Manny Pacquiao will defend his boxing title against Australian Jeff Horn

Welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao and challenger Jeff Horn.

IT SAYS A LOT that Manny Pacquiao's next fight will be on ESPN this Saturday (July 1, PST) for free instead of on Pay-For-View on HBO or Showtime. He'll fight Jeff Horn. Who? Exactly!

The 38-year old pugilist will go into the ring vs. Jeff Horn, 29, in Brisbane, Australia for Paciquiao's welterweight crown.

We'll see if being a senator in the Philippines has taken the edge off of the Filipino fighter, a criticism Pacquiao disputres.

Since a 2012 KO loss to career rival Juan Manuel Marquez, it hasn’t been easy going for Pacquiao. He has been criticized for facing lesser opponents like Chris Algieri, Jessie Vargas, and Timothy Bradley in their 3rd fight; he was surprisingly easily dispatched by FLoyd Mayweather in their superfight two years ago.

RELATED:

• Pacquiao, Bruce Lee KO Asian American male stereotype
• Call him "Senator" Pacquiao

Although he's on the downside of his career, Pacquiao is still one of the best fighters in the world. Mayweather has retired.

"Yes, this is a great opportunity to show the fans of boxing that we are still here and not done in boxing," Pacquiao said this week about fighting on basic cable. "So this is a good chance and we believe that a lot of people will be watching, and we spoke to Bob and we decided to give the people a chance to watch the fight on a free station in America.

The fight is on ESPN, 9 p.m. EST, July 1st.

Pacquiao victory sparks talk of a rematch with Mayweather

Manny Pacquiao was impressive in his return from retirement. Is a rematch with Floyd Mayweather in the cards?

By Louis Chan
REPRINTED FROM ASAM NEWS

NO STORY of Manny Pacquiao is ever complete without speculation of a return bout with the undefeated Floyd Mayweather.

With Mayweather sitting at ringside in Las Vegas, Pacquiao defeated Jesse Vargas by unanimous decision Saturday night for the WBO Welterweight title. The 37-year old Filipino pugilist easily defeated Jessie Vargas, 10 years his junior, knocking down Vargas once in the second round.

Immediately speculation turned to whether a rematch with Mayweather. Mayweather is officially retired, but so was Pacquiao prior to his fight with Vargas.

RELATED:

• Pacquiao vs. Mayweather ... oh, well
• Pacquiao and Donaire on the same fight card

Pacquiao said it was he who invited Mayweather to the match. Pac Man’s no dummy. He’s a showman at heart and he knows the mere presence of Mayweather will resurrect talk about a rematch.

Of course, the two will remain coy while the promoters work behind the scenes to make it happen.

Their last match which Mayweather won left many underwhelmed. The feeling is a rematch can’t be any worse and there are hordes of boxing fans willing to take the chance and commit big bucks to see it on pay for view.

Would you pay to see a rematch? Their last fight in May 2015, long-anticipated and years in the making, was the highest grossing boxing match in history. Both fighters made millions of dollars.

Pacquiao was hampered with a sore shoulder that he injured while training.

In the other big match on the card, Nonito Donaire lost his super bantamweight title to Jesse Magdaleno in a 12 round unanimous decision. It was a dream of the Filipino Fash to play on the same card with Pacquaiao. Unfortunately it didn’t end the way he had envisioned.

Manny Pacquiao defeats Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas for the WBO Welterweight crown.

TGIF FEATURE: Pacquiao and Donaire fighting the same night

Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire on the same card at last.

FOR THE FIRST TIME, Filipino fighters Manny Pacquiao and Nonito "Flash" Donaire, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, will be on the same Las Vegas boxing card this Saturday, Nov. 5.

Having two of the most exciting fighters on the same card has long been a goal of both pugilists for a long time. It is the dream ticket for Filipino fight fans.

Manny Pacquiao, the first-term Filipino senator and former congressman from General Santos City, an eight-division champion, will come out of retirement to fight Jessie Vargas for Vargas’ WBO welterweight title in the main event.

