The Perfect Punch

Just one second and round 6 was over. At that moment Juan Manuel Marquez connected the perfect punch that hit Manny Pacquiao’s jaw. The former world boxing champion fell on the canvass like a log. For nearly two minutes, Pacman stayed motionless, while the Mexican ran to his corner to rejoice.

I am a fan of Pacquiao. Like most Filipinos viewers, I was awed at the epic battle in the early rounds when both fighters displayed remarkable boxing techniques. Then came the punch, it was shocking. As Pacquiao lay unconscious, in silence I was deeply worried. When he opened his eyes, there was relief. For the hours that followed, I was saddened as did many Filipinos I encountered.

Both Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach offered no excuses. Said Pacquiao, “That’s boxing. Sometimes we get hit. I started to get over-confident. I never expected that shot,” Roach when sought for comment, replied, “It was a great knockout. No excuses. Marquez won the fight.” 

Pacquiao’s wife Jinky was quoted as saying on the day prior to the fight that “everything happens for a reason.” Those words should be thoroughly reflected by Pacquiao. There will be a lot of people giving their piece of advice or opinion on what course he will take next.  There is Dionisia (Pacquiao’s mother), there is the pastor, there is the wife, there is Roach, there is Bob Arum, and many others.

Many of us are often in the crossroads of our lives. So many paths ahead, but you can only take one. When making crucial decisions, one must take counsel from elders and the wise. “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counsellors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14)

But even the wise err. The potent tool is prayer to a generous God. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5) When the Lord speaks, accept His will. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) For God has planned out for us what road to take to ascertain our reunion with Him. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  (Jeremiah 29:11)

Of late Pacman has been attached to his Bible studies. He may not be Catholic, but I am certain God loves him, and means well for him. If I was asked what I can advice Pacquiao, I will tell him, “Go to your room. Pray intensely; as intense as your preparation for a boxing bout. For if you thought that the most difficult battle is inside the ring, you are wrong. Outside the ring, there is a far bigger war: against sin and temptation; against fame and popularity, against greed and materialism.”