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International Sports Examiner
- boxing -
by Marv Dumon
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2010 Fighter of the Year, Fighter of the Decade, and WBO welterweight champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (51-3-2) delivered an inspiring speech at the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) awards dinner on Friday, June 4, 2010.
The tribute dinner was held at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City.
Pacquiao's speech on Friday was simple in its eloquence, and it was most credible not for its intellectual prowess, but the heartfelt aspirations which thereby produced one of the sport's more towering achievements.
The Pacman, with his deeds, may echo what William Shakespeare wrote many years ago:
his life was gentle, and the elements / So mixed in him that nature might stand up / And say to all the world 'This was a man
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Acceptance Speech at BWAA Awards >
In his acceptance speech, Pacquiao said:
Good evening everybody.. Good evening everyone. Thank you.
Poverty confronted our family; poverty challenged my youth. In my journey, I was pressed but was not crushed. In my struggles, I was knocked down but not destroyed. I gained experience and learned from my mistakes.
At the start of the 21st century, I was convinced that I could excel in boxing. The ring became the breeding ground of my dreams. Boxing became the platform of my victories.
To the president of the Boxing Writers Association of America, Mr. Jack Hirsch, to the vice president Ron Borges, . . . to Don Steinberg, . . . to the officers, board of directors, and members of the Boxing Writers Association of America, representing almost every state, thank you very much for this distinct honor and recognition.
Tonight, I overflow with joy and graititude.
I appreciate this distinct honor and recognition of being awarded as the Fighter of the Decade. Once more you affirm that my destiny is to be a boxer. An excellent professional boxer.
I am thankful that just like [Muhammad] Ali and Joe Frazier and other fighters, I decided to get into boxing. I decided to not give up; to never give up. I decided to sacrifice. But not only that, I decided to trust God.
. . . continues below . . .
CLICK Images: Manny Pacquiao at 2010 BWAA Awards
1st PHOTO: 2010 Fighter of the Year and Fighter of the Decade Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (51-3-2), Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum, and Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City on Friday, June 4, 2010 for the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) Awards dinner. (Top Rank)
on Examiner.com >
Pacquiao continued:
I will never stop thinking God. He formed my destiny. He formed me in my mother's womb. He formed me from nothing into something. He knows everything about me.
I am so blessed to be surrounded by people who believe in me. My wife, of course Jinkee. And to our children: Princess, my daughter. You're my inspiration. My promoter and friend, Bob Arum. Thank you for everything. You're my firm believer and defender.
My trainer Freddie Roach, you are my trainer inside and outside the ring. I applaud your victory as Trainer of the Year. Coach, you're the man.
To my countrymen, the countless Filipinos around the world, you are my strength. With you, the long and painful seasons of training, and the discipline and sacrifices have become beneficial and rewarding.
It is great to be living in the 21st century. We come from different backgrounds to represent different races, but we are all connected. We all desire to have a sense of meaning, a sense of purpose, a sense of contribution. We all desire to be both great and good. We all desire to leave a legacy.
I am Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao. I am proud to be a Filipino.
And I want to remind all of you tonight, we are all destined for greatness. As one author said: "Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right use of strength.
Tonight I recognize the contributions of those who use their strength to make a difference: world class boxers, boxing promoters, managers, trainers, fans, and of course, all the boxing writers . . . come on, give some noise.
To the Boxing Writers Association of America, and to all of you who believe in boxing, in the ideals it upholds, thank you very much for the honor and recognition. Please accept my gratitute and let it resound throughout the 21st century. Goodnight and God bless everyone. Thank you.
The Filipino joined Muhammad Ali and Evander Holyfield as the only three-time recipients of the Sugar Ray Robinson Fighter of the Year Award.
In earning Fighter of the Decade awards, Pacquiao joined Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Roy Jones, Jr., as being considered as the best prize fighters in their respective decades.
Friday evening's event coincided with the death of former UCLA coach John Wooden who passed away at the age of 99. Coach Wooden is considered by ESPN as the greatest coach in any sport in history, having won 10 college basketball championships in 12 years. More importantly, Coach Wooden always taught his players to be successful in life. Asked by ESPN what quote he would like to be remembered by, Wooden answered: "Oh Lord, make me beautiful within," his late wife Nelly's favorite saying.
Basketball benefitted from Coach Wooden's example and wisdom for so long. On the same day of his passing, June 4, boxing awarded its highest accolade to a fighter from which it too has benefitted for so long.
Highlights from the BWAA Awards Dinner
Manny Pacquiao's family was in attendance at the Roosevelt Hotel, sitting right across from the stage. Other nominees for Fighter of the Decade include Marco Antonio Barrera, Joe Calzaghe, Bernard Hopkins, Juan Manuel Marquez, Floyd Mayweather, Jr, and Shane Mosley. When Pacquiao's name was mentioned, he was the only boxer that drew cheers from the crowd.
Freddie Roach won a record fourth consecutive Eddie Futch Trainer of the Year Award. Futch served as trainer for "Smokin' " Joe Frazier and was Roach's mentor.
