It's so hard to get old without a cause
I don't want to perish like a fading horse
Youth is like diamonds in the sun
and diamonds are forever.
— 5th verse of the song 'Forever Young' by the German band Alphaville

MAYPAJO, Caloocan City — Currently, after 'unretiring' from a four-year hiatus, our 46-year-old People's Champ is receiving offers for a fight by many boxers from around the world. Apparently, despite his age, he's a 'hot' challenge for many fighters—and this is not for money or victory.
Anyone, who stands in the ring and trade punches with the great Emmanuel 'Manny' Pacquiao, will certainly feel the prestige of being there—face-to-face—with a legend and hall-of-famer.
In contrast, 'Money Man' Floyd Mayweather Jr. may have been unbeaten in all his fights, but he's apparently a pariah among other boxers—young and old—because of his run-away ring antics and loathsome braggadocio.
The latest to challenge The Pac-Man is Australian former International Boxing Federation (IBF) super lightweight Liam Paro, who says picking a bout with him be "a shot at redemption" as this could give an opportunity for Manny to avenge a loss in Brisbane at the hands of Paro's fellow Aussie Jeff 'The Hornet' Horn in 2017.
Before this, even former World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion Shane Mosley openly declared he wants to run it back with Pacquiao and with the winner then getting a rematch with Mayweather Jr.
Another potential challenge could be in the person of American champion Rolando 'Rolly' Romero, who is known as a heavy-handed orthodox fighter and right now the WBA's 'regular' welterweight title-holder.
For any of these challenges to materialize, it would be decided certainly by Manny. But for us to see the matches to happen, it would mean a distinct honor and privilege to see our People’s Champion proving himself as the world’s best.
So, it's really no longer about money, fame, title or fortune but it's merely witnessing Manny Pacquiao triumphing over 'Old Man Time' because at the end of the day, whether Pacquiao loses or wins, the important thing is watching him do what he loves most to do—to box and fight in the squared arena of boxing amidst the chant and shouts of his fans and supporters.
This reminds me of a song by the German synth-pop band Alphaville . . .

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