Because of his achievements in art, business, politics, and philanthropy, our Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao is the only sports personality in Asia Tatler’s list of Most Influential Individuals in Asia for the last 12 months.

The list included prominent philanthropists from Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and other Asian countries.

Manny Pacquiao Among 28 Most Influential Individuals in Asia originally appeared on Starmometer on February 7, 2012.

Last Tuesday, January 10, Floyd Mayweather challenged Manny Pacquiao to a May 5 bout via Twitter:

“Manny Pacquiao I’m calling you out let’s fight May 5th and give the world what they want to see”

Mayweather is available for a fight in May because his jail sentence for domestic violence was postponed until June. The American boxer was sentenced to 90 days in jail.

In a news conference, Pacquiao replied to Mayweather’s challenge:

“I want to fight him. This is the fight the world wants,” he said.

Some boxing aficionados believe that Mayweather is only bluffing. But despite Pacquiao’s willingness to fight the unbeaten American boxer, his camp says otherwise.

Pacquiao’s financial adviser Michael Koncz told The Associated Press on Thursday that there’s no economic sense in the proposed May 5 bout because a 45,000-seat boxing arena being built in Las Vegas won’t be finished before the end of May and staging the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight in a smaller venue is not an option.

Meanwhile, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said in an interview that Mayweather is still looking for “outside parties to guarantee his end of the purse.”

“So, until he finds the angel, there is no fight,” he said.

Manny Pacquiao Accepts Floyd Mayweather Challenge originally appeared on Starmometer on January 13, 2012.

In the latest world rankings released by ESPN and Sports Illustrated on November 14 and November 17 via their websites, Pacquiao has dropped to 2nd place while Floyd Mayweather, Jr. moved up to top place as their new Pound-for-Pound King.

The recent movement in the rankings was brought about by Pacquiao’s latest fight with Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez on November 13. As ESPN’s Dan Rafael noted:

Pacquiao looked confused at times and lacked snap on his punches in a less-than-stellar outing. It just wasn’t the kind of performance we have come to expect from Pacquiao, especially in light of the fact that Marquez had been wiped out by Mayweather in 2009 in his only other welterweight fight.”

However, The Ring Magazine Pound for Pound list known as the official list of the current pound for pound professional boxing rankings, has still Manny Pacquiao at no. 1.

Here’s the Top 10 rankings according to The Ring:

1. Manny Pacquiao 54-3-2 (38 KO) Welterweight
WBO Welterweight Champion, WBO Super Champion,
WBC Emeritus Champion, WBC Diamond Champion

2. Floyd Mayweather Jr 42-0 (26 KO) Welterweight
WBC Welterweight Champion, WBC Emeritus Champion

3. Sergio Gabriel Martínez 48-2-2 (27 KO) Middleweight
The Ring Middleweight Champion, WBC Diamond Champion

4. Nonito Donaire 27-1 (18 KO) Bantamweight
WBO Bantamweight Champion

5. Juan Manuel Márquez 53-6-1 (39 KO) Lightweight
Unified WBA and Super WBO Lightweight Champion, The Ring Lightweight Champion

6. Wladimir Klitschko 56-3 (49 KO) Heavyweight
Unified WBA, Super WBO and IBF Heavyweight Champion, The Ring Heavyweight Champion

7. Pongsaklek Wonjongkam 83-3-1 (45 KO) Flyweight
WBC Flyweight Champion, The Ring Flyweight Champion

8. Timothy Bradley 28-0-0-1 (12 KO) Junior welterweight
WBC (in recess) and WBO Junior welterweight Champion

9. Giovani Segura 28-1-1 (24 KO)

10. Andre Ward 24-0 (13 KO)
Super middleweight, Super WBA Super middleweight Champion

The “Pound for pound” rankings were developed by boxing writers during the era of Sugar Ray Robinson to rank the world’s greatest fighters irrespective of their weight division.

The nature of these rankings is subjective and raises an interesting question: How do you compensate for differences in size, power and historical time periods when evaluating boxers?

As for me, the only way to determine who is the World’s Pound-for-pound King is a face-off between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquaio.

The Ring Magazine Retains Pacquiao as their No. 1 Pound-for-Pound Boxer originally appeared on Starmometer on November 22, 2011.

In the latest rankings released by the two media outfits on November 14 and November 17 via their websites, Pacquiao has dropped to 2nd place while Floyd Mayweather, Jr. moved up to top place.