Related >
In his acceptance speech, Roach said:
. . . I spent a lot of time with Eddie Futch that a lot of Eddie Futch rubbed off on me . . .
I started the Wild Card Gym and was looking to train some prospects . . .
One prospect came into my gym one day . . .
After one round with Manny Pacquiao, I knew that he was special. Now he's Fighter of the Decade . . .
I'm happy to win this award four straight times. I can't wait to win it five times . . .
During a brief break from the ceremony, Manny Pacquiao was swamped with autograph requests with attendees, boxing personalities, and even media figures waving posters, gloves, and memorabilia for the Pacman to sign.
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Organizers had to implore guests and attendees to clear the front row, where Pacquiao's table was located so that the award ceremony could resume.
Shakespeare's words earlier in this column described the passing of Julius Caesar. The scene ended with:
According to his virtue let us use him,
With all respect and rites of burial.
Within my tent his bones to-night shall lie,
Most like a soldier, order'd honourably.
So call the field to rest; and let's away,
To part the glories of this happy day.
Copyright © 2010, Marv Dumon
Quote: Excellence is a reflection of our character.
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Comments
Manny is special because of his work and fight attitude. I could still remember the Morales fight where a cut on his eye made anyone think that Manny would quit. But he doesn't, he went on and showed the world how big his heart was. That even he lost that night, the boxing fans worldwide clamor to seem him fight again. And the rest is history for the legendary Manny Pacquiao.
Mayweather to should have that award...he's greater than ali *sarcasm*
Nice article. I wish O was there.
the pacman got the award so let the smear campaign from the vodoo clan beguin. fraudy and the vodoo clan should get the smear campaign award of the decade. nobody could beat these guys when it comes to smear.
I was at the award ceremonies tonight. I have never been more proud to be a Filipino. The majority of professional athletes in this world never really acknowledge the fans and support we give them. But, with Manny, its truly a joy and an honor to support and root for him. We know we mean something to him and for those of us who are also his countrymen its an even more special bond. God bless you Manny, Mabuhay ka at Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!!
AWESOME !!!
MAYWEATHER IS A CHICKEN. CHICKEN TO THE BONE.....WHY DON'T YOU COME CLEAN AND ADMIT YOU'RE AFRAID OF PACQUIAO. COME ON, BE A MAN. PEOPLE ARE TIRED OF YOUR LOUSY MOUTH. THAT'S THE TRUTH, PERIOD. CONGRATULATIONS, MANNY! YOU'RE THE REAL POUND FOR POUND! YOU DESERVE THIS AWARD!
MAYWEATHER IS A CHICKEN. CHICKEN TO THE BONE.....WHY DON'T YOU COME CLEAN AND ADMIT YOU'RE AFRAID OF PACQUIAO. COME ON, BE A MAN. PEOPLE ARE TIRED OF YOUR LOUSY MOUTH. THAT'S THE TRUTH, PERIOD. CONGRATULATIONS, MANNY! YOU'RE THE REAL POUND FOR POUND! YOU DESERVE THIS AWARD!
i wonder what the haters are feeling now..
It is still the meek who inherit the earth... No itching, no bitching, no trash talking... just plain speech about his experience in life... that's how a fighter like Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao become Great.
What say you, Floyd Mayweather, Jr.???
Manny Pacquiao is really really deserving for it. I wish that Gayweather will came out and fight Manny to show the world and proved that the BWAA association is wrong for selecting Manny as a fighter for a decade and a fighter of the year. More power to BWAA
It was mention that Mayweather was there, after tonight's event
does he still have to guts to demand for a 60:40 on his favor...
LETS MAKE IT PLAIN AND SIMPLE....
PACMAN THE WINNER!!!
GAYFLOYD....LOSER!!!
SIMPLE AS THAT!!!!
Viva Manny Pacquiao!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!
Manny, he's the man!
manny deserves this award....im a big fan and i salute him for his achievements. iknow floyd will not fight him. floyd only fight pacquiao when his getting rusty and past his prime...i am 100% percent floyd will not fight pacquiao bcoz pacquiao is unbeatable in this era. sorry floyd but its all true.
Very well said, With the fighting Congressman's achievements every Filipinos around the world surely would be very proud to be called as one. Mabuhay ka Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao , Mabuhay ang Lahing Pilipino at Mabuhay ang Bansang Pilipinas.
Amazing that a person in a puglistic hurt business can also be so humble. Congratulations to your great accomplishments Manny and I hope you keep amazing us even after you have quit boxing.
Congratulation to you Manny.
SOMEBODY MUST BE DYING WITH ENVY!!!!!!!
nice chickes manny pacquiao, chickne gay
humble in victory. a true champ indeed. congrats manny.
Manny deserves this award....I'm a big fan and I salute him for his achievements. I know floyd will not fight him. floyd only fight pacquiao when his getting rusty and past his prime...i am 100% percent floyd will not fight pacquiao bcoz pacquiao is unbeatable in this era. sorry floyd but its all true.
. . . . you can not put a good man down . . . especially when he implored GOD's presence in his journey. . . .
envy envy envy wahahahahahahhaaa !!!!!
