In a report by GMATV News: Thailand, site of Manny Pacquiaos success and heartaches early in his career, embraced the Filipino ring superstar like their own and showered him with warm welcome and praise when he dropped by Monday. The Bangkok Post reported that during his one-day promotional tour of Thailand for San Miguel Corp., Pacquiao was feted by WBC vice president Pol General Kovid Bhakdibhumi, who presented the visiting pound-for-pound king with a special award for his achievements. "Manny Pacquiao is not just a hero of the Philippines, he is the hero of all Asia," Pol Gen Kovid was quoted in the Bangkok Post report. "He sets a very good example, both in and out of the ring, with the way he conducts himself." Pacquiao had fought twice before in Thailand, winning his first world title, the WBC flyweight belt, as a 19-year-old upstart with an eighth-round KO of Chatchai Sasakul in Phutamonthon back in 1998. His second outing, however, ended in disaster as the Pacman, drained from trying to meet the weight in vain, got KOed by Medgeon Singsurat in three to lose the crown in Nakhon Si Thammarat in 1999. Since then, Pacquiao has gone on to move up not only in weight but in global status, winning titles at super-bantamweight, super-featherweight, lightweight and most recently, light-welterweight with his shortwork of Ricky Hatton. For his feat, many aspiring fighters look up to the reigning pound-for-pound king, among them his neighbors at Thailand. And for them, the Pacman gave this message: "They should stay focused, keep training as hard as they can and believe in God," he said. While in Thailand, Pacquiao, the Philippines ambassador for peace and understanding, also paid a courtesy call on Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at the Government House. ------------------------------ Who is that Korean guy who said Pacquiao is not popular in Asia? lol:
This is something considering that the Thais and the Filipinos have been big rivals in Asian boxing for the longest time. Hopefully this will encourage younger Thais to practice their trade more in North america so they can get more exposure and success rather than rotting away in Thailand defending their titles against (Mostly) limited opposition and never developing.
There's just another example of Fitzgeralds' accurate call about Pac's limited Fanbase, I mean how many Asian's are there in the world, sheesh!
This post shows how ignorant and moronic you are. Haven't you heard of China w/ its billion population?
Actually he was quite the toast of the town. [yt]<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/G4V-D__5oKE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/G4V-D__5oKE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>[/yt] Whatever it means it was news worthy enough for 5 minutes of discussion in Thailand news. That is saying alot!!!! I thought Finito said Pacquiao was only popular in the Philippines. It seems you are one of the resident Pacman detractors on here. Why?
I didn't see what Finito said, so if it's a retaliation thing I get it. I wonder how he's thought of in Japan and China?
*******s. No other reason. I have nothing whatsoever against Pacquiao and consider him an all time great, but as good as he is, his fans always manage to ruin it for me by overrating the hell out of him. It just never ends.
Japan is a warrior culture and Im sure Pacman has alot of respect there. As far as China, I thought he was made a special guest and given a tour of the Olympics or something like that.
I hear you. I just tune em out. Pac is one of my favorite current fighters and so is Marquez. I tune the Floyd haters out as well because he beats em all. Floyd will shut em up soon enough.