Pacquiao Gives Up Cockfighting To Be Church’s Goodwill Ambassador

Manny Pacquiao has given up gambling, cockfighting and other vices to become a goodwill ambassador for the Catholic Church.

Pacquiao, one of the richest men in the Philippines and a national icon, has announced that he sold his shares in a Manila casino, a nightclub and a bar.

He is giving away all his fighting cocks to friends.

“I am no longer in the vice business. I’ve sold my shares in a big nightclub along with my shares in a Manila casino outlet,” the 32-year-old fighter told reporters.

“I realise I was a weak person before. If I had died I believe my soul would have ended in hell,” he said.

“I had faith, but I was doing things which were against the will of God.”

Pacquiao’s aides say the eight-time world champion owned more than a thousand roosters, worth more than $700 000 (R5.3 million).

Cockfights are regarded as a Philippine blood sport in which the birds fight to the death, “armed” with sharp metal spurs.

His remaining pastime is basketball, said Pacquiao, who is also a member of the Philippine parliament.

Regarded as one of the best boxers of his era, Pacquiao has compiled a record of 54-3, with two drawn. He has won a record eight “world” titles in as many weight divisions.

He often cites God as the source of his ongoing success and wears a rosary around his neck before and after fights.

However he has not escaped intrigue and reports of him womanising, despite being married, and gambling have been published. [More]

SOURCE

Super Sport