These global sports stars and media made sure to greet boxing champ and senator Manny Pacquiao on his 42nd birthday.
The video messages were shared on social media by Manny’s wife Jinkee Pacquiao who also whipped up a birthday party for her husband in their home city in General Santos.
Among them was NBA star Derrick Rose who said in a video message: “I wish you many blessings, stay blessed, good luck on your fight and I can’t wait to see you soon.”
Former NCAA NFL quarterback and now professional baseball player Tim Tebow also greeted Pacman, saying, “Thanks for everything over the years. Thank you for your heart for the Philippines and for the Filipino people, and all that you do to make a difference. We’re so grateful for that man.”
Professional basketball player Jeremy Lin also had a short video message for the birthday boy.
TV personalities and sports media also shared their greetings and well-wishes to Pacman.
US TV host, actor and boxing aficionado Mario Lopez said, “Maligayang kaarawan, your boy Mario Lopez here at your home, the Wild Card Boxing Club. Manny, I love that I met you when you first got here and you haven’t changed. You’re the same dude, down-to-earth, humble, love it. God bless you, happy birthday friend, you know I always got your back. I look forward for you to invite me to the Philippines. Pinoy power, I wanna go visit!”
In their birthday greeting, British sports channel Sky Sports shared a clip of Manny “sparring when he was a bit more fresh-faced.”
US cable sports channel ESPN wished him a happy birthday by posting video highlights from his past fights, particularly when he K.O.-ed his opponents.
Best-known international boxing journalist Dan Rafael paid tribute to Pacman in his birthday post where he shared a photo from when he was still a rookie fighter.
Rafael wrote: “Happy 42nd birthday to the all-time great legend, record-setting 8-division champ, reigning welterweight titlist, senator, philanthropist & world icon Manny Pacquiao! Here’s a scarce rookie card in my #boxing collection from 4-card panel in a 1999 issue of Japan’s World Boxing magazine.”
The World Boxing Council, on the other hand, shared a throwback video of the funniest moments, from friendly banter with opponents to “staredown” fails.
And of course, what’s a Pacquiao birthday without a greeting from former boxing trainer Freddie Roach.
“Manny Pacquiao, happy birthday. December 17, the best day in the world, the best man in the world was born, the best fighter,” Roach said.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Jinkee shared photos from the birthday celebration of her husband in General Santos City.
She captioned her post: “Manny @42 ♥️ @mannypacquiao God is good! (Naka-facemasks po lahat ang friends and family) ♥️.”
