Pacquiao reveals secret of success

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao said he could have never reached the pinnacle of his career without the help of his fans and his faith in God.In his column “Kumbinasyon”, Pacquiao profusely offered his gratitude to all of his fans who believed that he could defeat the bigger Antonio Margarito.“Isang walang katapusang pasasalamat ang nais kong ipahatid sa inyong lahat, dahil sa gitna ng matinding pagsubok at panganib, naniwala kayo na kaya nating talunin ang dambuhalang kalaban na mas malaki, mas malakas at mas matangkad sa atin,” he said in the column posted on Philboxing.com.(I’m giving my unending gratitude to all of you because you believed, despite the trials and dangers, that I can beat a formidable opponent, someone who is stronger and taller than me).He has long credited his gains from the sport of boxing for bringing him out of poverty.But Pacquiao said he never could have done it with out his faith.“Sa buong buhay ko, ang aking pananalig sa Diyos ang siyang totoong sikreto ng aking pag-angat mula sa paghihikahos (All my life, my faith to God is the true secret that brought me out of life’s hardships),” he said.Before becoming one of the greatest Filipino boxers, Pacquiao once peddled homemade donuts on the streets of General Santos City to help his family.Pacquiao was already into boxing before moving to Manila, where he did menial jobs. He became a professional fighter at the age of 16, and in 3 year’s time, he became a world champion.He got his lucky break in 2001 when he, as a late replacement, fought former world champion Lehlohonolo Ledwaba. He defeated the South African by technical knockout to win the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior featherweight crown.Since then, he has had a successful run in boxing, losing only once (his 3rd career loss) to Mexico’s Erik Morales.All in all, he has collected a total of 8 world titles in 8 boxing divisions. His latest victory against Margarito was for the World Boxing Council (WBC) super welterweight crown.In May, Pacquiao became a Philippine legislator. He was elected as the lone congressman of the province of Sarangani.“Kaya naman sana, huwag tayong makakalimot din upang pasalamatan ang Dakilang Lumikha dahil kung wala siya, hindi natin makakamit ang tagumpay na ating natatamasa sa kasalukuyan,” he said.(This is why you should not forget the one above us, don’t forget to thank God because without him, I would not be enjoying my successes).[source: abs-cbnNEWS.com]