Manny Pacquiao being elected as a congressman in the Philippines has placed him onto the list of the top 20 stories that changed the world in 2010. The entire list, put together by CNN and viewable here, is comprised of news stories and events throughout the entire world that have had a major impact. It’s not a fluff piece and it’s not about the scandalous, entertainment style of stories that we are all inundated with every day. No, these are the real worldwide events that have impacted our society for one reason or another, and Pacquiao’s political rise has been included.
On a list of the top 20 world changing events in 2010, Pacquiao joining the Filipino congress just makes the cut, falling in at number 19. Here’s the excerpt of what CNN had to say about Pacquiao and his election success:
“19. Pacquiao wins congressional seat
The fighter of the last decade could be the politician of the next. In his second run at public office in May, Manny Pacquiao beat a heavily favored opponent from a powerful political family by a landslide in congressional elections held in the Philippine province of Sarangani.
The beloved Filipino fighter was sworn in to the House of Representatives in June, but requested a leave of absence two months later to train for an upcoming bout with Antonio Margarito.”
Of course we know how that bout with Antonio Margarito panned out. Pacquiao is now taking more time to specifically focus on his congressional duties, and is next scheduled to fight Shane Mosley in May of 2011. He plans on having a few more fights before calling it quits and focusing full-time on his political career, and with his popularity, the sky is of course the limit.
Congratulations to Manny Pacquiao for earning this honor and being one of the worldwide changing events of 2010. Hey, you didn’t win the 2010 Fighter of the Year… but that’s still pretty good!!
