Bob Arum: Manny Pacquiao Is More Beloved in His Country Than Any Boxer Ever

The most popular fighter in America, Oscar De La Hoya, will step into the ring on Saturday night in Las Vegas. But he'll be taking on an opponent who is far more popular in his own country than De La Hoya is in the United States.

That opponent, Manny Pacquiao, is so popular in the Philippines that the country will practically shut down to watch the fight on Saturday night. Today I asked Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, to put Pacquiao's popularity in his own country in context.

"When you promote Manny Pacquiao, it comes with a tremendous responsibility because an entire nation -- a nation of 90 million people -- is focusing on his every move, and anything that happens to him," Arum said. "It is the most important topic of conversation in the Philippines. The highest elected officials are fixated on Manny and on this fight."

When I asked Arum whether Pacquiao compares in popularity with any fighter in any other country, he said there is no comparison.

"It's something that's totally and completely different from promoting another fighter, no matter how popular he is," Arum said. "Nobody I ever promoted is more popular in his country -- even Muhammad Ali -- Manny is not only beloved but also very important to the country."

We'll have a Pacquiao-De La Hoya live blog on Saturday night here at FanHouse.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

12-01-2008 @ 4:50PM

emerson rey avila said...

its true manny is very popular here that when he fights, no crime is committed in the country and traffic in the cities stop. even 3 year-old kids know him and housewives learne about boxing because of him. we love you manny! the pacman is the philippine's national fist!

12-01-2008 @ 9:41PM

isidro said...

Filipinos generally loves underdogs,as we can relate on how one feels in it and feels how when life change for the better.However ,he or she better be a good ,sincere and inspiring individual with good staying power not to be corrupted by success.We are GOD -fearing nation with intrinsic genuine goodness in our hearts.It is almost like ,gullibiltiy is an accepted norm for some who sees it differently.Manny is just a name and good story line,but his strong positive character is one worth emulation for a nation of hopes and prayers.

12-01-2008 @ 9:52PM

marvz said...

Nothing more nothing less, BOB is right! all filipino people who love's PACMAN not only as a boxer but as a whole!nobody can compare to PACMAN.

12-01-2008 @ 10:47PM

TARUGO said...

that's the Filipino Heart,a mixed blood of Spanish,japanese,american and asian,.but the true and pure Fipinos are brave the more pain the bravier,,im sure dela hoya will be punish by hard blow of pacman,,because as far as i know,,pacman has a traditional TALISMAN of horse..that anyone who could take his punch will fell like he was kick by a strong horse..just observed...i have it too!!!...Long live MANNY ..WE Filipino's are Proud of YOU..Gobd Bless and More Power!!!

12-01-2008 @ 11:51PM

czar said...

for all ODLH fanatics .... you better watch out you better not cry pacman will greet the golden boy with a BIG SURPRISE come saturday. The susrprise wil be the gift by PACMAN to 90 million filipinos and their road to to challenge the global economic problem for '09. God Bless PACMAN and ODLH!!!

12-02-2008 @ 1:25AM

ManfromManila said...

Go manny! Make your country proud. . . .For the nth time!!

12-03-2008 @ 9:41AM

bobonx said...

Everything stops when manny fights...
No rich, no poor, no muslim, no christian, only one Filipino nation, united to cheer for Manny this coming saturday...

3-25-2009 @ 1:55PM

Falconi said...

Yeah! you're right Bob. Manny is so popular here in the Philippines. It is because of Manny's big heart, sincere, God-fearing. That's why we love Manny so much. I am praying for your safety and nobody gets hurt so much. And most of all, I will pray that you will 'WIN' for our nation's pride and joy. God Bless and good luck Manny!

12-02-2008 @ 2:26AM

Duke66 said...

Go Manny.. Go Philippines

12-03-2008 @ 3:53AM

powsalud said...

Five Reasons Why Pacquiao Will beat De La Hoya

1. Oscar is simply not on his prime, ODH can't pull the trigger and he will easily get tired. He is old too. Oscar has too many trainers he will be confuse during his fight with Manny.
2. Speed is the key, Manny has the speed and agility to fight with Oscar, not to mention he also got the power. And with speed and power combined you will see Oscar on the floor on the late round. Oscar can take a punch? Let us wait and see.
3. Oscar can take a punch, how many? Manny will barrage Oscar with power punch and Oscar body would just give up on him on the later round. Oscar Dela Hoya is dreaming if he can put down many Pacquiao with his left hook. Let see him pull the trigger first.
4. So much motivation? Manny has more motivation, the whole country love him and want him to win, The whole country of the Philippines is relying and supporting him to up lift the pride and to bring joy to his beloved country, how about Oscar is the whole country behind his back. Manny have the courage and the heart to win and he will never surrender, and certainly will never back down from Oscar. Manny is not just fighting for personal reason he is fighting for his country. That’s motivation
5. Oscar is much too smart, Oscar maybe a student of the game but a part time student. He might be studying a lot, but he can not or will never learn all of those because he cannot pick up easily. It will only confuse him. Unless they are fighting as a promoter or a businessman, then hands down Oscar will win, however this is boxing, in this game you have to be a full time boxer to win. Manny is a boxer and Warrior.
Manny will win