In the co-main event, Nonito Donaire, a four-division champion and current WBO super bantamweight champion, will make the second defense of his title against undefeated Las Vegan Jessie Magdaleno, fighting for a major title for the first time.

"This is a good boxing card because not only am I fighting on the card but [so is] my fellow Philippine boxer Nonito Donaire, who is the pride of the Philippines," Pacquiao said. "I think it is a good present for us and for the Philippine people for us to fight on this card together."

RELATED

• Pacquiao, Bruce Lee score TKOs vs. Asian male stereotype
• Nonito Donaire - 'I am Filipino'

Both fighters are on the downside of their careers and as much excitement the card has generated among Filipinos in the Philippines and in the U.S., it could very well be a major disappointment if both fighters lose. Both of their opponents are up-and-coming boxers and younger.

In April, Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38 KOs) won what he said then was his final fight, defeating Timothy Bradley by unanimous decision in their third meeting at the MGM Grand. That retirement didn't last long. It is his first fight since being elected to the Philippines Senate in May. 

Last month, Pacquiao, 37, confirmed that he would end his retirement to fight Vargas for the title he once owned. 

The pay-per-view event, staged at the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus, will not be aired by either HBO or Showtime, but instead will be handled by the promoter of the event, Top Rank, Inc.

Donaire (37-3, 24 KOs), like probably every current Filipino fighter, considers Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38 KOs) to be his boxing idol. He is excited to be on Pacquiao's card.

"It's incredible. It's something you look forward to," the 33-year old Donaire said. "I'm just excited. We can give the people what they've wanted. When I signed with Top Rank (in 2008) one of the reasons I signed was to be on a card with Manny, but it never happened until now. I am focused on my outcome and beating Magdaleno but when I heard I would be on the card with Manny I was very excited."

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Call him Senator Pac-Man

Manny Pacquiao - a different kind of victory.

BOXING legend Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao was in a familiar pose, hands above his head in front of a cheering crowd and flashing cameras. 

He was not in a boxing ring this time though. On Thursday, (May 19) Pacquiao had just received confirmation that he won a Senate seat in the Philippines. It is not like he was a novice politicians, the 37-year old boxer  was a member of the country's House of Representatives, although he was criticized for missing about a third of the votes.

In the Philippines, Senate candidates are chosen at large and he finished with 16 million votes, seventh out of the 12 open positions. Although he says he retired from boxing, Padquiao's popularity is unquestioned in the Philippines where he is seen as a folk hero.

"The Filipino slugger garnered more than 16 million votes, landing 7th among 12 new members of the Senate, a traditional springboard to the presidency," the Associated Press reports, adding that Pacquiao demurred when asked about his future political ambitions.

In earlier interviews, he did not say seeking the Presidency was out of the question. After his political victory, he issued this statement:

Several months ago, we mounted a campaign to heed the call for help from the poor and downtrodden Filipino masses. We went out and joined them in their homes and places of work, we listened to their longings and assured them that a new beginning is coming. Over the past week, we heard those same voices strongly during the recent national electoral process. The message was very clear: Filipinos want their government back in the hands of the ordinary people. They want a new set of leaders who would stand up for their aspirations and share their goals. For that reason alone, I accept the challenge with utmost humility and gratitude. For the millions of common folks who believe in my capacity to put into words what they cannot express; to champion the causes closest to their hearts; and to serve them in a higher and greater platform, you have just won a seat in the Senate. My dearest kababayans, the victory is really yours. I want to reiterate what I have been telling my countrymen from the mountain ranges in Luzon, to the coastal towns of Visayas, to the riverside settlements of Mindanao: I will not let you down. I will not steal from you. I will not fail you. Rest assured I do everything for God and our country.

The Philippines' President is elected for a single six-year term and must be over 40 years old. By the next Presidential election in 2022, Pacquiao will be 43. 

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Was this the last fight for Manny Pacquiao?

ESPN

Manny Pacquiao won a unanimous decision over Timothy Bradley Jr.

MANNY PACQUIAO left no doubt in the third and tie-breaking fight with Timothy Bradley Jr. The Filipino boxer won a unanimous decision in his fight last night in Las Vegas, 116-110 by all three judges. 

