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Manny Pacquiao has had a phenomenal career in boxing, becoming a world champion in eight different weight classes and earning an induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Even though the man known as PacMan no longer delights spectators with blazing combinations and overhand lefts in the ring, he remains in the spotlight of the sports industry – now as the founder of the promising Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
How Manny Pacquiao’s star lit up
Who would have thought that an ordinary poor family in Bukidnon province would give birth to Asia’s best boxer, who would become the king of the ring and inspire an entire nation. Pacquiao spent his childhood in poverty and had to grow up early. The boy’s mother dreamed that Manny would become a priest, but it seemed as if Pacquiao’s hot temper was pushing him to start boxing.
That’s what happened. Pacquiao was always late for school and often got into street fights. Soon, because of extreme poverty, the boy had to quit school and get a job. At the age of 13, he was selling bread and water, and in the evenings he was devoting all his free time to boxing. It wasn’t just a teenage hobby, but a real passion.
Manny started boxing in the ring, and at first he was paid about US$2 per fight. He was earning enough to buy 25kg of rice, so his mother let him quit his selling job. The young fighter was progressing quickly, so he moved to Manila, began training at a sports club and then got into a local boxing TV show. The viewers were impressed by the young man’s character – he wasn’t just boxing, but fighting in the ring for a better life and the opportunity to do what he loved.
The participation in the show allowed Pacquiao to enter the world of amateur boxing. He won several regional competitions and made it to the Philippine national team. The mix of incredible stamina and speed made Manny a unique fighter. Soon, he became a professional boxer, finishing his amateur performances with a 56-4 record.
In 1995, the emerging national hero made his professional debut and had 11 successful fights, moving up two weight classes. The rapid development of his career and winning the first WBC championship belt turned the unknown Filipino fighter into one of the biggest discoveries of the decade.
Throughout his time in the ring, Pacquiao has had numerous title fights and championship belts in different weight classes. However, the biggest fight of the Filipino boxer’s career took place on 2 May 2015. It was a mega battle against the undefeated Floyd Mayweather.
The Fight of the Century met the expectations of fans and experts. The boxing match lasted 12 rounds and Pacquiao tried to dictate the pace of the fight, but Mayweather displayed surgical precision on counterattacks, winning by unanimous decision. After the fight, Floyd called Manny a “hell of a fighter”. As it turned out later, Pacquiao fought with a shoulder injury.
“My biggest battle is not in boxing, it’s in fighting poverty”
Manny never limited himself to being just a successful athlete and became politically active. He wanted to help ordinary Filipinos by increasing their level of prosperity. During his political career, Pacquiao held various positions and even ran for president.
“I can give up politics, but I cannot give up the opportunity to serve you. Thank you, compatriots,” was how Pacquiao commented on his defeat in the presidential election. He always respected the Filipinos’ opinion and even though he didn’t get what he wanted, he still continued to help his country.
MPBL and Manny Pacquiao: a new era in the history of Philippine basketball
In 2017, Pacquiao returned to sports, though not in boxing but in basketball, and as a functionary. He created the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. Manny’s background as a successful boxer and politician gave him an understanding of how to build profitable businesses. Besides, he wanted to thank his country and give talented athletes a chance to excel at a professional level.
In 2018, the MPBL began its inaugural season, and its success was evident from the first matches. In just two seasons, the number of participants increased almost threefold and Manny Pacquiao’s project became the fastest growing basketball league in the world.
The MPBL quickly found its audience and surpassed the amateur level. In 2021, the tournament’s management announced that the MPBL would turn into a professional league. Pacquiao made a significant contribution to the development of Philippine basketball and wanted to boost the success of the MPBL. He launched women’s and youth basketball tournaments and created volleyball leagues.
As a result, Manny built an entire basketball empire and increased Filipinos’ interest in the game. The opportunity to prove themselves at a professional level motivates young people to go to the court every day and train hard.
What’s the secret of MPBL’s success?
The partnership with global betting company 1xBet has helped to promote and popularize the league. As part of the strategic cooperation, millions of people around the world have learnt about the MPBL, and loyal fans have got an exclusive opportunity to stay in touch with their idols.
1xBet shares the values of the MPBL and wants to support the development of Philippine basketball. The brand’s years of experience in the region have helped bring a promising sport closer to the fans. Interactive activities and exciting promos turned spectators into full participants of the big game!
As part of the long-term partnership, the 1xBet logo will appear on the teams’ jerseys and courts during broadcasts. The global betting company is also preparing exciting shows that will become an integral part of basketball matches.
The cooperation with 1xBet and the dynamic growth of viewer interest in the league allowed the MPBL to attract star players. For example, Bobby Ray Parks Jr is remembered for his outstanding performances for the Mandaluyong El Tigre. At that time, he was well known in the basketball world: he played in the NBA Summer League for the Dallas Mavericks and became the first Filipino to participate in the tournament.
The appearances of famous basketball players in MPBL matches helped to increase spectator interest in the league and attract more fans to the stands.
Filipino fans are all eyes on basketball
The launch of the MPBL has accelerated the development of basketball in the Philippines, and the results of international tournaments bear this out. The national team has qualified for the FIBA Asia Cup. The Philippines were also one step away from qualifying for the Olympics in Paris, having lost in the playoffs to Brazil.
The Philippines were also successful at the recent FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup. The women’s team managed to take 4th place, the best result in its history.
The bright performances of the national teams and crowded stands at MPBL matches confirm the popularity of basketball in the Philippines. That’s why 1xBet recommends its partners to use basketball content more actively within the 1xPartners affiliate program. This will help attract more new bettors and maximize commissions.
Manny Pacquiao didn’t just create another basketball league – he built a community where everyone has a chance to excel. This idea of team play stems from the principles of 1xPartners: to succeed, it’s important not only to bring new people, but also to support, train and develop them.
The 1xPartners affiliate program is designed for those who want to be part of the sport and get generous rewards for being active. And basketball in the Philippines is the hottest trend now.
