Manny Pacquaio Religion

When looking at religious sports figures, one must consider the relationship an athlete has with his or her religion throughout their sporting careers. One man that expresses his religion throughout his sporting journey is a man by the name of Manny Pacquaio. Manny is a professional boxer and is considered one of the best fighters (pound for pound) in the world. Pacquaio has been a recipient of a number of awards during his professional career such as being named “Fighter of the Decade” for the 2000’s, along with being a three-time recipient of the “Fighter of the Year” award. He has also claimed many titles throughout his career such as the WBC flyweight title, and the WBO welterweight title. His success in the sport of boxing has essentially …show more content…
However, following Manny’s recent religious awakening he has converted to Christianity and claims that he has never felt better or more at peace then he is now. He claims he is a “born-again Christian”. Although Manny has converted to Christianity, his family has not a shared this similar belief or transformation if you will. His mother (Dionesia) has been very vocal about her disapproval of this change and repeatedly tries to get him to go back to the catholic faith. People closest to Manny such as his longer time trainer Freddie Roach have claimed to see how Manny has changed for the better since his spiritual revival. Roach, in regards to Manny’s change states that “He and his wife (Jinkee) are happier than ever. He doesn’t party anymore, doesn’t drink anymore. He’s a clean liver, doesn’t mess around with girls anymore. And his wife is very happy about that. He’s a better family man. So there’s a lot of good that goes with it. He was a pretty wild guy, had the world by the balls. Everything was available”. All of these changes have not only led to a better all around Manny Pacquiao, but it has also led to Manny wanting to go and preach the gospel to others so that he can help them better their lives as well. Manny often holds studies at his house, turning his mansion into a house of worship. Manny has also been known to where clothing with bible verses …show more content…
His spiritual journey is perhaps one of the greatest examples of a once lost person being found through Christ. This once Catholic man went from the lowest form of poverty imaginable in the streets of the Philippines, to having it all and living a life that he now considers to be frowned upon in the eyes of God, to finally being found in a spiritual awakening and becoming a “born again Christian”. Mr. Pacquiao in my opinion is a great representation of a religious sports figure that can be considered a “Muscular Christian”. His overcoming of obstacles, through his religion is an inspiration to me and he will go down in the eyes of many Christians as a loyal follower of