Press Release
May 3, 2009

Pia: 'Pacquiao personifies triumph of the human spirit'

Philippine Senator Pia S. Cayetano today hailed Manny Pacquiao's victory over world junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton in such dominant fashion, knocking out England's popular fighter in just the second round of their 12-round world title duel.

"Manny Pacquiao personifies the triumph of the human spirit. He is a fine inspiration to all Filipinos, especially the poor who face adversity every day," she said.

"From his humble beginnings as a bakeshop and fish-port worker in General Santos City and as a struggling young boxer who fought on weekends just to buy food for his family, Manny worked his way up to become world champion in six different weight classes, joining the ranks of boxing legends, and with this latest conquest, the pound-for-pound king of his generation."

"As an athlete, I myself am awed by his discipline, respect for his coach, humility even in times of great victory, and love for God and country," added the lady lawmaker, who is also a lawyer and triathlete.

"Manny has all the ingredients of success: talent, hard-work, determination, the right combination of humility and confidence, the best coaching staff, support from family, friends and country, and faith in God."

His latest conquest made Pacquiao world champion in a record-tying sixth weight division: flyweight, junior featherweight, featherweight, junior lightweight, lightweight and junior welterweight.

The only other fighter to have achieved this feat is Oscar dela Hoya, whom Pacquiao also sent to retirement with a victory over him in a non-title bout last year.

"By making the right moves and decisions, both inside the boxing ring and outside of it, Pacquiao could be one his way to becoming the pound-for-pound king of all time," added Cayetano, in reference to Manny's much-anticipated next fight with welterweight Floyd Mayweather Jr., the undefeated six-time champion in five different weight classes.

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