatual Aid – Freddie Roach as trainer (along with Bob Arum as guide)
- Crossing of the First Threshold – defeat of hall of famer Marco Antonio Barrera in 2003
- the Belly of the Whale (rebirth) – arrival in America as a transformational conduit
- the Road of Trials – the wars with legends Eric Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez
- Woman as the Temptress – conquest of vices such as womanizing and drinking
- Apotheosis (the Hero’s sacrifice) – breakthrough expansion of consciousness
- the Ultimate Boon – the Hero’s obtainment of benefits for society including inspiration, heightened morale, productivity gains, charity and help for the poor
- the Return – retirement from boxing and foray into elected office
- Master of the Two Worlds – the Hero’s shining example and life lessons for both (#1) the Capitalistic / Materialistic World and (#2) the Impoverished / Forgotten World
- Fellow Man’s benefit from the Hero – the Hero bestows lasting good for his fellow Man, in this case: virtues, ideals, chivalry, sense of honor and dignity, and charity.
In Campbell’s summation:
The modern hero, the modern individual who dares to heed our whole destiny to be atoned, cannot, indeed must not, wait for his community to cast off its slough of pride, fear, rationalized avarice, and sanctified misunderstanding. “Live,” Nietzsche says, “as though the day were here.” It is not society that is to guide and save the creative hero, but precisely the reverse. And so every one of us shares the supreme ordeal – carries the cross of the redeemer – not in the bright moments of his tribe’s great victories, but in the silences of his personal despair.2
Boyhood Manny’s desperation for food and scraps of money was in direct proportion to the plight of his family for survival. “Pacman” the boxer’s desperation in the ring is in direct proportion to the magnitude of his struggle as a child. You – Marco Antonio Barrera, Eric Morales, Oscar de la Hoya – fought, and lost to, a desperate fighter; he has been desperate all his life.
As an adult, Manny’s “family” is now the entire country of the Philippines – long considered a struggling village in the global landscape. He is on a crusade to further the cause of 90 million of his cheering countrymen. “The Fighting Pride of the Philippines” is willing to lay down his life – and assume death – morbidly dragged from the boxing ring, if need be – rather than lose a fight. Philosophically, boxing is no longer a simple brutish match between two bleeding souls. Boxing is the stage for the grand plight of Filipinos, and for everyone else who struggles as, or for, the Forgotten Ones. The Hero has crossed the threshold of Apotheosis – a breakthrough expansion in consciousness – and has become willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, if necessary, rather than lose the fight. Rather than lose a fight against Filipinos as second- or third-class citizens in the world; rather than lose the fight against poverty; rather than lose a fight against pessimism. The Hero struggles, and gives, until he can struggle or give no more. “Give me liberty or give me death.”
The last two stanzas of his country’s national anthem bare the heart of the “People’s Champ.”
Thy banner dear to all hearts
Its sun and stars alright,
Oh, never shall its shining fields
Be dimmed by tyrants might.
Beautiful land of love, oh land of light,
In thine embrace 'tis rapture to lie;
But it is glory ever when thou art wronged
For us thy sons to suffer and die.
Manny Pacquiao has been declared by the Philippine Government as an official national treasure, a living monument guarding and promoting its history, culture, tradition, and national pride. As the Pacquiaos reside in the tumultuous southern region of the country, if Manny Pacquiao – the officially recognized national treasure – undergoes undue threat, he is defended by military land-, air-, and sea-based forces of the Philippine Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police.
The Boxer
Pacman the boxer has grown from a 98 lb pre-teenage boxer (he hid 8 lb steel rods in his pockets) who first fought at the light flyweight limit of 106 lb, into a 147 lb welterweight Tazmanian devil. The whirling dervish of raining punches – with blinding speed – lands bruises, bloody cuts, and broken ribs on hall of fame-caliber opponents, several of which were knocked down for one of the only times in their long careers. The Typhoon from the Pacific decimates anything in its path. He wants Against All Odds fights. As a 5 foot 6.5 inch heavy underdog, he decimates the 5 foot 10.5 inch former middleweight champion “Golden Boy” Oscar de la Hoya.
Beating Ricky “the Hitman” Hatton at junior welterweight on May 2nd, means a fourth victory in four different weight classes, three championship belts in three different weight classes, against four top-notch opponents (two of which are future hall of famers), in his last four fights. His next two fights may see Manny Pacquiao eclipsing the boxing immortal "Homicide" Hank Armstrong.
In earlier allusion to style contrasted with Floyd Mayweather, we find the following:
Manny Pacquiao the warrior: #2 Dragon, #3 Tiger, and #4 White Crane fighting styles.
