LOS ANGLES ? Muhammad Ali and Manny Pacquiao have something in common ? their greatness transcends beyond the realm of boxing.
In the cruel world of sweet science, there have been so many good fighters. Most of them fearless, but not selfless.
These two legendary prizefighters stood out from the rest.
Pacquiao, just like Ali, has truly become a cultural phenomenon whose appeal crosses over geographical and racial boundaries.
Ali became a global icon and made an impact in the global consciousness when in 1967 he stood his ground not to fight with the US forces in the Vietnam war.
Ali was jailed and stripped of his heavyweight boxing crown. Ali reasoned out that he would go into war only if directed to do so by Allah or His messenger, Prophet Muhammad.
Ali appealed his case to the US Supreme Court which overturned his conviction in 1971.
Ali admired not just Pacquiao's aggressive fighting style, but, above all, his works outside the boxing ring.
Pacquiao has been known in his home country and the US as a one-man social welfare agency.
Pacquiao is spending around P20 million yearly out of his own pocket for the medical assistance of his poor constituents in Sarangani Province.
This is aside from millions of pesos he spent to help landless and homeless residents in his district and thousands of disaster victims in typhoon-ravaged areas in the country.
Pacquiao rose above poverty and emerged as the world?s lone eight-division boxing champion by sheer force of will, hardwork and strong faith in God.
Pacquiao showed us the real essence of manhood and heroism by conquering his own self. From a man of vices, he is now a renewed Christian.
?For a man to conquer himself is the first and noblest of all victories,? Pacquiao stressed quoting Plato, a famous Greek Philosopher.
Indeed, the two legendary ring gladiators are on the same page.
Pacquiao was elated and humbled by the moral support given by Ali to Team Pacquiao.
?Hearing that he picks me over his compatriot is truly humbling and inspiring. I?ll do my best to live up to his expectation and that of the fans worldwide,? Pacquiao said in vernacular.
Rasheda, one of Ali?s daughters, told TMZ Sports during an interview that, "My dad is Team Pacquiao all the way. My dad really likes Manny. He?s a huge fan of his.?
Pacquiao claimed that he?s a number one fan of Ali and he has an undying respect for the former heavyweight champion?s achievements inside and outside the ring.
?In fact, he (Ali) serves as one of my inspirations in doing charity works outside of boxing. He?s a man of principle and a good role model for us,? Pacquiao said.
Rasheda added "He knows Manny?s a great fighter but it?s more about what he does outside the ring. He?s such a charitable person."
In 2012, the Fighter of the Decade showed his profound respect to the greatest American boxer by serving as guest at Ali's 70th birthday party.
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