Even though Pacquiao announced that this would be his last fight, his performance was so dominant that some questioned if it would truly be the last time we see the pugilist in the ring.

RELATED: Pacquiao, Bruce Lee shatter the Asian male stereotype

Paquiao, 37, said he wanted to quit the ring to concentrate on his political career. He is in his second term as a congressman but is campaigning for a seat in the Senate.

"Yes, as of now I am retired," Pacquiao said. "I am going to go home and think about it, but I want to be with my family. I want to serve the people (of the Philippines)."

If, indeed, it is his last fight, Pacquiao went out with a bang, twice knocking down the younger Bradley. He was in control for most of the fight. 

RELATED: Pacquiao to retire

Pacquiao, a sure bet to be installed in boxing's Hall of Fame, made $20 million for the 12 rounds with Bradley so he won't be hurting in his retirement.

In his prime, Pacquiao, he was the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, winning crowns in eight different weight categories.

The long anticipated match between Pacquiao and rival Floyd Mayweather, 40, last year saw two fighters past their prime fight for the biggest purse in boxing history. The fight was  marred because Pacquiao injured his shoulder before the fight and raised the question if there would be a rematch. Mayweather retired last September.

Despite his star getting tarnished for his controversial remarks about the LGBTQ community, Pacquiao's popularity in the Philippines is on par to a national folk hero. He remains ahead in the polls in his campaign to become a Philippine senator.

RELATED: Nike drops Pacquiao for his anti-gay remarks

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For more news about Asian/Americans and Pacific Islanders, read AsAm News.

Nike drops Pacquaio after he made anti-gay remarks

Manny Pacquiao

NO AMOUNT of bobbing and weaving by Manny Pacquiao could avoid the barbs hurled at him for saying that gays are worst than "worse than animals."

Even though he apologized by social media, Nike, one of his major sponsors withdrew their support for Pacquiao.

“We find Manny Pacquiao’s comments abhorrent,” a Nike statement said. “Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBT community… we no longer have a relationship with Manny Pacquiao.”

The popular pugilist, who is running for the Philippine Senate, made his controversial remarks on Monday when he was asked by a Philippine TV network about his views on same-sex marriage.

“Have you seen any animal having male-to-male or female-to-female relations?”

Animals, he said, were better because they recognize gender differences, and “if you have male-to-male or female-to-female (relationships), then people are worse than animals.”

Reaction was swift from Filipino celebrities asking people not to vote for him.

Singer Aiza Seguerra, a former child actress back in the 1980s blasted Pacquiao on Instagram: “You might’ve done our country proud but with your statement, you just showed the whole country why we shouldn’t vote for you.”

“And yes, I think you are an ignorant, bigoted hypocrite,” concluded Seguerra.

A born-again Christian, Pacquiao initially defended his comments but later issued an apology.

“I’m sorry for hurting people by comparing homosexuals to animals,” he wrote. “Please forgive me for those I’ve hurt. I still stand on my belief that I’m against same sex marriage because of what the Bible says, but I’m not condemning LGBT. I love you all with the love of the Lord. God Bless you all and I’m praying for you.”

UPDATE: (Feb. 18, 2016) After Nike dropped Pacquiao, the fighter seems to have doubled down on his original statements: “I am not condemning the LGBT,” Pacquiao said. “What I am condemning is the act. I’m happier because I’m telling the truth ... It’s worse if we will hide the truth. I’m happier that a lot of people were alarmed by the truth.” 

Currently a congressman, Pacquiao is running for a Senate seat where he is considered one of the frontrunnners because of his immense popularity.

Pacquiao has said he would retire after meeting Timothy Bradley on April 9 in Las Vegas in what will be his last fight.

For more news about Asian/American &Pacific Islanders, read AsAm News.

It's amazing what Manny Pacquiao earned last year

Manny Pacquiao's day job is as a Congressman in the Philippines.

THE FIGHT between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather earned them the dubious distinction of having 
the biggest paychecks for  athletes in 2015.

