Manny Pacquiao’s journey from rags to riches has long been told, and is one of the main reasons why the eight-division world champion’s story is an amazing one.

Before becoming a boxing legend, the boxer-turned-senator used to struggle to make ends meet, working various jobs while also pursuing his in-ring dreams.

When asked if he had any words of wisdom for aspiring athletes, especially the ones set to compete in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, Pacquiao preached hard work and determination.

“My advice to all the athletes, just focus. Believe [in] God, have faith [in] God, and everything will follow,” Pacquiao told ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo on an episode of The Score.

“Work hard lang, work hard lang ‘yan, may support or wala. Yung saril lang yung kalaban nila, sa palakasan kasi, kailangan yung condition mo, how you work hard, importante yan eh,” he added.

The current reigning WBA (regular) Welterweight World Champion went on to share a bit from his past, revealing that he would continue to train even after a hard day of working in construction

“Noon, ako mag-trabaho sa construction, after ng construction ko, whole day, pagbalik ko galing sa construction, sa trabaho, mag-eensayo pa ako,”

Back then, Pacquiao added, his meals would consist mainly of Tuyo.

“After ng training ko, kakain ako. Alam mo kung ano yung pagkain ko? Kukuha lang ako ng talbos ng kamote tapos lagain ko, tapos tuyo, ganun lang, kasi yun yung hindi nasisira eh, tuyo. Tuyo lang kinakain ko pero work hard ako, training, kaya nga payat na payat ako nung bata ako eh,” he  shared. “Tiyaga lang talaga ako, hindi ko iniisip na hindi ako tinutulungan, wala kasi akong suporta, no. I was never discouraged.”

Being discouraged, Pacquiao continued, often led to laziness, and that is something that the boxing legend urges aspiring athletes to avoid.

“Minsan kasi ma-discourage na ‘wala kasi akong suporta’, kaya magiging tamad na. No, no excuses. Minsan nga, lalaban ako, pagkain ko lang ay tuyo eh, pritong tuyo lang, atsaka itlog lang, ayos na,” he shared.

Pacquiao is gearing up for yet another challenge, as he faces undefeated American Keith “One Time” Thurman for the WBA (Super) Welterweight World Championship on July 22nd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Article courtesy of ABS-CBN Sports