From the time Manny Pacquiao knocked out Lehlohonolo Ledwaba in the sixth round to bring the International Boxing Federation super-bantamweight crown to the Philippine shore in 2001, Filipino ring superstar Pacquiao has, almost always, held the country at a standstill in the many encounters he sees action against the best the prizefighting profession can offer.

Pacquiao fought 33 more times following his super-bantamweight title conquest, winning 29 and losing five, one by knockout, but the Filipinos—100 million as of last count, plus 12 million more working overseas – continue following him, celebrating with him in his victories and crying over his losses.