Manny Pacquiao Interview

[m00ks]

It's a long one! Really long!

“Surrender Is Never An Option”

Ted Lerner reports: “I’ve known Manny since the mid-1990s when he started his career, and I’ve watched him progress over the years. His style has always been electrifying, but, like all wild sluggers, and especially one with his taste for the good life, everyone has been waiting for him to be exposed, or self-destruct. But one consistent quality with Manny has always been the size of his heart. He loves what his doing and he loves to show people that he loves it. Even when the skills haven’t equal to his opponents, his huge heart has always carried him through. I think that’s what boxing fans over the world over love about him. And with the easy going way his handling his current success, Manny seems to still have his feet planted firmly on the ground. That’s good for boxing and definitely good for boxing fans.”

KO: You must be very proud of this house.
Manny Pacquiao: I’m very happy that I’m able to invest something as big as a house.
KO: So many boxers around the world end up nothing when their careers are finished. Here in the Philippines an example is former WBC super featherweight titleholder Rolando Navarrete, who is now completely indigent. What are you doing to avoid the same thing happening to you?
MP: I’m not planning on going the route of Navarrete. I also have a lot other properties that I’ve invested in. I’m currently putting up an apartment building in General Santos City. I also started a mango plantation. I planted 300 mango trees and we’re expecting a harvest in two years. And I’ve also bought land in Davao (a large city near General Santos).
KO: You once said that you needed bodyguards in your hometown of General Santos City. Is it still like that there?
MP: In Gen San it’s close to where a lot of the rebels are, the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and the Abu Sayyaf. There was one point where one group had threatened to kidnap me, but of coarse they couldn’t because I had the bodyguards with me. It’s better to be safe.
KO: Are you living in Manila full-time now?
MP: I still go to Gen San quite often. I bought a house from Manila because I come to Manila a lot and we have to rent. And the rent of some hotel rooms is high. It doesn’t have to do with anything about having bodyguards back home. I just needed a permanent place to stay here.
KO: There are a lot of distractions in Manila. You have family, friends, hangers-on, everyone wants to take your picture, get your autograph, or invite you to parties. Plus you make commercials and movies. How do you handle all this?
MP: Well, it’s part of my career. When I don’t have any fights, it’s good to be in Manila. I love this place. I have a lot of friends and there’s a lot to do here. But I only like it here when I have no training. When I have a fight to prepare for, I’d rather go back to Gen San or Davao or Los Angeles.
KO: Do you still like to part the way you use to?
MP: I still like to have a good time with my friends. But now I try to spend more time with my family. I think it’s important to enjoy yourself. Especially after training so hard and then having a bad fight.
KO: You’re one of the Philippines’ biggest superstars and celebrities right now. What is it like dealing with the pressure of being a superstar on a day-today-basis?
MP: It’s very difficult because there are so many places that I want go to, but I can’t because there’s always people following me, people recognizing me. There are a lot of things I can’t do anymore.
KO: Is it like that in your home province as well?
MP: It’s like that too in Gen San, but everyone knows me there. A lot of people consider me as their province mate there.
KO: Do relatives ask you for Manny?
MP: Of coarse. I provide allowance for almost 10 relatives whom I’m sending to school. Plus I have to provide money for the things they need for school. I also pay for my mother’s expenses in her house in Gen San. Also my three brothers and sister, I give them money for their expenses.
KO: You grew up poor in General Santos City. What was that like and how has that shaped your life today?
MP: It’s definitely affected me, even to this day. Sometimes I have sleepless nights thinking about what I’ve been through. But this is what pushes me every day, the thought that I came from that situation. I always think about it, everyday. It’s what drove me to become a champion that I am right now.
KO: But there are a lot of poor people in the Philippines. What makes you different in that you have this drive to succeed on a world wide stage?
MP: I value my talents. I thank God for the talents I’ve been given. I think that’s what sets me apart in that I have the talent. So to thank God for giving me the talent, I have to use that talent to get where I am now.
KO: What is it like to be a wealthy man in a country where there are so many poor people?
MP: I try never forget what it’s like to be poor. I never forget where I come from. I feel pity for the poor.
KO: When did you first realize that you had exceptional power in your fists?
MP: I realized it when I started boxing when I was a teenager. I would throw a punch, but I never thought it was going to be that powerful a punch. I would actually throw it light, but my opponents would all fall down.
KO: You’re also a good pool player. Why do you love pool so much?
MP: I love playing pool because it’s a game I can play even when I’m old. I can’t box forever. But I can play pool for many years and be good at it. Actually, I don’t want to be popular in just boxing. I’d like to in another sport. When I retire from boxing, I plan on getting more into pool.
KO: There are rumors that you have lost a lot of money from sharks ******** on pool matches. Do you think it’s possible that you’re being hustled?
MP: Those rumors of me betting large amounts of money are not true. Sure, I always like to have bets on the side. That’s what motivates pool players to play at their best. Right now I feel that I’m so good, you know I’ve learned a lot of tricks on how to win, I don’t think that pool sharks are trying to cheat me. They can’t cheat me, because I have a lot of knowledge about the game. Actually I beat a lot of them.
KO: Did you ever play the legendary Efren Reyes?
MP: Yes, I played him once. He gave me a handicap and I still lost. But I beat him in the next match, with the handicap, of coarse.