The Sportal is a website known for its lists for athletes, i.e. The 20 Fittest Athletes, 19 Athletes Turned Politicians, 20 Best Foreign-born Players in NBA History ... well, you get the drift. 

It recently put out a list, 21 Richest Athletes At the Ending of 2015. The Filipino pugilist Pacquiao came in 2nd with $156.4 million earned last year. In the No. 1 spot was Floyd Mayweather, nicknamed "Money" for good reason, who earned $293 million.

The fight between the two welterweights, dubbed the "fight of the century," was held in Las Vegas made about $600 million through ticket sales and pay-for-view broadcasts. Mayweather's contract earned him 40 percent of that amount. Pacquiao earned an amount just north of $150 million. The difference between the year's final total and what they earned in the fight is due to endorsements and commercials. Pacquiao also earns less than $12,000 a year as a congressman in the Philippines.

The fight between two fighters past their prime was a little lackluster but the amount of money it generated is the most for any single boxing match in history.

RELATED: Pacquiao, Bruce Lee score TKO against Asian male stereotype

The two boxers beat out such luminary athletes such as  New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning who came in at the No. 21 spot with a meager $23.7 million and at No. 3, international soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, who earned $77.4 million, less than half of Pacquiao's earnings.

Tennis players and football players did well on the list and there were a few golfers but all of them were topped by the boxers and soccer players. Click here for the complete list.

For more news about Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders, read AsAm News.

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Manny Pacquiao to retire, eyes the presidency of the Philippines

Manny Pacquiao is ready for a career change.

WE KNEW that Manny Pacquiao would retire eventually. The sport in which he excelled is brutal and punishing to the body. Too much of the pounding and it could damage your mind, too.

In an exclusive interview with ESPN, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said the Filipino fighter's last fight would be in April 2016.

"Manny told me this fight on April 9 will be his last fight," said Arum.

Arum told ESPN that Pacquiao, who is treated like a hero in the Philippines, wants to concentrate on politics after April. Pacquiao said he would be running for one of the 24 Senate seats in the Philippines. He is currently a congressman representing his home province of Sarangani.

The American promoter reiterated the highly popular Pacquiao's desire to eventually run for President of the Philippines and being a Senator is a necessary stepping stone to the presidency.

The opponent for Pacquiao's last fight has not been named yet pending the outcome of several fights before hand.

The 2016 bout would be the 36-year old Pacquiao's first fight since he fought Floyd Mayweather in May this year. Even though he lost by a unanimous decision, Pacquiao reportedly made $180 million from that 12-round fight.

After that fight, Pacquiao revealed he fought with a torn rotator cuff explaining his poor performance. He had successful surgery and is on the mend. He expects to begin training by December. 

Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KOs) is the best fighter the Philippines has ever produced with titles in eight different weight divisions from  112 to 154 pounds. He may have been the best fighter ever when he was in his prime.

The Mayweather and Pacquiao contest was probably the highly anticipated "fight of the century" that took years to negotiate.

By the time was held in May, both fighters were clearly past their prime but the event, which was held in Las Vegas, still garnered the highest purse in history.

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Asia Society honors Game Changers of the Year; Pacquiao among awardees

Ellen Wallop/Asia Society

The Asia Society's 2015 Game Changers, left to right:Shuji Nakamura, Aasif Mandvi, Mariam al-Mansouri, Kiran Bir Sethi, Li Cunxin, Manny Pacquiao, Chanda Kochhar, and Lei Jun. 

MANNY PACQUIAO, besides being a boxer, is gaining notice for his work outside the ring as a philanthropist and since 2010, a politician.

He was among the nine Asia Game Changers named by the Asia Society in New York in ceremonies held Oct. 13 at the United Nations.

He represents Sarangani in the Philippine House of Representatives. On Monday, Pacquiao confirmed his interest in seeking a seat in the Philippines’ Senate, and would not rule out an eventual run for the presidency.

“In the Philippines, politics is like boxing — people are always fighting each other,” he said in a press conference prior to the ceremonies, adding that “a lot of politicians masquerade as righteous, especially at election time. But what I’ve learned is that you have to forgive your enemies.”

