WHILE he is considered one of the best and most decorated boxers in the Philippines, Sen. Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao makes sure that he keeps his feet on the ground.
And Pacquiao, the only boxer to win world championships in eight different divisions, wants the upstarting Filipino boxers to have the same attitude despite winning belt after belt.
In his speech during the 18th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Boxing Awards and Banquet of Champions at Okada Manila on Sunday, Pacquiao urged his fellow boxers to stay humble.
“Most of the time, when a person becomes more and more popular they develop arrogance, pride and ego, and become full of themselves, which is wrong,” Pacquiao said.
“The secret of Manny Pacquiao is the more you become successful, the more you humble yourself. Understand what is success, understand what is responsibility,” he added.
“With great power comes great responsibility. Don’t be arrogant. That’s the problem with athletes. The most important thing is to humble yourself before God and others,” said Pacquiao.
Pacquiao also encouraged fellow boxers to maintain positive thinking heading into their fights and as they reach their dream of winning world championships.
“We don’t give up because we’re positive thinkers. I never think negative, I always think positive. Whatever your dream is, never think that you cannot do it,” said Pacquiao. “Always humble yourself and be positive.”
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Speaking of being humble, an assistant coach of a team (we will not mention the sport) is having a headache as most of their players are being drowned by little success the team is attaining.
Speaking to Buzzer Beater on the condition of anonymity, the assistant coach said that, while some of their players are humble enough, others change their attitude as they keep winning and representing the team in other competitions.
“Minsan talaga hindi maiwasan ang mga ganyang bagay. Hindi naman lahat pero may ilang players ng team namin ang nagkakaroon ng attitude because we are winning,” said the assistant coach.
“Mayroon diyan na sa konting tagumpay lang akala mo ay ang gagaling na nila. Kung maka-asta akala mo sila na ang pinakamagaling na player sa mundo,” he added. “Pero hindi namin hinahayaan iyan.
“Lalo na ngayon ay may na–re-receive kaming complaints sa attitude ng mga players, hindi namin hahayaan iyon. As a coach, hindi lang naman skills ang itinuturo naming, pati values rin.
“One of these days, pupulungin ko talaga iyang mga iyan. Hindi ko masikmura iyong mga ganyang pag-uugali. Kikidlatan ko talaga ng sermon ang mga iyan para magtanda.”/PN
