Pacquiao embraced as ‘hero of all Asia’ by Thais

MANILA, Philippines – Thailand, site of Manny Pacquiao’s 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 KO’ed 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. – GMANews.TV