The recent movement in the rankings was brought about by Pacquiao’s latest fight with Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez on November 13. As ESPN’s Dan Rafael noted:

Pacquiao looked confused at times and lacked snap on his punches in a less-than-stellar outing. It just wasn’t the kind of performance we have come to expect from Pacquiao, especially in light of the fact that Marquez had been wiped out by Mayweather in 2009 in his only other welterweight fight.”

Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix wrote:

The inconclusive outcome undercut [Manny's] standing in SI.com’s pound-for-pound ratings.

However, The Ring Magazine Pound for Pound list known as the official list of the current pound for pound professional boxing rankings, has still Manny Pacquiao at no. 1.

Here’s the Top 10 rankings according to The Ring:

1. Manny Pacquiao 54-3-2 (38 KO) Welterweight
WBO Welterweight Champion, WBO Super Champion,
WBC Emeritus Champion, WBC Diamond Champion

2. Floyd Mayweather Jr 42-0 (26 KO) Welterweight
WBC Welterweight Champion, WBC Emeritus Champion

3. Sergio Gabriel Martínez 48-2-2 (27 KO) Middleweight
The Ring Middleweight Champion, WBC Diamond Champion

4. Nonito Donaire 27-1 (18 KO) Bantamweight
WBO Bantamweight Champion

5. Juan Manuel Márquez 53-6-1 (39 KO) Lightweight
Unified WBA and Super WBO Lightweight Champion, The Ring Lightweight Champion

6. Wladimir Klitschko 56-3 (49 KO) Heavyweight
Unified WBA, Super WBO and IBF Heavyweight Champion, The Ring Heavyweight Champion

7. Pongsaklek Wonjongkam 83-3-1 (45 KO) Flyweight
WBC Flyweight Champion, The Ring Flyweight Champion

8. Timothy Bradley 28-0-0-1 (12 KO) Junior welterweight
WBC (in recess) and WBO Junior welterweight Champion

9. Giovani Segura 28-1-1 (24 KO)

10. Andre Ward 24-0 (13 KO)
Super middleweight, Super WBA Super middleweight Champion

The “Pound for pound” rankings were developed by boxing writers during the era of Sugar Ray Robinson to rank the world’s greatest fighters irrespective of their weight division.

The nature of these rankings is subjective and raises an interesting question: How do you compensate for differences in size, power and historical time periods when evaluating boxers?

As for me, the only way to determine who is the World’s Pound-for-pound King is a face-off between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquaio.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. Takes Pound-for-Pound Title from Manny Pacquiao originally appeared on Starmometer on November 18, 2011.

Manny Pacquiao retained his WBO Welterweight crown after the judges gave their scores 114-114, 115-113, 116-112, two of them, in favor of the Filipino boxing hero.

Pacquiao improved to 54 wins (38 knockouts) against three losses and two draws. Marquez, meanwhile, dropped to 53 wins (39 knockouts), 6 losses and 1 draw.

Because it’s not unanimous, boxing fans at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas are having question marks in their heads despite the fact that Manny Pacquiao himself declared after the bout: “It’s very clear that I won the fight.”

Despite the win and another pride moment for the Philippines, some Pinoy netizens are not in favor of the outcome.

Dj Bianca Frost, a Radio DJ, production director, and writer at Magik 97.5 FM expressed her dismay on the result by posting a comment in Starmometer.com:

“I am a pacfan, but I don’t think he won against Juan Manuel Marquez. He knew it when he can’t stand the interview nor the waving with the audience. the people knew it better. We are not the judges though,” she commented.

“Had he lost according to the judges, he would eventually lost his WBO welterweight belt, his Pound per Pound no.1 status and his stocks.”

“He didn’t lose tonight.”

“BUT HE LOST IN THE HEARTS OF THE MILLION VIEWERS.”

“I still have faith in you Pac…hope it won’t end like that next fight,” she added.

Merman Dollentas from Alberta also shared the same sentiments but he’s not pointing the finger to Pacman but to the judges who made the decision.

“Di na kasalanan ni Pacquiao kung sya ang pinili ng mga judges…but I feel for Marquez kahit pa Pinoy ako…di kasi talaga convincing,” he commented.

Meanwhile, Dennis Bernil from Tanon Academy lauded Marquez’ fight strategy:

“its very clear that Marquez is conservative in dis fight, wise deccision otherwise he”ll be knock out in early round…..” he said via a comment in PinoyPower.com.

Sam Asim from Mindanao State University, on the other hand, is in full support of our Pambansang Kamao:

“may it be controversial or not………the most important thing there is that Manny won! I wouldn’t be surprised then if Marquez claims that he’s being cheated because that’s his TRADEMARK! CONGRATULATIONS KABAYANG MANNY!,” he commented.

