Thursday, Apr. 01, 2010
Manny Pacquiao
Age: 31
Occupation: Boxer
Previous TIME 100 Appearances: 1
Not only an idol in his native Philippines, Pacquiao has become an international sports god, drawing much-needed fans to the fading profession of boxing. His ferocious November 2009 battle with Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas drew immense numbers. And while his recent fight against Joshua Clottey was a relative cakewalk, it packed the colossal, high-def Dallas Stadium to standing-room capacity. His only real challenger left is Floyd Mayweather Jr., if he finally dares to face Pacquiao. For now, the Filipino, a champion in seven weight classes, is focusing on a prize he has tried but failed to win before: a seat in his country's legislature.