Challenger Tim Bradley should brace himself for a big jolt.
There’s a strong likelihood his title challenge against world welterweight king Manny Pacquiao in June could end very early.
If that happens, the American title hopeful would have the Holy Bible to thank for.
Or blame, depending on the final outcome of the scheduled June 9 fight in Las Vegas.
* * *
It’s like this. Pacquiao Monday confirmed to popular broadcaster Korina Sanchez that his days in the boxing ring are indeed numbered.
Pacquiao, saying the sport of boxing is no longer conducive to his solemn and serene closeness with God, confirmed plans to retire.
He said he could do it any day soon.
“I’ll just make an announcement,” Pacquiao vowed in the mid-morning program Rated Korina over DZMM, also broadcast over TeleRadyo.
* * *
Pacquiao said he no longer gambles, he said he no longer gets lost and strays off forbidden alleys deep in the night, he said he’s done with womanizing, he said he’s done with his worldly ways.
He didn’t say it, but what the New Manny honestly wanted to say was this:
Manny Pacquiao is done with the Bad Old Manny Pacquiao.
He has, in fact, knocked that rich, raunchy slugger out.
He’s done sparring with the devil.
* * *
Sanchez could only wonder what has caused the amazing renewal.
It was all like magic, she swooned.
Korina was also awed by Pacquiao’s flawless recitation of Biblical teachings, complete with the credited saints, exact numerals of the verses.
Wow, you’re indeed sharp and very intelligent, Manny was told.
The boxing icon refused to be flattered.
He instead humbly admitted past misgivings.
* * *
What the Bible says, Pacquiao told Korina, is that man must first be born again in order to enter heaven.
That, needless to say, was what has obviously brought about a reborn Manny Pacquiao.
It’s no use if you are able to memorize the Bible but still sticks to your rotten ways.
It’s useless going to church every day if you don’t live in the ways of the Lord, Pacquiao said.
Out with ceremonial Christians who know the names of all the saints but have no honest idea how to help others.
Down with decorated Christians who only love and live for themselves.
* * *
So what does the reborn Manny Pacquiao do in his free hours?
Most, if not all, of his free time is devoted to the Lord and the Bible.
He shares the golden teachings with his wife and children.
He shares them with friends and all souls within reach.
The Bible is our handbook here on Earth, Pacquiao said.
By the way, Pacquiao also turned that morning interview into an impromptu sharing session.
All of God’s commandments are in the Bible, and we must all live by them through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he said in his core message.
* * *
Anyway, Pacquiao swore that, as much as possible, he did not want to harm anybody both inside the ring and off it.
Hurting the other guy is the core of the boxing business, and Pacquiao swore this is against the commandments.
Sorry, but in his upcoming fight with Tim Bradley, Pacquiao’s only recourse would be to ask for advance forgiveness.
When the bell rings, it will be back to war.
It will be the Bad Old Manny Pacquiao storming in and spewing fire again.
If it’s any consolation for the underdog challenger, Pacquiao is sure to fight a Christian fight.
This means he’ll go for an immediate stoppage if only to lessen the suffering of a fellow gladiator.
Praise the Lord.