Manny Pacquiao at his press conference.

Here is the Asia Society press release:

Asia Society Honors Manny Pacquiao, Other 'Asia Game Changers' at United Nations

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - October 14, 2015) - In a ceremony held at the United Nations on Tuesday evening, Asia Society honored Philippine boxing great Manny Pacquiaoand eight other dignitaries as its second annual class of Asia Game Changers for making a transformative and positive difference for the future of Asia and the world. Honorees also included Chinese telecommunications magnate Lei Jun, Indian/American comedian and actor Aasif Mandvi, and Emirati fighter pilot Mariam al-Mansouri.

After receiving the award, Pacquiao credited his humble upbringing in a village outside General Santos City, Philippines, for forming his desire to give back to the community. "I've experienced in life not having shelter and having to sleep in the street," he said. "So even with my success I will never forget my past."

Against the backdrop of New York's East River and Queensboro Bridge, Pacquiao and his fellow awardees mingled with Asia Society trustees, officers, and other guests from around the world. Josette Sheeran, Asia Society's President and CEO, began the ceremony by noting that Asians have received insufficient recognition for their contributions to the world. "More than 950 Nobel prizes have been awarded since 1901, and less than six percent have gone to Asians -- even though 60 percent of the world's population is in Asia and Asia has 50 percent of the world's patents."

"We at Asia Society want to recognize the brilliance of Asia -- those who are changing the world for the better."

In his acceptance speech, Mandvi spoke of comedy's role in eroding negative stereotypes and tackling issues -- such as Islamophobia -- that often elude more conventional comedians. Recounting a career that began in Off-Broadway productions before achieving widespread recognition a decade ago as the "Middle East Correspondent" for The Daily Show, Mandvi struck a characteristically humorous tone in his remarks. Referring to Pacquiao, his fellow nominee, Mandvi joked: "Little known fact about Manny -- he also always wanted to be a fake news correspondent. I guess I won that, Manny. Good luck."

Kiran Bir Sethi, an education innovator whose Design for Change organization has improved learning outcomes across India, spoke of the importance of spotlighting instructors. "It's because of honors like (Asia Game Changers) that the response goes from 'Oh, you're just a teacher' to 'Teachers are game changers.'"

Pacquiao was introduced by tennis great John McEnroe. "I was fortunate enough to meet Nelson Mandela, and one of the things he said to me was that sports have the potential to change the world," McEnroe said. "And Manny Pacquiao is one of the individuals who can do that."

Additional honorees spanned the scientific, artistic, and military world across the continent: Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano, and Shuji Nakamura, inventors of LED light bulbs and 2014 Nobel Prize winners for physics; Chanda Kochar, the CEO of Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India; and Li Cunxin, the Artistic Director of the Queensland Ballet.

***

Last year, Chinese billionaire Jack Ma — the businessman behind Alibaba — received the Asia Game Changer of the Year award. Like Pacquiao, Ma was chosen for his humanitarian and charitable works.

Other past awardees include Malala Yousafzai, the youngest winner of the Nobel Prize and female rights activist from Pakistan, and Filipino social entrepreneur Illac Diaz, for his Liter of Light program.

While some say that Pacquiao's boxing career is on the downside, he remains one of our favorite athletes - not simply for the fact that he is Filipino or Asian - but for the fact that he is so generous with his success. 

Raised in a poor village near General Santos City, he frequently donated fight earnings to family members and neighborhood children. This practice has continued despite his tremendous success in the ring. “My life has changed because of the money I’ve earned in boxing,” he said. “I can go all over the world and enjoy myself. But every time I hear the voice of poor people, I feel it in my heart because I’ve been there.”

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Pacquiao has surgery, faces lawsuits and ... maybe, Mayweather again

In the press conference after the Mayweather fight, Manny Pacquio
revealed the injury to his right shoulder.

FILIPINO fighter Manny Pacquiao had an operation May 6 to fix a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder. The prognosis is that the surgery went well and he would be ready to fight again in nine months or a year.

