Pacman - by Gary Andrew Poole (Paperback)

About the Book

The first major biography of Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao--the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world and the only boxer to ever win seven world championships

Book Synopsis

Manny Pacquiao, 31, was recently named Fighter of the Decade by the Boxing Writers' Association and is the only fighter ever to capture seven championship belts in seven different weight classes. But few could have imagined that Pacquiao would have ever reached the pinnacle of his sport, considering his background. He ran away from home -- a cardboard shack in General Santos City in the Philippines -- at age fourteen. After making his way to Manila, and eventually the United States, Pacquiao hooked up with trainer Freddie Roach in 2001, and, from there, his fighting career took off.

Named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World last year, the aptly nicknamed Pac-Man is a fascinating figure who will go down as one of the greatest boxers in history.

Review Quotes

TheRing, 11/9/10 "Well written and provides fresh in-sight into the life of the world's most-popular boxer."

Wall Street Journal website, 11/14/10
"A great read."

Daily Beast, 11/15/10"A lively biography."
The Examiner, 11/18/10
"A gem...Just like its hero, the book manages to touch our hearts. I highly recommend it."\ Recah Trinidad, The Philippine Inquirer, 11/19/10
Genius deserves genius and Poole has produced a brilliant book on the Pacquiao legend...A masterpiece...insightful, thrilling prose in the tradition of Truman Capote. The Guardian (UK), 12/18/10"Gary Andrew Poole's PacMan, has something of both the breathless urgency of Pacquiao in the ring and the extraordinary chaos that accompanies him outside."
The Observer (UK), 12/18/10"[Pacquiao's] fascinating tale is recounted by Gary Andrew Poole in PacMan...Poole offers brilliant background on his coach, Freddie Roach...and talks about his defiant rise in national politics."
New York Daily News, 12/19/10"A nice read."

Los Angeles Daily News, 11/12/10"The most thorough piece of work done to date on Pacquiao."
Sports Illustrated, 11/2/10"Gary Andrew Poole's excellent biography of boxing's pound-for-pound kingpin is absolutely worth the read."
New YorkNewsday, 11/4/10"It is an amazing behind-the-scenes look into the life of Manny Pacquiao. Poole had tremendous access while he traveled the world reporting and observing the fighter. The effort has paid off for the readers because the book is brutally honest. Poole takes you on a one-of-a-kind ride into the one-of-a-kind life of Manny Pacquiao."
BoxingInsider.com, 11/1/10"Poole takes you on a journey to Planet Pacquiao and it couldn't have been a better read...I loved the book from beginning to end, it's a fantastic, entertaining and informative read...and I consider it to be as good as any boxing biography my hands have ever touched."
Rick Gosselin, Dallas Morning News, 11/10/10

Scoop Malinowski, Boxing Insider (BoxingInsider.com)"Manny Pacquiao's rise to superstardom is one of the world's most unlikely stories...Poole takes you on a journey to Planet Pacquiao and it couldn't have been a better read. I loved the book from beginning to end, it's a fantastic, entertaining and informative read....You will simply be awed by insider perspectives on Pacquiao's generosity, modesty, kindness, inspirational powers and just how much he is loved by Filippinos all over the world..."PacMan" is a must-read for all sports fanatics."
Daily Telegraph (UK)"a fine biography"
Queensbury Rules"a wonderful read, marked by genuine insights" SportsIllustrated.com, 11/2/10"[An] excellent biography...Absolutely worth the read.
Boxinginsider.com, 11/2/10 "It couldn't have been a better read...Fantastic, entertaining and informative...As good as any boxing biography my hands have ever touched.
Newsday, 11/4/10"[An] amazing behind-the-scenes look into the life of Manny Pacquiao...A one-of-a-kind ride."

Daily Telegraph blog, 11/5/10"[A] fine biography."

"The book is an amazing tale of how a reed-thin Filipino, who left his home in the poorest pocket of the Philippines ("The City of Dust") at the age of 15 to become a boxer, became one of the most recognizable names and faces in the world. I recommend it."
Steve Bunce, BBC, 11/4/10"This is good, one for the ages. It's not a work of a ridiculous fan boy. It's quality. If you listen to me enough, you know I don't endorse books that are garbage."
Gareth A. Davies, Daily Telegraph, 11/2/10"PacMan tells the rags to riches story of this remarkable boxer who has begun a journey which will see him transcend the sport. It is a fine biography."
Tim Starks, Queensbury Rules, 10/29/10"If you don't know Pacquiao's amazing story, Poole will open your eyes. If you know Pacquiao already, Poole will help you know him more deeply. And with a masterful guide like Poole leading you down the path, you'll enjoy the experience immensely."
The Daily Mail, 11/9/10"Offers fascinating insight into the PacMan's crowded life."

About the Author

Gary Andrew Poole has written for the New York Times, GQ, Wired, USA Today, Time, and the Atlantic. He lives in Los Angeles.