Did the judges score unfairly against Marquez?

How about you? Are you convinced with the result?

Photo credit: Reuters

Manny Pacquiao Wins Against Marquez – What Do You Think? originally appeared on Starmometer on November 13, 2011.

Manny Pacquiao has been on the receiving end of many combinations and counter-punches from Juan Manuel Marquez during the middle rounds. Both fighters bloodied and had cuts above right eyebrow.

Marquez was able to control some rounds making Pacquaio vunerable in the later rounds but the Filipino Boxing Hero was able to rally during the last round.

Manny Pacquiao won by majority decision, beating Juan Manuel Marquez for 2nd time.

Manny Pacquiao Wins Against Juan Manuel Marquez via Majority Decision originally appeared on Starmometer on November 13, 2011.

This Sunday, November 13, GMA Network, Inc. (GMA) broadcasts the much anticipated match dubbed Pacquiao-Marquez III: World Welterweight Championship between boxing’s pound-for-pound king and Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao and his archrival Mexican fighter Juan Manual Marquez.

The upcoming bout will be seen via satellite from Las Vegas on GMA Channel 7 at 11:00am, with Live Blow-by-blow action on SUPER RADYO DZBB 594, 97.1 BARANGAY LS, and all RGMA SUPER RADYO and CAMPUS RADIO stations nationwide starting at 9:00am.

Widely regarded as the ” fight of the century,” the third installment of the Pacquiao-Marquez match-up is set to clear all doubts raised during the controversial draw in their first match in 2004 and the tight 12-round fight Pacquiao won via split decision in their second meet up in 2008.

Will Marquez survive Pacquiao’s speed and power punches? Or will Pacquiao, the considered favorite by fans and boxing experts, continue to rewrite boxing history and add another landmark in the annals of Philippine sports?

In anticipation of the fight, GMA News and Public Affairs also brings the pre-fight special titled Pacquiao-Marquez III: Magkalabang Mortal to air same day from 10:00 to 11:00am over GMA Channel 7.

Hosted by veteran sportscaster Chino Trinidad, the special presents an in-depth account on the intense preparation made by both fighters for their trilogy fight. It likewise gives Pinoy boxing fanatics access to exclusive interviews and footage from both fighters on the road to this historic showdown.

The main event, Pacquiao-Marquez III: World Welterweight Championship, to be staged at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, will be seen via satellite on GMA Channel 7 at 11:00am, with exclusive blow-by-blow action on SUPER RADYO DZBB 594, 97.1 BARANGAY LS, and all RGMA SUPER RADYO and CAMPUS RADIO stations nationwide at 9:00am. It will also have a same day rerun at 10:30pm after Protégé Elimination Special also on GMA-7.

‘Pacquaio Vs Marquez III: World Welterweight Championship’ Airs on GMA-7 originally appeared on Starmometer on November 11, 2011.

Manny Pacquiao is known as the Pambansang Kamao, World’s Best Pound for Pound Boxer, Saranggani Congressman, an actor, a host and a singer.

In the latest Philippine and Latin American editions of Newsweek Magazine, Pacquaio got another title – The Godfather!

Titled as “Pacquiao: The Godfather”, this cover story for Newsweek Philippines and Latin America is about our very own Manny Pacquiao, who is described as the Filipino boxing champ and lawmaker as the “pound-for-pound greatest fighter on earth” and “an almost religious figure, whose following is ecstatically cult-like.”

Lawrence Osborne, the author of the article, also covered how Pacquiao rose to popularity, how the current most popular boxing champion in the world spends his time outside the ring and how he amazingly crossed the boundaries of sports.

“To call Manny Pacquiao a boxer is one of those descriptions that don’t quite fly, like calling Mahatma Gandhi a Hindu lawyer,” he wrote.

The writer visited the boxer’s P35 million mansion in General Santos. In an up close interview, Osborne found what he wanted to hear from Pacquiao.

“It’s like being the parent of the whole Filipino people. I fulfill all my promises, unlike most politicians in this country,” Pacuiao told Osborne.

“Did you enjoy the hospital ceremony this morning? Sarangani, the place I grew up, doesn’t even have a hospital, not even one – 500,000 people and no hospital. So I built a hospital. Remember, I don’t need to enter politics. I have all the money I need. I could just be enjoying myself. But I have a duty to the people. I want to set the new example, to change the Philippines,” the People’s Champ added.

Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao temporarily left his politics and showbiz responsibilities to prepare for his third fight against Juan Manuel Marquez on November 12, 2011.

