Here in Dallas, nothing is held in higher reverence than our beloved Dallas Cowboys. But this week, even the Cowboys are forced to take a backseat to the sensation that is Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao Fever has officially taken over North Texas as the pound-for-pound king prepares to do battle with the tough-as-hell Joshua Clottey in the billion dollar Cowboys Stadium this Saturday night. In the context of boxing, Manny Pacquiao could very well be considered a global icon. No other fighter, save for maybe Floyd Mayweather Jr., is as wildly known, or lauded for their pugilistic talent quite like the diminutive Pinoy with the engaging smile. Seeing the overwhelming outpouring of fan support from fight fans here in North Texas as they clamored for the briefest of glimpses of the Filipino sensation that is Pacquiao, it’s hard not to consider him the most transcendent fighter of our generation.
Iconic fighters like John L. Sullivan, Muhammad Ali, and Mike Tyson have all enjoyed a level of popularity that not only transcended the sport of boxing, but permanently ingrained them into the consciousness of pop culture. What makes Manny Pacquiao’s ascension to his status as a globally recognized fighter is that unlike the afore mentioned fighters, Pacquiao fights at a weight less than that of the average American middle school aged child. Yet his slight frame, and ever present smile, Pacquiao has managed to capture the hearts and imaginations of fights fans the world over.
I had the unique opportunity to witness the aura of Pacquiao in person this past Tuesday as the Pinoy pug held an open workout to help promote his fight with Clottey this Saturday. There must have been roughly close to two hundred Pacquiao fight fans eagerly waiting to get into the exhibit hall inside the opulent Gaylord Texan just to get a glimpse of the star fighter. The word, “pandemonium” came to mind as the crushing wave of humanity stampeded to the roped off section, desperate to get a spot that offered a unobstructed view of the ring and bag stand. Having covered the fight scene for over three years, I have never seen such a sight, such an incredible turnout for one fighter. Even as Pacquiao’s tardiness delayed the festivities of over an hour, his fans continued to smile, they continued to exhibit the sort of nervous giddiness you might witness a child demonstrating Christmas morning. It was unreal, and judging by the look of satisfaction on the faces of this event’s promoters, Top Rank’s Bob Arum, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, the look of amused amazement spoke volumes.
While the media grumbled amongst themselves about the late start to the workout, the fans remained in high spirits. Then it happened. The doors to the exhibit hall blew open and in walked Pacquiao, flanked all around by his ever present entourage, and the place erupted. It was the type of reaction one would expect from young girls at a Jonas Brothers concert. In one instant, every fan in attendance transformed from a rational adult into stammering children. Pacquiao seemed generally touched by the fan’s outpouring and made a point to address the crowd, this as you can image, sent the people into frenzy. But such is the power of Pacquiao. He is a global icon who somehow manages to give off an air of humility. For a man considered so important that his native country has declared him a nation treasure, Pacquiao manages to give off the impression that he is no better than the average man who toils away in obscurity. Pacquiao’s popularity is not a byproduct of hype, or self promotion. No, for Pacquiao, the allure is that he is our equal; even if it is abundantly clear that he is not.
(Photo credit: John Escobar III)
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