Part 2 of 3: As the build-up to the biggest payday in sports history continues, The National brings you exclusive photos of Manny Pacquiao ahead of his megafight with Floyd Mayweather on May 2. In the second instalment, we look at Manny and his life away from the ring through the lens of Mike Young, former photographer for The National, who spent 18 months on the inside with Team Pacquiao.
When a 20-year professional career has taken you down to the coalface so many times your teeth are charred black, it’s only right that downtime is spent relaxing away from the rigours of training: pounding the roads as well as the pads, jumping rope, doing sit-ups, squats, press-ups, weights and every other machination of physical intensity to turn your body into a fighting machine.
Manny Pacquiao is a man who loves to be surrounded by friends, such as long-time companion Nonoy Neri, and family; a home-cooked meal is just as satisfying as a serving in a Michelin-starred restaurant.
RELATED
– Part 1 of the photo essay series, focussing on Manny the Boxer, as he trained last year for his November fight against Chris Algieri
– Revisit Mike Young and writer Chuck Culpepper’s exclusive series for The National from two weeks observing Manny Pacquiao’s daily routine in 2011
The Filipino boxer has many strings to his bow; as well as an eight-division boxing champion, Pacquiao is a talented musician. He has composed a song for his entrance music for the showdown with unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Here we see him relaxing at his home in General Santos City in the Philippines, serenading his always-large entourage.
Away from the training regiment of Freddie Roach, Pacquiao still likes to stay in shape by taking runs. Here we see him out on the track with his brother, Bobby, while his terrier, Pacman, is a near-permanent fixture by his owner’s side.
One of the WBO welterweight champion’s favourite pastimes is to scuba dive; he can often be seen exploring the waters of Cebu Bay.
As well as a world-class fighter and philanthropist, Pacquiao also holds the position of congressman in the Philippines House of Representatives.
They say a week is a long time in politics, so Pacquiao squeezes in his duties by meeting with his congressional staff at his home long into the night. We can also see him enjoying a morning stroll with vice president Jejomar Binay, who was in Sarangani province last October to deliver medical equipment.
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Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
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