Boxing Superstar Manny Pacquiao Gets Time Magazine Asia Cover

On the heels of his first primetime television appearance on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live and his recognition as a 2009 Gusi Peace Prize laureate, boxing phenom Manny Pacquiao now finds himself on the cover of Time Magazine’s Asia edition as part of a five page feature story on the boxing champion that will be included in all editions of the magazine hitting newstands this weekend.

With the population of Asia being the largest in the world, Pacquiao is overwhelmed with the idea of so many people seeing his face on the cover of such a prestigious magazine.

“I absolutely had no idea that when I started my career in boxing, to provide a better life for myself and my family, that I would now be where I am today and on the cover of Time Magazine,” said Pacquiao.

“A fighter’s dream is to win a world title and gain financial stability. But what is happening to me now is the most humbling experience of my life. It is a great honor for me to be the face of my people and to let everyone know we are a small but mighty country. I have great pride for all of the Filipinos living throughout the world and it is these people that I fight for each and every time I step into the ring.”

“Manny Pacquiao is the most exciting fighter on earth at this moment,” said Howard Chua-Eoan, Time’s News Director and co-author of the Pacquiao feature, explaining why Time chose to write about Pacquiao.

“But not just because of his skills in the ring. When he fights, he is carrying the hopes and dreams of an entire nation. He fights for his people. It is one of the most inspiring stories in sports today.”

Perhaps no boxer since Joe Louis has attracted such worldwide attention as the world grips the importance of Pacquiao as a national treasure to his people and as one of the most gifted and philanthropic fighters to grace the history of the sport.

As part of Time’s history, former champions who have appeared on the US cover include: 1923 – Jack Dempsey, 1926 – James J. Tunney, 1929 – Max Schmeling, 1931 – Primo Carnera, 1941 – Joe Louis, 1951 – Sugar Ray Robinson, 1963 – Cassius Clay, 1971 – Muhammad Ali/Joe Frazier, 1978 – Muhammad Ali, and in 1988 – Mike Tyson.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions, MGM Grand and Tecate, “Firepower: Pacquiao vs. Cotto” will take place Saturday, November 14 at the sold out MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be produced and distributed Live on HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

HBO’s® fast-moving reality series “24/7 Pacquiao/Cotto” returns with an all new episode Saturday, November 7 at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT. The four-episode series chronicles the preparations and back stories of both fighters as they train for their November 14 pay-per-view showdown. Episodes one and two are available on HBO On Demand.