Floyd Mayweather has a fight coming up in September and vowed to retire if he was to keep his record a perfect 49-0 to match boxing legend Rocky Marciano. However, he kept his option open for a rematch with Pacquiao to actually exceed the Marciano record.

UPDATE: Mayweather closes the door for a rematch, calls Manny a sore loser

On another front, Pacquiao is being sued by some of his fans who bet heavily for the fighter in his historic match with Mayweather. The fight last weekend raised the richest purse ever for a boxing match and certainly was one of the most heavily anticipated but it was far from the "fight of the century" that boxing fans had expected.

The fight showed a slow and plodding Pacquiao who looked like a shadow of his former self. After the fight, Pacquiao's camp revealed that the boxer fought with a shoulder injured during training.

Pacquiao did not properly disclose his injury to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which could fine and suspend him for allegedly lying on his prefight medical questionnaire. 

Had Pacquiao disclosed the injury when it happened, about 2½ weeks before the fight, the commission doctor would have worked with Pacquiao's team on a treatment plan and likely would have allowed him to receive an anti-inflammatory shot on fight night. But because the commission said it did not know about Pacquiao's injury until a couple of hours before the bout, it denied his request for the shot.

In Los Angeles, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a famed orthopedic surgeon who performed similar surgeries on Kobe Bryant and Tom Brady, said he could not be "more pleased with the results." It was a 90-minute outpatient surgery, so Pacquiao did not stay overnight.

Pacquiao vs. Mayweather: Oh, well ...

Manny Paquiao talks about his injured shoulder in a press conference a day after the fight.

THE ANTICIPATION was better than the results. The so-called "fight of the century" between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather wasn't artistic and fell well below expectations. 

 Lumpia sales were at record levels at turo-turo shops in the San Francisco Bay Area as Filipino/Americans throughout the country held house parties and gathered at bars and restaurants to watch their countryman's big fight, hoping for an upset.

In the Philippines, May 2 was declared a national holiday. The Philippines' national electric company, Palawan Electric, urged Filipinos to stop using all electricity except lamps and refrigerators to prevent strain on the nation’s electric grid from the broadcast of the fight.

Mayweather won the fight but couldn't overcome his image woes. Pacquiao lost but for some inexplicable reason, he thought he should have won. Click here for round-by-round descriptions.

Fans in the Philippines braved a storm to watch an outdoor TV screen. More photos from the Philippines.

Mayweather's defensive strategy, using his longer reach to keep Pacquiao away worked throughout the fight. Pacquiao couldn't get within reach to deliver the blows we are used to seeing come from his him. Where were the angles? Where was the footwork? Where were the flurries? Where was the left hook? Where was his right jab?

It was clearly not the Manny that we've come to expect.

As it turned out, he had a shoulder injury suffered during training. Officials denied his request for a pain-killing injection so he had to basically fight with one arm all night.

"It's part of the game," Pacquiao said. "I don't want to make alibis or complain or anything ... [but] it's hard to fight one-handed."

Despite the loss, Pacquiao earned $150 million. Mayweather was guaranteed $180 million  win or lose, the largest purse ever for any sporting event. The total revenue reached $600 million, another record. Mayweather reportedly earned about $240 million.

Mayweather, with a record of 48-0 has to have one more win to match the 49-0 record made by legend Rocky Marciano. That should come in September of this year after which, he said, he would retire.

According to his trainer, Freddy Roach, Pacquiao will likely go down in weight, where he is closer to his true fighting weight.

In challenging Mayweather in the welterweight division Pacquiao had to gain pounds he clearly was not comfortable carrying. The Filipino fighter has won championships in eight weight divisions, the most of any boxer.

But, first, there's this problem with the shoulder ...

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Pacquiao, Bruce Lee score TKOs vs. Asian American male stereotype

Manny Pacquio, left, and his hero Bruce Lee.

THERE'S A SCENE in the documentary I Am Bruce Lee, in which Manny Pacquiao expresses his idolization of Bruce Lee. As a fighter, albeit different styles, Pacquio says he tries to emulate Bruce Lee's lightning quickness and power-packed strikes. He admires Lee so much, he even had his (earlier) haircut modeled after the late martial artist.