“Pacman” the archetype: the Hero. Freddie Roach the archetype: the Wise Old Man.
The attacking postures and maneuvers, as well as, punching acumen are forceful, obsessively relentless, and desperate. Pacman is also a master at his craft – the pinnacle of talent as an offensive dynamo. And like Floyd's style, there are strengths and weaknesses.
Comments
the Philippines has poor, impoverished sections and also developed parts. i think the writer was referring to the forgotten aspects of our country, like tondo, mindanao that have not improved for many reasons, including dictatorship, war, etc. i think the writer is suggesting that pambansang kamao is representative of the poor's plight in general from around the world. IMO
Some of the contents were flawed, but the approach is strong and profound, somewhat exaggerated yet eloquently brilliant. Wow, the contrast cannot be even greater like the ideas you are trying to convey...I hope the next parts will justify the aspirations of this piece to earn the distinction and attention it is obviously aiming for.
Some of the contents were flawed, but the approach is strong and profound, somewhat exaggerated yet eloquently brilliant. Wow, the contrast cannot be even greater like the ideas you are trying to convey...I hope the next parts will justify the aspirations of this piece to earn the distinction and attention it is obviously aiming for.
Doesn't manny already have 4 belts in 4 different weight classes???
hey great solid article, my head hurts, but its conveying a lot of different things. PBF and Pac are opposites, thats for sure. ying and yang
come on bob arum, make this fight happen!!
There is a tinge of exaggeration in some parts of your article. I suggest you visit the Philippines very soon so that you will realize that you've been preaching out some fallacies here. Where did you get 30,000 persons dying everyday because of hunger. You maybe thinking of some places somewhere out of this universe. I hope you could visit our please, and I will treat you with everything good and sweet that you've never tasted before. Thanks for the article anyway. And peace be with you.
super fight between Manny and Ricky Hatton will be a good fight. Manny should concentrate on him, bec that will be a tough test. 50/50 bout i think. Mosley, and JMM III will also be good. take care
super fight between Manny and Ricky Hatton will be a good fight. Manny should concentrate on him, bec that will be a tough test. 50/50 bout i think. Mosley, and JMM III will also be good. take care
There is a tinge of exaggeration in some parts of your article. I suggest you visit the Philippines very soon so that you will realize that you've been preaching out some fallacies here. Where did you get "the 30,000 dying everyday because of hunger"..? You maybe thinking of some other places somewhere out of this universe. I hope you could visit our place, and I will treat you with everything good and sweet that you've never tasted before. Anyway, thanks for the article. And, peace be with. ....Of course, I'm sorry for this comment.
this writer's depiction of Pacquiao as the one who feeds,clothe, shelter 90 million Filipinos is too much exaggerated. as if every Filipino is relying on Pacquiao on thier basic needs. true Pacquiao is helping his countryman, but this is limited only to those in his hometown and some cases to those affected by national calamities, but this is just a small percentage of the whole Filipino population.
hey bro,stop it , ur over reacting...loser!
this is a pretty long article for a 30 minute boxing match, but i like the ambitious ideas. hope to see more on floyd on the other parts too
this is a pretty long article for a 30 minute boxing match, but i like the ambitious ideas. hope to see more on floyd on the other parts too
exagerrated article..FYI Mr writer Manny Pacquiao didn't steal those cigarettes he sold,it is common here in PI to sell cigarettes in the streets but not stolen cigarettes,check your facts pls instead of just copying what Jim Lampley said which was INACCURATE!
what an intelligent article!!! ayos!
would floyd really be 39-0 if he fought mosley, trinidad, margarito, cotto? it seems you need to have wins in upper 40s, maybe 50, to be an all-time great. come on floyd, come out
would floyd really be 39-0 if he fought mosley, trinidad, margarito, cotto? it seems you need to have wins in upper 40s, maybe 50, to be an all-time great. come on floyd, come out
To those hating... He never stated Manny feeds, clothes, shelters all the filipino. He merley states that Manny depicts the Archetype of which in psychology fits the description of a hero. The author does a great job of explaining he he feels in particular what Manny is to alot of peoples psyche and the part where he says 30,000 children die daily is cited so you cant say he didnt do his research because you obviously don't know how much either.
excellent article! very well thought out and laid out. def looking forward to reading the rest of the series
excellent article! very well thought out and laid out. def looking forward to reading the rest of the series
excellent article! very well thought out and laid out. def looking forward to reading the rest of the series
excellent article! very well thought out and laid out. def looking forward to reading the rest of the series
excellent article! very well thought out and laid out. def looking forward to reading the rest of the series
Mr. Writer you are lacking research about Floyd's childhood poverty. Your report is inconsistent.
and please don't consider ODLH as mexican, He is an american from East LA.
