Freddie and Manny

For days, I have marveled about how impeccable and masterful Filipino pugilist Manny Pacquiao performed in his recent fight with living legend Oscar de la Hoya. To this day, I couldn't stop admiring the boxing phenomenon who now ranks among the highest in my list of boxing greats.

It was more than a month ago that I remember writing about Pacquiao's inspirational journey towards pound-for-pound excellence. It's a belief I held then and that which has been affirmed now, that no matter who Manny chooses to fight or that even if the odds are against him, Manny is always bound to win. The reasons for his winning could be enumerated. It could be his speed, it could be his extraordinary strength or his improved boxing skills. But none of those weigh as much significance as the fire in his heart, for it is his heart that makes the difference.

In all of Manny's successes too, it is not easy to discount the discipline that his trainer imposed on him. Freddie Roach masterfully crafted Manny's abilities like that of a jeweler honing a diamond. He created a masterpiece in Pacquiao, capable of defeating quality fighters and improving at virtually every game he's on. In Manny and Freddie, there's not only a right amount of fighter-trainer relationship, there's also a little of a father-son connection between the two. They seem to genuinely have trust and respect for each other which have helped boost Manny's confidence in his fights.

I admire Freddie as much as I admire Manny. Having read a little of Freddie's biography, I can't help but see Manny's story in him too, only he's a white guy. The talented trainer grew up into a family of boxers since his father was once an accomplished fighter. As a pugilist, Freddie boxed like there was no tomorrow. He gave it all, winning some, losing some. He ate punches to give some back. But success as a boxer seemed to have evaded him. At age 26, he retired early from boxing. He did a few things that moved away from pugilism, until the chance to work as an assistant trainer to legendary Eddie Futch came. And since then, Freddie though troubled by Parkinson's disease, has found his true calling. He finally knew what he was good at doing, somehow better than he could ever be as a boxer: that was being a trainer.

This year, Freddie received a well-deserved award as Trainer of the Year from Yahoo! Sports. Thanks to a very impressive year of wins for Manny Pacquiao which could not have been possible without his unyielding support, trust and hardwork.

Freddie's story is truly an inspiring one. He fell but got back on his knees. He's proved that whatever battle lost, it doesn't equate surrender. And that's why he and Manny make a great combination because in them we see humans being hurt but capable of bouncing back. They might be beaten up but they choose to stand firm and carry their pride and their heart to face the challenge. For that, Freddie and Manny are my modern-day heroes.