5 Things You Might Not Know About Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao isn’t new to hearing calls for retirement. How does he deal with them? He keeps proving people wrong. That’s exactly what happened when the 40-year-old easily dispatched the much younger Adrien Broner recently via a lopsided unanimous decision. In recognition of that brilliant performance, here are five things you might not know about the living legend.

He played professional basketball.

Like most Filipinos, Pacquiao has immense love for basketball and had played in various leagues when he was young. The honorary member of the Boston Celtics later brought his game to the pro ranks when he became a playing coach for the Kia Motors team in the Philippine Basketball Association. He also owns a team in the PBA D-League and used to co-own a team in the ASEAN Basketball League. His biggest basketball venture came in 2017 when he launched Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, a semi-professional organization that serves as an avenue for regional players to realize their dreams.

The crime rate drops every time he fights.

It’s no secret that the entire Philippines loves Pacquiao. This is evident whenever he fights as police stations all over the country record zero crimes while Pacquiao’s bout is broadcasted on television. From petty criminals to insurgents, everyone is glued to their screens as the pugilist does his thing.

He’s an army colonel.

Pacquiao had dreamed of becoming a soldier, and on April 27, 2006, he fulfilled his dreams by joining the Philippine Army’s reserve force. The Armed Forces of the Philippines initially made him an Honorary Sergeant. He rose to the special rank of Senior Master Sergeant before becoming a Lieutenant Colonel. Presently, he’s a full-fledged Colonel and had even announced plans of enlisting in active duty. A true inspiration to the troops, the boxer has visited and extended help to wounded soldiers and their families.

He could be the solution to Manila’s traffic woes.

Manila traffic ranks high among the worst in the world. Both national and local governments have done every thinkable measure to ease traffic situations in different parts of the country, but none have been as effective as Pacquiao’s fists. When he fights, the roads are empty since nearly everyone is at home watching him. It almost feels like a holiday in the Philippines every time he climbs in the ring.

Manny’s first tattoo was done by himself.

Ever noticed that small figure inked on the left part of his chest? That’s not a tadpole nor is it a made-up symbol. It’s actually a glove that he tattooed on himself as a teenager. While he agrees that it isn’t really the best tattoo, he decided not to have it erased or covered up due to its sentimental value. Another boxer who has inked himself is Lucas Matthysse, who offered to tattoo Pacqiuao before their bout last year.