A 2012 New York Times article further reinforced the link between Lee and Pacquiao:

(Pacquio was asked) to explain the way he fights, he settled on three words. 

“Like Bruce Lee,” he said 

Growing up in the Philippines, Pacquiao studied Lee, watching his movies on endless loops. He still often views his collector’s set. “Enter the Dragon” is his favorite. His conditioning coach, Alex Ariza, says he believes Pacquiao built his baseline movement off Lee’s template, the continual attacking, the feet drummed in and out.

“Bruce Lee jumped around and kicked his feet and shook his head and shoulders,” Ariza said. “His feet moved in concert with his hands. He could be choppy, but he was rhythmic. Manny does the same thing. It comes from that.”

In a more personal and perhaps more significant way, Pacquiao is carrying on the legacy of Bruce Lee: he is punching to the wayside the stereotype of Asian American males as meek, weak, unassertive, emasculated and invisible nonentities.

Asian American males grew up with that stereotype thrust upon us by television, movies and popular culture, Lee's emergence as a sleek fighting machine who didn't take insults or taunts from anybody was a revelation and a turning point for the denigrating image many had to endure.

In a world without strong Asian male role models, Lee's emergence was a godsend and a revelation. Suddenly, there was this charismatic, strong symbol, whom the girls swooned over and who could stand his ground and - if need be - beat up bigger opponents or rivals.

Geddes Watanabe as Long Duk Dong

With Asian American male portrayals so rare, the impact of the few that do exist is magnified in America's consciousness.

Lee's breakthrough role as Kato in the TV series Green Hornet, changed the world for Asian American boys growing up with the embarassing and demeaning images of buck-toothed, bespectacled Mickey Rooney in yellow face in Breakfast at Tiffany's. As we entered our teen years or as young adults, we were haunted by the one of the worst portrayals of Asian men: Long Duk Dong in the iconic Sixteen Candles. 

High-kicking Bruce Lee countered those images. His popularity opened the door for a spate of chop-socky films which inspired  kung-fu studios sprouting in the suburbs, all of which, in turn, gave rise to a new stereotype ... but at least a stereotype who could kick ass.

What Lee did for the baby-boomer Asian Americans, Pacquiao is doing for a new generation of Asian Americans, who are still saddled with the unassertive, not-suitable-for-management, quiet, unassuming Asian American male image still being perpetuated by popular media. Witness 2 Broke Girls' Han, the owner of the diner where most of the show takes place: He speaks in broken English, he's a short, sex-starved butt of racist innuendos and references to penis size;  or who can watch the Hangover movies without cringing when the Leslie Chow character is on screen? He, too, is neutered, repulsive and speaks broken English.

Pacquiao's popularity with entertainment figures has helped boost his acceptance and idolization among America's non-Asians and populace. He's everywhere: turn on the TV and the PacMan is on the late night talk shows; go to a Giants game and he's throwing the first pitch; here he is on an HBO reality series leading up to the Pacquiao/Mayweather fight; here he is walking to the boxing ring, smiling, waving at his fans, clearly enjoying the moment.

There are recent signs this stereotype may be on shaky ground (about time, I say) with sports figures like the NBA's Jeremy Lin and baseball's Tim Lincecum and Kolten Wong, television's John Cho on the short-lived Selfie, Randall Park as the father in Fresh Off The Boat and Daniel Dae Kim in Hawaii 5-0, but its too early to say if they signal a trend or are simply aberrations. Nevertheless, these examples are still too few to undo generations of reinforced bigotry and prejudice.

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquio will fight on May 2.

On May 2, Pacquiao will finally meet Floyd Mayweather in the ring to determine the best pound-for-pound fighter in what has been billed as the "fight of the century." Although both fighters are past their prime, the long-anticipated meeting of the pugilists will earn both men the highest purse in fight history and will be one of the most-viewed events in modern times.  No matter the outcome of the fight, Asian American males will come out ahead of the game.

