‘Never let your situation limit your destiny’
(UPDATE) NEVER let your situation limit your destiny.
If there’s anyone who took that adage to heart, it has to be Filipino ring legend Manny Pacquiao.
Following his enshrinement at the International Boxing Hall of Fame at Turning Stone Casino in Canastota, New York Sunday night (Monday, Manila time), Pacquiao, who amassed a 62-8-2 win-loss-draw record with 39 knockouts, reflected on his journey towards greatness.
After delivering a speech at the venue, Pacquiao, 46, also posted on Facebook how he defied his situation of poverty to meet his destiny of becoming a world boxing icon.
“From the streets of General Santos, to the bright light of Las Vegas, to tonight at the International Boxing Hall of Fame,” Pacquiao, the world’s only 8-division champ, wrote on Monday.
“No shoes, no food, no chance, just a dream in my heart. I never imagined this moment, but by God’s grace, here we are. This is not just about boxing. It’s about faith. Family. Sacrifice. Purpose. It’s about every Filipino and every fan who believed in me, even when the doubters didn’t.”
Pacquiao, who made his pro debut in 1995, thanked his family and supporters, saying that his Hall of Fame enshrinement is their victory too.
The pride of General Santos became the fourth Filipino Boxing Hall of Fame inductee following Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, Pancho Villa, and Lope “Papa” Sarreal.
“To my wife Jinkee and our kids, thank you for your love and support through every high and every low. To the fans, coaches, media, and every person who cheered, prayed, or stood by me all these years, this is your victory too.”
His message to the next generation of boxers? Never let your situation limit your destiny.
“And to the next generation of fighters: never let your situation limit your destiny. With God, nothing is impossible. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. (Long live the Philippines). This is our story. And the best is still to come.”
Once more, Pacquiao has to bank on the aforementioned adage as he makes his comeback fight against World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight American champ Mario Barrios in Las Vegas on July 19.
The situation is that Pacquiao is 46 already, hasn’t fought in four years and is fighting Barrios, who is 16 years younger and is at the peak of his prime.
The destiny? Pacquiao may become champion again or not.
