Page 23 - Forbes - Asia (September 2018)

PROMOTION

success provides moral support for all those
facing poverty.”

A True Champion
In the world of boxing, merely becoming a
world title holder does not instantly translate
to international fame as it does with other
sports. Only those who win the big matches
are recognized as true champions.
Pacquiao has triumphed against the
sport’s superstars, such as British professional
boxer Ricky Hatton and Puerto Rico’s Miguel
Cotto. He started his career in the light-fly-
weight division, which has a maximum limit
of 112 pounds, and eventually accomplished
the feat of winning major world titles across
six weight divisions, putting on more than 20
kilograms over the years. Handa shared one
of the many unforgettable stories that illus-
trates Pacquiao’s physical prowess.
“Although it was a non-title battle, the
match with Oscar De La Hoya in 2008 was
just awesome. It gave me goose bumps. De
La Hoya was much bigger both in height and
weight, but Pacquiao did not change his style
and was aggressive from the start without
any hesitation. Eventually in the eighth round,
he knocked out De La Hoya with a TKO [tech-
nical knockout]. I was simply amazed with
Pacquiao, who constantly aims high no mat-
ter what,” Handa said.

Setting an Example
Pacquiao’s matches are always extraordi-
nary, but the fight money is also legendary.
When he fought against five-division world
champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas
in 2015, the match was billed as the biggest
fight of the century, and the combined prize
money exceeded US$365 million. In only 36
minutes of fighting, they grossed more than
the annual income of high-earning athletes
such as tennis player Roger Federer and foot-
baller Lionel Messi. He uses his fight money Grand opening celebrations at HANDA Watch World · Shinsaibashi-Tsukamidori store
to continue giving to children in the world (1-12-10 Higashi Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka prefecture, 06-6245-8685
suffering from poverty. Opening hours are 10:30-20:00, closed on Wednesdays).
“We have launched several projects so far,
but there are still numerous things we must on July 15. Prior to the fight, Pacquiao com- golden days of boxing, and had the 16,000
do,” Pacquiao said. “Now that I have become mented “it is quite significant that such a big fans on their feet.
the ambassador, I want to promote this watch event is being held in Asia. I am sure it will Handa muses, “Pacquiao will keep coming
as a means to contribute to society.” be an exciting match. In the coming match, back to the ring, representing the feelings of
Pacquiao’s feelings are well understood by I want to do my best for the people of Asia.” Asians, and wishing for peace in Asia. And
Handa, who already has several ideas in mind, From the start, Pacquiao dominated his this is precisely why I want all of us to closely
including a project to build “Manny Pacquiao opponent, World Boxing Association welter- watch his matches, one by one.”
Hospitals” in poor and remote areas, and weight champion Lucas Matthysse. He sent
Handa is prepared to extend his support. his opponent to the canvas three times in Contact information:
Following his visit to Japan, Pacquiao had total, with a seventh-round TKO to reclaim Misuzu Corporation
an opportunity to regain glory once again, his title as world champion. The fight was 81-3-3247-5585
in a match that took place in Kuala Lumpur an overwhelming victory reminiscent of his www.misuzu.com