Manny Pacquiao Featured in Newsweek originally appeared on Starmometer on November 2, 2011.

The Filipino-Canadian YouTube sensation will be promoting her self-titled album in selected stores in the country.

She will also hold a “meet and greet” activity. “I would love to see my fans at my mall tours” she said in her twitter account.

The 11 year old YouTube star signed a contract with Star Records. After her fame when she sang Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” on YouTube, she is set to sing the Philippine National Anthem for the upcoming “Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez” bout.

You’ll hear songs like ‘Born This Way’ and ‘Kung Bubuksan Mo Lang ang Puso,’ at her ABS CBN shows.

She is a Pinoy Pride because Lady Gaga talked to her on the phone and invited her to appear in her concert in Toronto after being seen in YouTube. Maria performed ‘Born This Way’ in Lady Gaga’s concert while she (Maria) played the piano. Maria even sat on Lady Gaga’s lap.

Aside from Lady Gaga, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is also her fan, Maria performed Canada’s national anthem before Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton during Canada Day. Apparently, Maria cannot speak Filipino fluently but she has a message to Filipino fans. “Mabuhay sa inyong lahat. Gusto ko sabihin na salamat sa lahat ng sumuporta sa akin. Grateful ako na andito ako.”

Maria and her family are great boxing fans. “I know it by heart but we still need to practice to get it perfect and ready for the fight and so that my tagalog sounds better!”

Thats why Maria promised her family assurance of front row seats for the “Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez” bout.

She also wishes to have a duet with People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao.

“He’s a pretty good singer too and I’d really get a chance to sing with him maybe,” Maria giggles.

Photography by Carlo Valenzona

Maria Aragon wishes to duet with Manny Pacquaio originally appeared on Starmometer on October 29, 2011.

The premiere issue of Esquire Philippines features “5 Rounds with Manny Pacquiao.” The cover story reveals a different angle in the life of the world’s best pound-for-pound boxing champion.

Other topics inside the October and maiden issue of Esquire Philippines include “How to Be a Man,” “Wisdom and Damn Good Advice from Juan Ponce Enrile,” “Deal or No Deal: The PLDT-Digitel Merger,” “Lourd De Veyra on Making Love or Nothing at All” and woman of the hour, Lovie Poe.

Esquire is a men’s magazine, originally published in the U.S. by the Hearst Corporation since 1932. It has 20 editions around the world, the Philippine edition being the latest addition.

Esquire Philippines is set to be launched on October 5, 2011.

Manny Pacquiao Covers Esquire Philippines’ Maiden Issue originally appeared on Starmometer on October 1, 2011.

In one of his interviews, the world boxing champion said: “Come 2016 I am going to run (for) Vice President… No more boxing at that time.”

However, Pacman’s dream to become the country’s second most powerful person was thwarted this early by no less than COMELEC chairman Sixto Brillantes. He said Pacquiao should undergo a reality check as he does not meet the age qualification to run for Vice President even by 2016.

“Baka naman nagbibiro lang siya. He can’t run for either Vice President or President by 2016,” the COMELEC Chairman said.

According to the Philippine Constitution, a candidate for Vice President must be at least 40 years old on or before the election day.

Manny Pacquiao, who was born on December 17, 1978, will only be 37 years old during the May 2016 elections.

Pacman should downgrade his dream one notch down and run for senator instead. Brillantes said the minimum age requirement for senatorial candidates is 35, in which Pacquiao is eligible at that time.

Manny Pacquiao Aspires to Become PHL’s Vice President in 2016 originally appeared on Starmometer on September 11, 2011.

With wife Jinkee Pacquiao as his special co-host, Sarangani representative Manny Pacquiao treats his constituents to a full round of exciting games and production numbers.

After giving away a whopping one million pesos in the last episode, even bigger prizes will be in store for the next recipients. Four lucky homeviewers will also have the chance to take home early Christmas presents straight from Ninong Manny.

Lead stars of the Kapuso danserye Time of My Life, Mark Herras and Kris Bernal, travel south with the MMP group to entertain the audience with their dance moves.

The wacky duo of Moymoy Palaboy also returns to the show via the newly-launched segment Pacquaio-one Pakyawin, wherein the hosts pay double the price of the chosen street vendor’s merchandises for the day.

Manny Many Prizes will be held at the Capitol Grounds in Alabel, Sarangani and will air after 24 Oras Weekend on GMA Sabado Star Power.

‘Manny Many Prizes’ Goes to Sarangani! originally appeared on Starmometer on September 9, 2011.