MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao was regarded by American television newsmagazine “60 Minutes” as a “phenomenon,” given his unprecedented achievements in his sport.
The only seven-time world champion in 7 different weight divisions was profiled in the “60 Minutes” episode, which also featured US President Barack Obama.
Correspondent Bob Simon asked Pacquiao whom he thinks is the greatest pugilist ever.
The boxer-congressman paused then asked, “Including me?”
When told that he was included in the choices, Pacquiao immediately answered, “Of course, me,” and flashed a beaming smile.
The reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) king will aim to win his record 8th title at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
He will face Mexican Antonio Margarito for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) super welterweight title.
Top Rank, Inc. CEO Bob Arum and trainer Freddie Roach also talked about Pacquiao’s greatness.
Arum said he thinks Pacquiao is the best boxer he has ever seen even if he has promoted 2 fights for boxing legend Muhammad Ali, who is called “The Greatest.”
“Because Muhammad Ali was essentially a one-handed fighter,” Arum reasoned. “Manny Pacquiao really shocks these fighters because he hits equally hard from the left side and the right side.”
Roach added that Pacquiao is simply “one-of-a-kind.”
“I never saw somebody with so much explosion on a punch. Bang, bang, bang. Bang, just like a gun firing off. I never saw that in my life. And I've been with a lot of good fighters,” Roach related upon seeing Pacquiao in the ring for the first time.
Politics getting in the way?
Roach, however, is wary that Pacquiao could lose to Margarito because of the distraction of politics.
“I’ve had anxiety attacks over this. I’m worried about it. I’m walking around at 2:00 in the morning,” the renowned trainer said. “And something is not right and we are not preparing the way we should for this fight.”
Pacquiao earlier told ABS-CBN News that he has reached his 100% condition.
Meantime, he told “60 Minutes” more about his political aspirations.
“I already achieve my goals in boxing, my dreams in boxing. And what I want to achieve more is in public service, you know. I wanna be a champion there,” he said.
When asked if he thinks that he might be the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Pacquiao refused to comment.
“It’s hard to have a comment right now because it’s that far away,” the Saragani Province congressman stated. – With a report from CBS News' "60 Minutes"
source:http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/11/08/10/pacquiao-tells-60-minutes-im-best-boxer-ever
P.S. Dont forget to watch Watch Manny Pacquiao vs Antonio Margarito on Nov. 13, 2010
