Popular Pacquiao at No. 4

MANNY Pacquiao has proven again his universal appeal and recognition.

Though the Filipino ring icon was beaten by Floyd Mayweather Jr. in their megabuck welterweight showdown on May 2, Pacquiao remained a hot topic.

His ring inactivity after that defeat, notwithstanding, Pacquiao remained one of the most-searched athletes in the world, according to Google Trends.

As reported by earnthenecklace.com, the eight-division world champion Pacquiao ranked fourth.

Only NBA MVP Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors at No. 3, UFC sensation Holly Holm at No. 2 and the fighter Holm dethroned as bantamweight queen, Ronda Rousey, at No. 1 came ahead of the Filipino.

Like Pacquiao, Rousey’s popularity was affirmed when she emerged as this year’s most searched athlete.

Completing the list are Alex Morgan of the United States women’s football team at No. 5, her teammate Hope Solo at No. 6, hockey player Patrick Kane at No. 7, Philadelphia Eagles running back DeMarco Murray at No. 8, Dalls Cowboys defensive end Grag Hardy and Baylor Bears defensive end Shawk Oakman.

The 37-year-old Pacquiao is slated to return to the ring for the last time on April 9.