Part 2 of 3: As the build-up to the biggest payday in sports history continues, The National brings you exclusive photos of Manny Pacquiao ahead of his megafight with Floyd Mayweather on May 2. In the second instalment, we look at Manny and his life away from the ring through the lens of Mike Young, former photographer for The National, who spent 18 months on the inside with Team Pacquiao.
When a 20-year professional career has taken you down to the coalface so many times your teeth are charred black, it’s only right that downtime is spent relaxing away from the rigours of training: pounding the roads as well as the pads, jumping rope, doing sit-ups, squats, press-ups, weights and every other machination of physical intensity to turn your body into a fighting machine.
Manny Pacquiao is a man who loves to be surrounded by friends, such as long-time companion Nonoy Neri, and family; a home-cooked meal is just as satisfying as a serving in a Michelin-starred restaurant.
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The Filipino boxer has many strings to his bow; as well as an eight-division boxing champion, Pacquiao is a talented musician. He has composed a song for his entrance music for the showdown with unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Here we see him relaxing at his home in General Santos City in the Philippines, serenading his always-large entourage.
Away from the training regiment of Freddie Roach, Pacquiao still likes to stay in shape by taking runs. Here we see him out on the track with his brother, Bobby, while his terrier, Pacman, is a near-permanent fixture by his owner’s side.
One of the WBO welterweight champion’s favourite pastimes is to scuba dive; he can often be seen exploring the waters of Cebu Bay.
As well as a world-class fighter and philanthropist, Pacquiao also holds the position of congressman in the Philippines House of Representatives.
They say a week is a long time in politics, so Pacquiao squeezes in his duties by meeting with his congressional staff at his home long into the night. We can also see him enjoying a morning stroll with vice president Jejomar Binay, who was in Sarangani province last October to deliver medical equipment.
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