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Manny Pacquiao fans fear for his health
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR By William M. Esposo
The Philippine Star 2012-12-18
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A particularly greatly appreciated response to my December 11, 2012 column on Manny Pacquiao came from my friend Ronnie Nathanielz — one of the most respected boxing commentators and analysts.
Ronnie praised my observation that body blows won it for Marquez. As a matter of fact, he said, that was exactly what the conditioning coach of Juan Manuel “Juanma” Marquez, Angel Heredia, revealed to him and was written in Ronnie’s recent Yahoo column.
“Before the fifth fight, Pacquiao needs complete brain examination.” Ronnie wrote: He added: “The strength and conditioning guru of Marquez noted that Marquez was “hitting Manny very hard on the lower part of the body and that was causing Manny problems. He seemed desperate and was jumping around to try and penetrate in the sixth round. I noticed a little bit of fatigue even after the fourth round.”
Ronnie further wrote: “Heredia remarked that when Pacquiao and Marquez were shooting pre-fight advertising Pacquiao “looked just terrible and soft. He didn’t have the muscle.”
The other responses are apparently from Manny Pacquiao fans who are now deeply concerned about the damage that he could do to his body if he continues fighting in the boxing ring.
From Nomer Obnamia: “You are right in saying that fans have short memory. They glorify the hero when on top of the game and will drop him like a villain when the career is on the wane. Manny made an indelible mark in the sport, and put PH on the boxing map. He brought pride in Filipinos. I was in Costa Rica two years ago and the proprietor of the restaurant said to me that he’s a Pacquiao fan.
The irony is that there are many people who are taking advantage of Manny’s generosity, including those in congress. I’ve never heard of a man going to a fight who pays for an entourage’s airfare, hotel accommodations, and food! And it’s not just a contingent of ten people for crying out loud. When Manny stops the flow of freebies to these punks they will turn their back on him and declare Manny is a bad guy. To them Manny is only good as long the freeloading continues and when it stops Manny will realize who his real friends are. The number will surely decrease.
Manny is not perfect person like all of us but he is a generous man to his friends who take advantage of him. He has to learn to start thinking for his family financially and get smart in putting his largesse (that fought with guts and blood) in safe investments that would provide income from now and the future. Many, as you have mentioned, had good fortunes but were squandered through lavish lifestyles and charlatans around them. Promoters are in the business of putting together profitable fights as long as the fighter is popular and presumed winner. Muhammad Ali paid the price. He was tough and could take a punch in the head, and today he could hardly talk and walk from Parkinson’s — not the old self with quick wit and graceful footwork and boxing style. Manny had taken lots of head punches and they take a toll believe me.
How much is enough? Only Manny could answer the question. He can exit the sport while he’s ahead, health-wise, or continue on making money until the day no one would see his fights. That would be a sad ending to a glorious career. The smell of money and fame are hard to resist. The adulation of people is intoxicating. But what is the price to pay in the end? Only Manny could answer that for himself.
And lastly, Manny should exit from politics. It’s a dirty game. I know he does this not for the money like everybody in congress but the game will taint him. And some are saying Manny for President. This is too much. Manny’s wife too should not enter the game. There are other good things to do that rich people can participate in like non-profit organizations whose purpose is to alleviate poverty and train poor people in trades to make a living. Politics seems to be a game in PH, and a lucrative career to those who seeks power, influence and accumulation of wealth through their office.”
From Robert Balmes: “Your article at Philstar is an eye-opener for Pacquiao. I hope he will heed your advice to retire this early. But I doubt if it will happen as it was reported prior to his fight with Marquez that he signed a new 2-year contract with Bob Arum that will last until 2014. Who advise him to do it is really influential.
What a pity, he should have retire this early to enjoy life while he is still young, spend more time with his children and pursue whatever other ambitions he has in mind. Just an advise, dismiss all these hangers on and freeloaders as they are leeches who feed on your riches to no end.”
At this point in his life, the biggest opponent of Manny Pacquiao — is Manny Pacquiao. He has reached as far as can be hoped for and earned more than he needs in a lifetime. He should start thinking about his family, not just himself.
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Shakespeare: “Madness in great ones must not unwatched go.”
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