Floyd says, "You can take the awards, I'll take the money".
floyd is not a gay he just avoided manny pacquaio
Out of envy and to salvage oneself from worldwide embarassment for being the Trainer of the KOed and retired Ricky Hatton, Floyd Mayweather Sr. resorted to defamation and slander against Manny Pacquiao. These Mayweathers exalt themselves and claim that they are the Best in Boxing. Floyd Sr. claimed he was the Best Trainer in the World before the Hatton Fight and was humiliated by Pacquiao big-time! Floyd Jr. claims to be the Best Boxer of All Time and yet Pacquiao is awarded The Best Boxer of the Decade by Boxing Authorities. Floyd Jr. and Floyd Sr. are bunch of arrogant, self-exalting, disgusting characters! Those people who exalts themselves end up as fools and in shame!
its now time to turn the tide, 70 30 for pacman
Congrats Manny !!!! I'll change my name to #1mannyfan yahoooo !!!!
Floyd Gayweather the duck fighter of the decade
wala kang katulad manny. you are the best in the world, you are the idol of the next generation especially the children now, i hope hindi ka magbabago.
lastly, Pacquiao will surely destroy Mayweather!!! Floyd Jr. must avoid PacMan at all cost to save his boxing career and legacy, if ever there is one!
Congratulations Congressman Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao!!!
pacman is the best fcuk gayweather and the rest
May fans of boxing and fans of the human spirit not be fickle. May they continue to recognize the achievements of this man and celebrate them and use them as inspiration in there own lives. Boxing continues to amaze me as it has served as a backdrop and a home that has nurtured some of the most amazing stories of strength, courage, sacrifice, and success in the face of, what sometimes appears to be insurmountable odds.
Congratulations Congressman, 4 time lineal champion Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao.
Congratulations Manny! In silence, I followed your fights since blow by blow on TV in Manila, until your fights here in USA. You inspired us Filipinos in US. Wishing you visit us, in Jacksonville, Florida, "pinobre lang ta, tinuwa ug inun-unan ug ginamos". Pangamusta nalang,pre! God Bless you and wishing more blessings to you and family !
Congratulation to you Manny! all the Best and God Bless!
no ONE takes the eyes 'WITNESSING EMMANUEL MANNY PAQUIAO' AS EVER EVER GREAT BOXING FIGHTER OF THE HISTORY AS MANY SAY BELONG TO A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY BUT SOMEBODY DON'T KNOW GOD CHOSE LOWLY PEOPLE TO PRAISE HIS NAME!!!!GOD BLESS MANNY AND GOD BLESS PHILIPPINES!!!!
Congratulations Congressman Manny Pacquiao for making us Filipinos proud..I wish you all the best and God Bless you and your family..
congratulations to our very own proud of the republic of the philippines, cong. manny pacquiao for being fighter for of the year and fighter of the decade... mabuhay ang lahat ng pinoy!
Thank you for proving your greatness to the crab mentalities. There are plenty of people under estimated you especially the Floydiots because of your education but here you are, degnified people around the world salute you not only your achivements but your true God fearing personality and vision to help your country men. More power to you and CONGRATULATIONS.
Congrats sir manny!! Mabuhay ka!
CONGRatZ! hope u will fight evereyday...wew! u know what i mean...GOD bLESS!!!
what now floyd????
i'm still hoping though that you will humble yourself like manny so you'll be blessed like him....
Manny deserves this award....I'm a big fan and I salute him for his achievements. I know floyd will not fight him. floyd only fight pacquiao when his getting rusty and past his prime...i am 100% percent floyd will not fight pacquiao bcoz pacquiao is unbeatable in this era. sorry floyd but its all true.
Where is Kevin lol now? Where is his ranking now that he get from the air?
Congratulations to the real no. 1, the best in the decade, Manny Paquiao!!!
75 - 25 share is just right in favor of Pacman, 70 -30 is too generous.
Congratulations Congressman Manny Pacquiao not just for your electoral win in The Philippine Congress but also for ALL ACHIEVEMENTS YOU HAVE ACHIEVED TO THIS DAY, especially in BOXING where you really have been showing tremendous sacrifice and talent that future generations can look up to. Your humble beginnings and achievements is indeed show that you are ONE OF THE WORLD'S GREAT AMBASSADOR FOR SPORTS and am very proud to be a FILIPINO because of you.
WISHING YOU THE VERY BEST OF ALL YOUR ENDEAVORS IN THESE YEARS TO COME . GOD BLESS YOU MORE ALL AND US ALL.
HOPE YOU WOULD NOT CHANGE MAN!
THANK YOU!
These comments are always littered with comment about that other boxer ... this is Manny's story, stop mentioning the other boxer he's got nothing to do with Manny's greatness or success, you that mention the other boxer only serve elevate him to Manny's level in my opinion.
Can't you all give Manny praise without mentioning the other?
You deserve it manny.... if your bout with floyd will not push through, dont worry it will not change anything.... i just hope that there will be a manny pacquiao after he retires in boxing... God speed to the great boxer
Mabuhay ang malaysia.. Hahaha..
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