Manny Pacquiao is "a mix between Ali, Bruce Lee and Robin Hood," says Gary Andrew Poole author of "PacMan: Behind The Scenes With Manny Pacquiao - The Greatest Pound-For-Pound Fighter In The World" (we'll settle for "PacMan" for short).
Poole does an awesome job in painting a detailed picture of one of the most private and introverted superstar sportsmen of our time. The author makes some insightful and entertaining brush strokes in "PacMan," and the book stands out as a thorough examination of the machinery and the players that surround the talented athlete.
The players that Poole focusses on, the ones that influence the Pacquiao machinery include; Freddy Roach (coach), Bob Arum (manager), Rod Nazario (former manager), Alex Ariza (conditioning coach), Buboy Fernandez (life long friend and trainer) and the peculiar and plentiful members of Manny's entourage.
In every chapter of "PacMan," Poole provides countless examples of Manny's international superstar status which for some, particularly his fellow Filipinos is elevated to demigod. Where other mere mortal boxers have faltered Manny's popularity and talent have protected him.
"PacMan" gives us access to practices in the Manny camp that would have KO'd any other fighter. From the numerous naive business practices to the ever growing demands of an ever growing entourage! But rather than heading to the canvass like a bloody, chewed up, spat out, gum shield, Pacquiao remains unstoppable.
With visits to Manny's home country of the Philippines and the help of his close friends and family Poole is able to trace for the reader the athlete's path from humble beginnings to boxing stardom. No book on the man would be complete without paying attention to Pacquiao's political ambitions and "PacMan" certainly delivers. Poole leaves us with no question that the boxer and now congressman is a strong contender for the Filipino Presidency!
To sum the book up in one sentence; it's an examination into a quiet, honest and generous person gifted with a love of boxing and a persistence to make it to the top of the game.
We highly recommend "PacMan"!