It is half true that FR trained MP on most of his fight, but he is not the on who created this gifted boxer. But rather they are the perfect team for the boxing. But please don't forget to give credit to FM's trainer and team.
"If you would like to write don't plagiarized or take on loan."
This is it boxing fans,a true decent and substantive write-up about Manny Pacuiao in class.
To Edgar De dios & Zanzibar: "as much as 30,000 children die daily AROUND THE WORLD as a result of poverty (according to UNICEF"....These hustles included selling cigarettes, serving as a “baker’s assistant.” working in the tuna market, and toiling as a construction worker... (walang nakalagay na stolen cigarettes, and Around the world yung nasa article). Basahin ninyo ng maayos bago mag comment..The writer has writen his article clearly.. Mga ULOL! Nuthugger!
Very good article if youlle put it in a book, Its like youre reading a literary, Basically facts should be gathered first before writting articles like these and make sure that ur facts are right both the country and the fighters pls, stick to banking i think ull be better of writting articles about were should we invest our money and what are ur suggestions with regards to global financial crisis things like that .. i believe thats ur forte... not boxing thank you
Wow! I like those "archetypes" and fighting styles attributes between these two great fighters the writer trying to put emphasis. A well-thought article and an intelligent read, i must admit. Can't wait to read the remaining parts.
Wow! I like those "archetypes" and fighting styles attributes between these two great fighters the writer trying to put emphasis. A well-thought article and an intelligent read, i must admit. Can't wait to read the remaining parts.
Great job Marv! Can't wait to read part 2.
Hi Marv... nice article though I disagree on some points the country situation in particular. The Philippines maybe not rich but not impoverished as pictured. Had you been to our country? try visiting Makati City our financial district and Manila. You might be shocked and awed by its cosmopolitan appearance. Peace and order? Its much safer to walk around Metro Manila than stroll in New York or LA. War? its confined only in a very small area in Mindanao just like in Southern Thailand. Our country is a rich and beautiful country being made ugly by the media most of whom had not even visited this jewel of the Far East. Ask the Americans who often visit ths country. God bless.
zanzibar, napaka bobo mo naman basahin mo nga maigi ang article na ito, the writer did'nt say "selling stolen cigarettes" dumbass.
wanitozespasol whatever ur name is--we're not categorized as a developing nation for nothing, and more 2/3 of our population live below the poverty line based on international standards set by among them UN etc. and definitely not defined by our few business districts cosmopolitan appearance. i'm sorry, but u need to get off ur ivory tower and feel the pulse of our ordinary folks.
wanitozespasol whatever ur name is--we're not categorized as a developing nation for nothing, and more 2/3 of our population live below the poverty line based on international standards set by among them UN etc. and definitely not defined by our few business districts cosmopolitan appearance. i'm sorry, but u need to get off ur ivory tower and feel the pulse of our ordinary folks.
nice article.. i give it a 10+!
its like reading a novel..really written well..offense vs defense? i'd rather take offense... id like to read more of this...
A surprisingly creative perspective on the the two P4P kings. Can't wait for the next installments.
Wow! nice article. I'm excited to read more of this...
Wow! nice article. I'm excited to read more of this...
its a philosophical descriptive contrast of a boxer in a poor vs rich country, yet it manages to describe man's greatness will shine by one's determination to succeed by harnessing its profound talents and courage eventhough you are in unproverished who knows later that its not only the banana lameduck president will be his no 1 fan but might be the black one too.
nice artistic approach. that's it.
Great article...
My favorite reading EVER. Promise. I just saved this as one of my faves of all time.
Nice Article Man really filling..
better than ur Boxing examiners'(viveyk)
I hope the bout will happen Soon... It will really be for the Ages...
I like the Idea of helping hands! of course the first thing u wanna do is help ur own family which is happenning now... no body has done that generousity ever for countrymen.. go PACKMAN MABUHAY!
Excellent piece! Very profound and intelligent analysis of two men admired for their boxing prowess and skills...
Wow!
I thought you're a western sports writer, Pinoy ka pala. Napakagaling ng pagkakagawa mo nitong article mo... may comparison pa sa mga praying mantis,dragon, etc. which characteristic you have described well. You have done researches well in order to write this in a very high caliber of an article. Superb!! Ang galing mo kabayan!
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