What More for Manny Pacquiao?

The phrase “four-letter word” refers to words with four letters that are considered profane or vulgar. It is a euphemism for the many English swear words which are four-character monosyllables.

Among all these four-letter words, I believe that the worst of them all is . . . more.

More has caused the downfall of great men in history. It was the cause of the first-ever sin committed by Eve in the garden of Eden. She wanted more than what she already had in paradise.

More is the core of every addiction (drugs, gambling, alcohol). It means, not being able to stop.
More has something  to do with Manny Pacquiao, who recently stunned the world with his unexpected loss to Marquez. "Horrors!" newspaper headlines and people screamed.

 

But some saner quarters—those who are no great fans of boxing—say:

"It was bound to happen." "Law of probability." "He was always up, he has no way to go but down."

If my voice should count, I'd join those who are calling on Manny Pacquiao to retire—now. Many doctors are of the opinion that "the body can only take so much." He may not feel the effects of frequent physical battering now, but eventually he will. Some minute parts of his body system may already be irreversibly damaged.

Pacquiao's statement, however, reeks of more—“I will rise again.”

For what?

Fame? He has it indelibly recorded on mass media—and soon, in history books. 

Money? He has accumulated enough to pay for the debts of the country. 

Power? He has the money that can buy power in a snap; he is an elected congressman; mayors, politicians do his bidding. 

Heroism? He has become a hero in everyone's eyes, including mine.

At age 33, he has everything any man twice his age can ever hope to have. How much more does Pacman need? 

Boxing, for me, is the most brutal of sports, and its champions like Pacquiao deserve to walk away with senses still intact to enjoy the depth and breadth of grace.

Photos: by Getty Images