Manny Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion, remains a legend in the boxing world, with fans still reminiscing about his signature left overhand punch and electrifying speed. Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Pacquiao is now channeling his winning mentality into a new arena—basketball.
As the founder of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), he is driving the league’s rapid rise in popularity.
Table of Contents
The beginning of great deeds
Manny Pacquiao’s champion spirit was forged in the streets of Bukidnon province. The future boxing star grew up in poverty, but these harsh conditions forced Manny to work tirelessly in pursuit of a better life. The boy was far too spirited and restless to fulfill his mother’s dream of becoming a priest.
The path to the professional ring wasn’t open to our hero right away. At 13, Pacquiao dropped out of school and essentially began his adult life. He sold water and bread to help his family make ends meet. In his spare time, Pac Man trained in boxing, honing the skills he had learned from street fights. From a young age, Pacquiao knew how to stand up for himself and protect his friends.
Manny’s mother probably believed that her son would calm down with age and find another hobby. However, boxing turned out to be much more than just a teenage obsession with proving himself — for Pacquiao, it was a genuine passion that shaped his life’s path.
First successes
Two dollars per fight — that was Manny Pacquiao’s first fee. However, even that small amount was sufficient to purchase 25 kilograms of rice. The future champion was allowed to give up selling goods — it became clear that the boy had a gift that needed to be nurtured. Manny moved to Manila and started training at a sports club. Soon, national fame followed: Pacquiao became a participant in a local boxing TV show and won over the public with his steel will and unbelievable motivation. Beating in his chest was the heart of a true champion.
From amateur to ‘hell of a fighter’
After the TV show, Manny Pacquiao began his amateur boxing career. Thanks to his success in regional tournaments, Pac Man made it into the Philippine national team. By 1995, he had fought 60 amateur bouts and won 56 of them. It became clear that this incredibly tough and lightning-fast boxer was destined to show his unique talent in the professional arena.
At the next level, Manny revealed his true potential even faster. His track record includes numerous championship belts, the recognition of professionals and journalists, and the status of a national hero in the Philippines. Paradoxically, Pac Man lost the most legendary fight of his career. On May 2, 2015, Floyd Mayweather, undefeated at the time, won by decision against Manny Pacquiao.
The Filipino tried to dictate the pace of the fight, but the American responded effectively with counterattacks. Who knows how the bout would have ended if Manny hadn’t fought with an injured shoulder? Mayweather is known for his narcissism, but even he was impressed by Pacquiao’s skill. “He’s a hell of a fighter,” Floyd said after facing off in the ring.
Never forgot his roots
Manny Pacquiao has always remembered where he came from. “My biggest fight is not in boxing, it is against poverty,” our hero claimed. He constantly strove to help his fellow compatriots and never locked himself away in a champion’s bubble, ignoring the struggles of ordinary people. Pacquiao held various positions during his political career and accepted his loss in the presidential elections with dignity. “I may leave politics, but I will never give up the chance to serve you. Thank you, my fellow countrypeople,” said Pac Man at the time.
How the MPBL was created
In 2017, Manny Pacquiao stepped into an entirely new role. Years spent in boxing and politics gave him a deep understanding of what it takes to build successful business projects. However, our hero chose to channel his administrative talent not into boxing but into basketball. He founded the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League — a project designed to provide talented athletes with the opportunity to become professional players.
MPBL’s popularity skyrocketed, with the number of participating teams tripling in just two seasons. Pacquiao’s project was soon recognized as the fastest-growing basketball league in the world! It was not long before the league took another significant step forward: in 2021, the MPBL officially transitioned to a professional level. Pacquiao continued nurturing his brainchild, launching tournaments for women and youth. Manny’s managerial contribution to professional sports in his homeland didn’t stop at basketball — Pac Man also created volleyball leagues.
Why did the MPBL become so popular?
A major factor in the league’s rise was its partnership with the global betting company 1xBet. Thanks to this strategic collaboration, millions of fans worldwide discovered the MPBL. The league’s uniqueness lies in its ability to bring the most devoted supporters closer to their idols, keeping them connected constantly.
1xBet shares the MPBL values and is committed to continuing its contribution to the development of basketball in the Philippines. The brand has been active in the region for many years and understands how to bring a promising league closer to its fans. Social media campaigns and engaging promotions have helped supporters feel like more than just spectators—they’ve become full participants in the big game!
The 1xBet logo appeared on team uniforms and courts during broadcasts. The brand also expanded its role by organizing spectacular shows to accompany MPBL matches. This collaboration with 1xBet helped the league attract star players, including Bobby Ray Parks Jr., the first Filipino to play in the NBA Summer League.
Philippine basketball is on the rise
The growth of the MPBL has not only brought basketball closer to becoming the national sport of the Philippines but has also led to noticeable progress for Filipino teams in the international arena.
The Philippine men’s team reached the final stage of the FIBA Asia Cup and came just one step away from qualifying for the 2024 Olympics, narrowly losing to Brazil in the playoff final. Meanwhile, the women’s national 3×3 basketball team achieved its best result ever at the Asia Cup — finishing in 4th place.
The growing popularity of basketball in the Philippines, along with the sport’s considerable development potential in the country, is undeniable. That’s why 1xBet encourages its partners to use basketball content within the 1xPartners affiliate program actively. Basketball attracts fans like a magnet, which can help draw in new players and increase your commission earnings!
Teamwork, a chance to succeed for everyone, support, and player development — these principles are at the heart of both the MPBL, created by Manny Pacquiao, and the 1xPartners program.
Do you want to become a part of the sports industry and earn big commissions? If so, the 1xPartners affiliate program is created precisely for you!