[m00ks]

Continued.....


KO: You trained less than six weeks for Marquez fight, and prior to that you were spending a lot of time on the pool table. Some people said that his affected your training and your stamina for the fight. Were you in the best shape you could possibly be in?
MP: I don’t think playing pool affected my fighting. In fact, I only trained five weeks for Barrera and sparred a total of 103 rounds, all in all. For Marquez, I trained for six weeks and I sparred 136 rounds. I prepared more for Marquez than I did for Barrera. I did feel something was wrong with my body for the Marquez fight. It had nothing to do with playing pool. In the days leading to the fight, I didn’t feel like I was 100 percent. But if I was, I don’t think the fight would have reached 12 rounds the way it did.
KO: Do you believe that you beat Marquez?
MP: Easily. I beat him.
KO: You said you hurt your left hand in the first round. How bad was it hurt?
MP: My fist swelled up. I hit him in the head hard two times in that round with the left and it started to hurt. And after the first round, I lost most of my power in my left. A minimum weight (straw weight) fighter would have had a stronger punch that I had at that point. It was very painful. So from then on I just wanted to punch hard enough so I could reach his face, but not anymore, so that at least I could score points.
KO: How has the hand heeled?
MP: It’s okay now. During the fight I felt like I overworked it. But nothing was broken. I didn’t tear any muscle. No problem.
KO: How did you stop from being demoralized after the first round, knowing that you’ve lost your best weapon?
MP: After the first round, I realized that the fight was going to go to the full 12 rounds. My philosophy in fighting is that the only way I’m going to lose is to be knocked out. That’s all there is to it. Surrender is never an option for me no matter how much pain I’m in.
KO: Marquez was able to gather himself, shake off the effects of the three knockdowns, and he seem to turn the fight around, especially in the middle part of the fight. Were you ever concerned the fight was starting to slip away?
MP: When I realized that I probably couldn’t knock him out, the first thing that came to my mind was that I was going to beat Marquez by decision. I think Marquez was just lucky that night because if my left wasn’t hurting, I would have knocked him out. I never got demoralized when I saw him getting stronger. You know, I’m a different kind of fighter. The more I’m in pain, the more determined I want to be a better fighter, to beat my opponent.
KO: You also said that you had a bad blister on your foot and that the reason was that you were wearing a cheap pair of socks. Why, when you’re making all this money, are you wearing a pair of cheap socks?
MP: Yes, the socks were cheap, but they were still good quality. The blister was caused by cramps I my calf. The cramps were so painful I thought my leg was going to explode. Because of the cramps, I wasn’t able to position my foot properly on the canvas when I was throwing my punches. And that’s what caused the blister to form.
KO: Right after the fight you said you were very disappointed with the draw. Are you still upset?
MP: No more. People saw who really won the fight. The way I fought Marquez, the people know. And everyone knows the judge made a mistake on the scoring.
KO: Were you disappointed that you weren’t able to get Marquez’ two champions belt?
MP: The belts are not important. What’s important is whether or not the people like you. Anyway, I like The Ring belt, because there’s no sanction fees.
KO: You obviously know there were also many people who thought Marquez could have won the fight. Did you ever consider that the draw was a blessing in disguise, that with so many people clamoring for a rematch, that you have a potential rivalry and perhaps several big money matches with Marquez down the line?
MP: When there’s a draw, the people will want to see a rematch. It’s natural. I still believe it would have been better if I’d won and then we have a rematch. But now I’m okay with the draw because you’re right, there’ll be more rematches coming up. So yes, in that sense a draw is just as good.
KO: So you want a rematch with Marquez?
MP: I look forward to fighting Marquez again. I’m not going to say it’s going to be a knockout, because it’s difficult to predict the outcome. I just want to put on a good show and make the people happy.
KO: Your next fight might be a rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera. He recently defeated Paulie Ayala, who is a southpaw like you. He says this time he’s going to be ready for you. What will be the outcome this time?
MP: I saw that fight with Ayala, and Barrera has definitely improved against left-handed fighters. Marco’s right; he’s ready for me. But the thing is I will prepare for him and I will be ready for Marco Antonio Barrera. I can still beat him. I’m faster, quicker, and more powerful with my punches, quicker with my movements. I can still beat him.
KO: You’ve gotten boxing fans excited with your all-action style. You truly enjoy boxing do you?
MP: I just want to fight. I’m not angry with my opponent. It’s just a sport to me. After a grueling fight, we’re good friends again. I just want to show my power, what I’m made of inside the ring.
KO: Another thing boxing fans like is that you’re always willing to fight the best out there. Now that you’re famous, why not occasionally take some easy fights and get some easy money?
MP: My training regimen is the same whether I fight a weaker fighter or a better fighter. So there’s no difference. Why not fight the better fighter so all my training is worth it? And I want the respect from the fans that comes when you face the best that’s out there. I want to be remembered as a true champion. If I fight a lesser fighter, I might win, but I won’t get as much respect from the fans. It’s not about the money; it’s about respect.
KO: When you come out of the locker room and head toward the ring for a fight, you’re always smiling, like you’re really enjoying yourself. This is normally a very tense situation for most boxers. Why are you so different?
MP: I really love boxing. I never feel uptight or nervous. I feel excited Fighting inside the ring is a chance to display how great I am as a boxer, to show what I’m made of, just who Manny Pacquiao is.
KO: You are not scared of anyone?
MP: No, I don’t fear anyone except God. As long as my opponent is in my weight class, it’s not going to raise any of the hairs on my head.
KO: Are you still comfortable at featherweights?
MP: I’m very comfortable. But I feel I could even go up to junior lightweight or even lightweight if I had to.
KO: That means you can fight Erik Morales. How do you think you’d fare against him?
MP: I feel that Morales might be quicker than me, but I think I’m more powerful than him. I don’t have any problems on going up in weight because now when I go into the ring, I’m already up to 136 pounds. For Morales I’d probably get on the scale at 128 or 129, and then by fight time I’d be up to 136.
KO: Your career really took off when you started training with Freddie Roach. What is it about Freddie Roach’s style that has helped you so much?
MP: Unlike other trainers, Freddie teaches everything step by step. He doesn’t cram all the techniques into one session. Besides that, Freddie treats me like his own son. He’s a good guy and he’s very good to me and he’s passionate about me.
KO: What has Roach helped you the most with?
MP: Since I’ve been with him, I’ve develop faster footwork and more head movement. He’s helped me with my defense, too. Before, I’d lower my hands down, but now I always have my hands up. One technique that Freddie taught were these breathing exercises, learning how to relax, inhaling properly, not too abrupt. These kinds of things are good in helping me endure grueling fights and have even a longer career.
KO: You live quite in austere life when you’re in Los Angeles training, going mostly from the gym to the motel and back again. Do you like this kind of life?
MP: It’s not something I like, but I have to do it. To become a champion I have to sacrifice. It’s like a prison. What’s good about this type of set up is that there are no distractions. It gives me a chance to recharge, to rest, and to focus on my training.

