NEW YORK, United States - After receiving 2 prestigious boxing accolades, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao said that he is proud to be a Filipino.
The congressman-elect of Saranggani province won the Sugar Ray Robinson Fighter of the Year Award for the third year in a row, and his very first Fighter of the Decade Award from the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA).
Speaking at the BWAA awards held recently in Manhattan, Pacquiao said, "We all desire to have a sense of meaning. A sense of purpose, a sense of contribution. We both desire to be both great and good. We all desire to leave a legacy. I am Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao, I am proud to be a Filipino."
He added, "Tonight, I overflow with joy and gratitude. I appreciate this distinct honor and recognition of being awarded as the fighter of the decade. Once more, you affirmed that my destiny is to be a boxer. An excellent professional boxer."
The 7-division world champion also lauded his trainer, Freddie Roach, who earned his fourth Eddie Futch Trainer of the Year trophy.
"My trainer, Freddie Roach, you are my trainer inside and outside the ring. I applaud your victory as trainer of the year. Coach, you're the man," he said.
For his part, Roach said, "It's a really great award and as his trainer I'm really happy to be here."
As individuals, they achieved greatness. But together, Pacquiao and Roach are making history.
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/06/06/10/pacquiao-honored-fighter-decade