What Pacquiao has been able to do is quite remarkable. He broke through the stereotype that mass media and pop culture applied to a race and gender. He stood out as an individual - a real person: a friendly, smiling guy who loves to sing, who's deeply religious and someone who can make jokes and laugh.

Like Bruce Lee before him, Pacquiao's ascendence as a star - a popular personality excelling in a sport that stresses strength, endurance and toughness - gives America a new view of Asian males. The Filipino fighter's prominence llightens that yoke draped around the necks of Asian American men. Perhaps, Asian American boys can stop apologizing, stop being ashamed, stop wasting their energy fighting a stereotype that haunts them throughout their lives - in school, career and in the heart.

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RELATED: 

Paquiao vs. Mayweather is boxing's Superbowl

Yay & Nay on Bruce Lee films

Pacquiao vs. Mayweather: Boxing's Superbowl

Floyd Mayweather, left, will fight Manny Pacquiao, right, on May 2 in Las Vegas for the welterweight title.

CIRCLE May 2 on your calendar. The fight of the century is on. 

Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao have finally agreed to terms and the match all boxing fans have been clamoring for for the last 5 years is finally set.

The Philippines' President Aquino will probably declare a national holiday. All business in Manila, Hawaii, Carson and Daly City will come to a standstill. Don't get too sick that you need to sign into a hospital that day because the Filipino nurses that normally staff the evening shift will be watching it on their tablets and smart phones. In San Francisco, it is lucky that the fight will occur on a Saturday or they'd have to shut down City Hall.

If you're Filipino, don't plan any baptisms, weddings, reunions or any fundraising dances on May 2. You probably won't get many people to attend, unless you set up a 56-inch flat screen in the garage.

When Pac-man came on the scene and won crowns in 8 different weight divisions, he was being hailed as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. That chaffed at Mayweather, who up to that point, had be called the best. May weather has a good claim. He's never lost a fight in 47 bouts.

"Boxing fans and sports fans around the world will witness greatness on May 2," Mayweather said. "I am the best ever, TBE, and this fight will be another opportunity to showcase my skills and do what I do best, which is win. Manny is going to try to do what 47 before him failed to do, but he won't be successful. He will be number 48."

Number 48 will be the best test of his skills to date. Despite his gaudy record, Mayweather has been roundly criticized for fighting lesser no-name opponents or fighters who where clearly on the decline in order to reach his goal of 50 fiights without a loss. Along the way, he's been in jail, then out of jail, back into jail, then out again. He's accused Manny of doping and insisted on blood tests prior to the fight. Then he demanded a 60-40 split of the purse. He wanted an exclusive on Showtime even though Pacquiao has a deal with HBO. He didn't want to negotiate with Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, has been taking on all-comers. Real contenders. He's won the admiration of movie stars and fight fans throughout the world. He was elected to the Philippines' Congress and his records have reached platinum in sales. Since 2009 when he was in his best physical condition, he's lost two fights. He finally gave in to all the demands and Mayweather gave up the demand for a blood test.

"I am very happy that Floyd Mayweather and I can give the fans the fight they have wanted for so many years," Pacquiao said. "They have waited long enough and they deserve it. It is an honor to be part of this historic event. I dedicate this fight to all the fans who willed this fight to happen and, as always, to bring glory to the Philippines and my fellow Filipinos around the world."

The purse will be the largest ever for a boxing match. The tickets for the fight sold out in 15 minutes. Mayweather is expected to earn $120 million for the contest scheduled for 12 rounds; Pacquiao will get $80 million no matter the outcome.

Both fighters are past their fighting prime so the match everyone wanted to see has lost some of its luster, but it will still be a helluva fight to finally determine who the best pound-for-pound fighter really is when they meet at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas for the joint welterweight crown.

But will the contest really happen? Mayweather has done this before and something has always come up to cancel or postpone a fight. He'd get arrested, he doesn't like the promoter, or he doesn't like the purse.

He's already started complaining. He's upset that news of the fight leaked out before Mayweather announced it because one of the terms he insisted on was that he be the one to announce the match.

I would not be surprised that something happens to derail the much anticipated match between the two pugilists.

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