Pacquiao Outside the Ring – We Explore His Legendary Life Before Comeback

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Maybe Manny has been watching Rocky movies too much, but he’s decided that the time is right for a comeback. 

He’s discussing a return for the WBC welterweight title against Mario Barrios, years on from losing to Yordenis Ugas and calling time on his career. The Filipino champ lost a comeback fight in 2021 on a unanimous decision and it seemed like that was the curtain call, but he could be reversing retirement and his promoter said that he may be in the market for just one more title.

Now 45 years old, winning a title would be one of the most impressive boxing achievements in recent years or even ever, and that could be edging closer, but what about the things he’s done away from the canvas? Pac-Man has turned himself into one of the most impressive celebs ever to come out of the boxing ring.

Hobbies

A lot is made of this man’s love of helping others. Pacquiao does an immense amount in the community as has been well-covered in loads of media. But he has his own hobbies, too. 

Some people are impressive in this way, but there seems to be a commonality with all of the things that Manny loves to do – they involve strategy and knowledge. Famously, Pacquiao has taught himself how to play the piano in between fighting and his public life.

Another of his hobbies that is well publicized and involves a strong level of strategy is his enjoyment of poker. Pacquiao has been known for his love to play poker. Boxers, especially in the lower weight categories, will often compare their boxing to a sort of poker strategy, where they’re trying to read the opponent before making a move.

Poker’s mix of strategy and luck may be one of the things that appeals to people from combat sports, but plenty of them share this passion and Manny is not alone in playing poker. 

The table games don’t stop there, and he’s also known to like chess. One of Asia’s great champions, it is perhaps fitting that he plays the game so many associate with Asia and that has a strategic element. He was known for his strategy when boxing (and we may see another glimpse of this if the comeback is on). This wasn’t really tested in his last fight against a former sparring partner, which was described as an exhibition and wasn’t something that led us to see the best of Pacquiao, there was very little strategy on display.

Pacquiao the Businessman

Manny Pacquiao’s entrepreneurial spirit is as strong as he is, and there’s an impressive empire the man has built away from the boxing ring. Over the years, he has invested in various businesses, leveraging his fame and fortune to build a diverse portfolio. 

He founded a complete basketball league that has 29 teams and some huge TV deals as a part of it, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), aims to develop and promote basketball talent in the Philippines, and he even had a go at playing basketball in his home country.

In addition to sports, Manny has ventured into the food and beverage industry, with his own line of restaurants and cafés. Like so many big sports stars he’s also invested in real estate, including resorts and commercial properties. These business ventures provide financial returns and create jobs and opportunities for many Filipinos.

The business empire and reputation may be helped by the man’s legendary status and the fact he made some good money in his career, but he’s got the spirit away from the court to make these things happen and clearly cares about business.

The Manny Pacquiao Foundation

Loads of sports stars who make a lot of money are keen to give back to the community and help people get opportunities in their lives. Through the Manny Pacquiao Foundation, he has provided scholarships as well as other forms of help and assistance to underprivileged communities in the Philippines. The foundation has also been involved in disaster relief, offering aid and support to victims of some of the natural disasters that are sadly common in some parts of the world.

In addition to his foundation's work, Manny has personally funded numerous projects. One notable example is the housing project he initiated in his hometown of General Santos City, where he built homes for hundreds of homeless families. His generosity and genuine concern for the welfare of others have earned him immense respect and admiration, both locally and internationally.

Conclusion

Perhaps Manny is an example for many people to follow in sports. Money flowed to him at the end of his career as he drew huge audiences, but this has not led him to an overly showy life. Pacquiao helps people and runs numerous businesses so uses his power for a lot of good.

Now, about this comeback. It could be a good thing for the world of boxing or it could be somebody wanting one last chance to reclaim some glory, but he’s a competitor through and through so we won’t be too surprised if he returns to the ring.