Manny Pacquiao: Violently Graceful

Boxing is a very violent sport, bloodshed is a common scene in a boxing match. Most of the time, boxers seem to be like wild, hungry beasts release to unleash horror. Pain in inevitable. Danger is always around, but just like any other sport, boxing is also a display of the extremes of human body's performance. Boxers are poets in action. Even though it is a bloodied sport, it is a sight to be hold.

A lot of boxers can punch hard, be agile and tireless. But only a handful have all of the three. One of them is Manny Pacquiao. Skills mesmerize the fans. From the die hard boxing fan to the casual boxing viewers, most people who watch boxing want to see something amazing. Something out of the ordinary. Something that can take your breath away and keep you at the edge of your seat for the whole 12 rounds. That is where Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao comes in.

Manny started in the lower divisions in his native country (The Philippines). Since boxing was his way of living, he didn't have enough resources to give him an advantage. He used his determination and hard work to survive in a cruel sport. He has come a long way since then, but one thing stayed consistent. Since the bell rang in his first ever match as a professional boxer, Manny has captured the attention of those who watched him. He defied the odds of poverty to be the best that he can be. He didn't mind being cheated as long as he plays the game with all his heart and believing that God is with him.

If there are great poets who captures our hearts with their poems, there are boxers like Pacquiao who do the same with their fists. But with Pacquiao, you will love him with or without gloves on. He smiles a lot out of the ring. He loves to joke around and even though he doesn't have an "American idol-type" of voice, he will serenade you with a song from his heart. He is as gentleman as a guy a can be. He doesn't talk bad against his foes. Win or lose, he's thankful he was able to share the ring with a fellow fighter.

Inside the ring, Manny is still a gentleman, but he's a gentleman who plans on inflicting pain. His hands are like dynamite wrapped in leather. He bounces off the canvass like its his own playground. His punches are so fast and so many that its like pellets coming out of the shotgun's barrel.

He gets inside and out so easy he's like a member of the Jabbawockeez. He trades punches like there's no tomorrow and the best of all, he always puts on a show no matter who he is fighting. With Pacquiao, there are no easy fights. It will only seem to be one sided after the bout.

Outside of the ring he's a funny guy, in the ring he's as scary as it gets. I understand why some boxers choose to avoid him. It's not easy being a boxer, let alone being on the opposite side of the ring with Manny Pacquiao. Just like what Muhammad Ali said: "Fly like a butterfly, Sting like a bee", the Pacman is just violently graceful.

Source: bleacherreport.com