Pacquiao Wins Over Dela Hoya, Remains Humble; Dela Hoya Retains Pride

This is indeed a happy Christmas for the entire Filipino nation--if not for financial prosperity--but at least for pride in the fame that Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao has brought to the country by beating Boxing's Golden Boy Oscar dela Hoya in the reputed Dream Match last December 6, 2008 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

After the eight round, dela Hoya threw in the white towel after his face continued to swell from Manny's punches. Well, it was a surrender, but we have to give it to dela Hoya--he was not knocked out. Dela Hoya has been contemplating retirement before this fight and this might as well be his last in order to preserve the legend attached to his name. At least, even if he retires, he will not retire with the reptuation that he was knocked out on his last fight.

Manny on the other hand showed so much prowess in the ring. Right from the second round, he was fully in control of the fight and it seems he already knew the outcome. Even after the fight, Manny looked fresh and did not look at all haggard.

Observers say that dela Hoya's poor performance was due to the fact that he had to lose weight in order to match Manny and also because of his age. Whatever the reason, Pacquiao simply dominated him.

But what I appreciate with Manny is his humility. I have always noticed that whenever he is interviewed, he does not boast of himself nor of his achievements. He doesn't brag and bring down his opponents with his words. He just always says that he will do his best and he always invokes the prayers of all the Filipinos. And he always does his best. Before the fight, he would have a private mass and just before the duel on the ring, he would make the sign of the cross and say a short prayer. Then after the fight, when he wins, he would make the sign of the cross, say a prayer, and wear the Rosary.

This time, since he didn't knock out his opponent, things were a little different. Dela Hoya's camp declared surrender and Dela Hoya proceeded to hug Manny Pacquiao. Dela Hoya also showed much humility and he didn't brag by continuing the fight.

After the brief friendly hug, Pacquiao went to the corner. I thought he would stand up on the ringside in order to be cheered by his fans. Instead, he knelt and bowed his head while clutching the ring's corner post and said a prayer then ending with making the sign of the Cross. After he did this, he went up the ring and acknowledged his wildly cheering fans. Then he went down again and was made to wear a Rosary.

I think that this reliance and faith on the Lord, along with the prayers of the Filipino people was key that completed Manny's victory. Manny did not only practice well, he was very diligent, and very skillfull and his sports intelligence is very high, he is also very humble and faithful. So God has rewarded him with victory after victory.

Congratulations, Manny Pacquiao! You deserve this! But do remain humble and you will continue to soar.