Now Is Manny's TIME

Los Angeles, CA (November 5)-On the heels of his first primetime television appearance on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live and his recognition as a 2009 Gusi Peace Prize laureate, boxing phenom Manny Pacquiao now finds himself on the cover of TIME Magazine Asia edition (see above) as part of a five page feature story on the boxing champion that will be included in all editions (global and US market) of the magazine hitting newsstands this weekend.

With the population of Asia being the largest in the world, Pacquiao is overwhelmed with the idea of so many people seeing his face on the cover of such a prestigious magazine.

“I absolutely had no idea that when I started my career in boxing, to provide a better life for myself and my family, that I would now be where I am today and on the cover of TIME Magazine,” said Pacquiao.  “A fighter's dream is to win a world title and gain financial stability.  But 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.”

Perhaps no boxer since Joe Louis has attracted such worldwide attention as the world grips the importance of Pacquiao as a national treasure to his people and as one of the most gifted and philanthropic fighters to grace the history of the sport.  As part of TIME's history, former champions who have appeared on the US cover include:  1923 – Jack Dempsey, 1926 – James J. Tunney, 1929 – Max Schmeling, 1931 – Primo Carnera, 1941 – Joe Louis, 1951 – Sugar Ray Robinson, 1963 – Cassius Clay, 1971 – Muhammad Ali/Joe Frazier, 1978 – Muhammad Ali, and in 1988 – Mike Tyson.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions, MGM Grand and Tecate, Firepower:  Pacquiao vs. Cotto will take place Saturday, November 14 at the sold out MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be produced and distributed Live on HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

HBO's® fast-moving reality series “24/7 Pacquiao/Cotto” returns with an all new episode This Saturday! November 7 at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT. The four-episode series chronicles the preparations and back stories of both fighters as they train for their November 14 pay-per-view showdown.  Episodes one and two are available on HBO ON DEMAND®.