Manny Pacquiao recalls humble beginnings in boxing

Manny Pacquiao admitted that he would sometimes break into tears whenever he remembers his humble beginnings before he became a boxing world champion.

"May mga araw na hindi kami makakain ng kanin. Ang pagkain namin, 'yun lang inom lang kami ng tubig," Pacman told Saksi in an interview during his training in Los Angeles, California.

The Filipino ring icon initially only dabbled into boxing as a teenager in order to help support his family.

"Gumagawa siya paraan kung paano magkapera para may pambaon kami o pambili ng bigas," said his younger brother Bobby.

"Naengganyo siya dun sa premyo na 50 pesos. Aba, nang makakuha siya ng premyo na 50 pesos, tuwang-tuwa tumakbo sa nanay niya," added his aunt Lilia Lao.

Pacquiao was 16 when he began his boxing career, winning 10 out of his 11 matches. He lost the flyweight title in 1999, but the temporary setback fueled his improvement as a fighter.

He won 11 straight matches from 2000 to 2004, and four out of his 10 world titles are lineal championships - titles he earned from world champions. Some of the notable fighters he faced are Golden Boy Oscar dela Hoya, Erik Morales, and Juan Manuel Marquez.

"Kaya siya natawag na Mexecutioner di ba dahil sa string of victories niya against Mexican fighters," said Ed Alinea, a veteran sports reporter.

The Sarangani representative remains the only boxer in the world to accomplish the feat of winning 10 world titles in eight weight divisions. He has proudly carried the name of the country in every bout, making it his mission to bring glory to the Filipinos.

"Siya ang tinatawag kong Face of the Nation e," Alinea said. "Pagka prinesenta mo 'yung passport mo sa immigration kahit saang panig ng mundo ka magpunta - Philippines, Manny Pacquiao."

Now, Pacman is facing the toughest challenge of his boxing career - fighting the undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

"Hinihiling ko sa lahat na ipag-pray nila ako for this fight," Pacquiao said. - RAF, GMA News