[m00ks]

KO: Your rather complicated management situation has caused you problems in the recent past. Do you think your career is being handled well?
MP: Right now, everyone is working on the same page. From my managers, to me, down to the trainers, everything is fine.
KO: When you look at your future what do you see?
MP: I’d like to retire at 31 or 32 years old because it will be difficult for my body to take all that punishment like when I was younger. I’d like to help the poor, to reach out to the underprivileged people, probably in my home province. And then I’d like to go to politics (laugh). I’m not sure what position I’d like to get into, but I will definitely pursue this. I don’t think politics is messy. It’s only messy when you’re doing something wrong..
KO: You were active in helping out President Arroyo in her recent campaign for president. How close are you to her?
MP: I’m close to her, but I’m actually closer to her son, Congressman Mikey Arroyo. Mikey is the Godfather of my eldest son. I talk to him over the phone quite often. We go on trips together.
KO: Do you have anything to say to your fans overseas who have come to love you all-action style of fighting?
MP: I like to thank all my fans in the States who like the way I fight. I can promise them that I’m going to give 100 percent in my training and in my fights, so that every time I’m in the ring, I can show how truly great Manny Pacquiao is as a boxer. I want audiences to enjoy every fight that I’m in. Once I get in the ring, I will fight to the point where they will definitely got their money’s worth. That’s a promise.

[ELPacman]

Awesome interview man, thanks!

[.::|ULTIMATE|::.]

Looks like someone might be robbing Manny Pacquiao blind.

I know he has property but by what he mentioned it seems he really doesnt have as much money as people think.

[m00ks]

Looks like someone might be robbing Manny Pacquiao blind.

I know he has property but by what he mentioned it seems he really doesnt have as much money as people think.

Well he IS getting robbed somewhere. He ain't getting what he deserves, everybody takes a cut and the money he has left he's paying for family's expenses and putting kids to school. At least he invested in property.

[PacKillsMorales]

In Gen San it’s close to where a lot of the rebels are, the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and the Abu Sayyaf

someone needs to tell them the initials MILF have already been taken...

[m00ks]

someone needs to tell them the initials MILF have already been taken...

lol I read that too. And I guess Manny IS a mango eater lol.

[psychopath]

Thanks for the article Mooks . . . THAT'S THE real Manny . . . a guy who always makes sure that his feet remains in the ground.

[Silencer]

Thanks Mooks for sharing that interview of Pac.

Just hope that the next one will be not as short as this one!!!

Thanks bro!!!