Boxing

I love the Pacquiao and Morales fight series. The first time Pacquiao fought against Morales, I thought "Who was the wise guy who thought Pacquiao can actually take on Morales?" The guy was obviously more professional, scientific and wiser with his punches. I do not remember who won in that fight or if it was declared a draw but my heart went for Morales and I admired how he fought. I felt then that Pacquio's confidence was a hype and that he has a lot more experience to gain to take on somebody of Morales' caliber.

Then came fight two. I watched again - and then I realized...."Now, Pacquio IS a changed man" He rose to the challenge, stepped up his game and conquered Victory for the Filipino people. He punched with the force brought about by his certainty that he knows what he is doing. He fought with the passion of someone who is out there to be known and prove himself worthy of his craft.

Then came the game today - Third and last of the series. It was a game alright. I think Pacquiao, with his skills, confidence and strength was able to enjoy this Victory the most. He was a winner even before he came to the ring because he knew he already conquered himself. Before the fight, during the interviews he granted, he was calm and handled the pressure of the coming fight with grace. He was prepared and he knew it. He is much more of a professional fighter now than ever. He is indeed a better man. It seems that the days of misguided passions, swollen pride and ego were gone. Hopefully.

On top of all these, I think it was Morales who made a man out of Pacquio. After he lost to him during the first fight, he seems to have realized that he is NOT THERE YET as his "kuyogs" made him believe. It was good of him to recognize that. Good for him. As they say, a man is known more in the way they handle defeat than in the way they handle victory. He responded well to defeat, thus the victories that followed.