Manny Pacquiao On TIME Magazine

Over 20 years after former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson appeared on the U.S. cover of TIME Magazine, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao has achieved the same feat. A month after several typhoons devastated the Philippines, killing hundreds and displacing hundreds of thousands of his fellow countrymen, "Pacman" is featured on the cover of TIME Magazine's Asia edition. (9 Legendary Boxers on TIME Cover) Pacquiao recently contributed time and money to the relief efforts. All regions of the publication will feature a story on the pound-for-pound boxing icon this weekend.

Titled "The Great Hope" the Filipino's appearance on the cover is historic for any sports athlete. Only 11 boxers have graced the cover of TIME since the 1920's. Out of the many legendary fighters to have fought in the last 25 years, only Mike Tyson was the last boxer featured (in 1988). The likes of Oscar de la Hoya, Roy Jones, Jr., Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, Julio Cesar Chavez, and Evander Holyfield were not featured. Prior to Tyson, Muhammad Ali was last on the cover in 1978.

"What is happening to me now is the most humbling experience of my life. It is a great honor for me to be the face of my people and to let everyone know we are a small but mighty country. I have great pride for all of the Filipinos living throughout the world and it is these people that I fight for each and every time I step into the ring."

To place into perspective this mainstream exposure, Michael Jordan, widely considered the greatest player in the history of basketball, appeared on TIME's cover just once (in 1998). (Other Athletes on TIME Magazine Cover)

Outside of the ring, Manny Pacquiao is widely known for his humility and generosity. In a recent interview on Philippine GMA News at a church in Los Angeles, Pacquiao said he not only prays for himself but for all of his opponents in the ring. That includes a prayer for his next opponent. Should the Filipino emerge triumphant on his November 14 bout with Puerto Rico's welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, he will have become the only fighter in the long history of the sport to secure seven world titles in seven different weight classes. (9 Legendary Boxers on TIME Cover) Pacquiao intends to permanently retire from boxing in 2010 and run for congress in the Philippines in May next year. (source: examiner.com)