If you all of a sudden came across a bunch of money, what would you do with it? If you woke up with a windfall tomorrow, would you keep it all to yourself or spend it doing good for others? For Manny Pacquiao, this wasn’t even a question.
The world knows Philippines-born Manny Pacquiao as one of the best boxers on the planet.
But Pacquiao got his start in poverty. And he’s determined not to forget where he started.
“I became a fighter because I had to survive,” said Pacquiao. “I had nothing. I had no one to depend on except myself. I realized that boxing was something I was good at, and I trained hard so that I could keep myself and my family alive.”
These days, some might say he’s one of the best boxers in history.
He’s known for selling out audiences during his matches. With 12 major world titles to his name, Pacquiao is living the dream. But he says he’ll never forget what it’s like to be poor.
Pacquiao was born in 1978. He was raised by a single mother in a family of six children. At 14, he dropped out of school so he could help support them.
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Just 2 years later, he was boxing professionally.
In 2015, he fought against Floyd Mayweather Junior. Although he didn’t win, Pacquiao walked away from the fight with $1.5 million.
Now, he’s putting that money toward a good cause — helping the people who live as he once lived.
“I feel what they’re feeling because I’ve been there,” he said. “I’ve slept in the street. That was my life before. So hard. That’s why I feel what they’re feeling right now.”
Charitable giving isn’t anything new for Pacquiao.
He regularly hands out money to needy people. He’s been known to give 1000 pesos to a single person. He commands such respect that people gather wherever he goes in the hope of his generosity.
In 2007, Pacquiao decided to take his work beyond the world of sports.
That’s when he became a congressman, then a senator. Now, his political goal is to represent the needs of his countrymen. He’s especially focused on those living in poverty.
“As I went around my country, I realized there were so many people who need help, who look up to me for inspiration,” he said. “And because of their trust and confidence, I now represent my people’s interests as a senator.”
He earned $1.5 million from “The Fight of the Century” against Mayweather.
That money went toward building 1,000 homes for those living in poverty in the Philippines.
“There is a fighter in each and every one of us,” he said. “As I share my story, I can only hope that I help you discover that gift, so that you can become that person who will soon inspire others to win their own battles.”
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Life has blessed Manny Pacquiao. But he knows it’s his duty to use that blessing to help others.
Learn more about Pacquiao’s good deeds in the video below.
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