Filipino boxers try to follow Pacquiao’s path out of poverty (The Associated Press)

Manny Pacquiao’s rise from crushing poverty to global fame and fortune has inspired a whole generation of Filipino fighters, who look up to his legend as their dream and boxing as a ticket out of harsh lives and uncertainties. The young remain hopeful, despite the long odds, thousands of body blows and dreams of rival boxers that stand in their way. All idolize Pacquiao and think he will beat Floyd Mayweather in their much-awaited fight Saturday: — JOEMARIE NOYNAY, 19, has won eight fights in the super bantamweight division: ”I sometimes think of the hardships, but I tell myself, if Pacquiao can do it, I can do it, too. … I just need to train hard and pray to the Lord to realize my dreams and the dreams of my family.” — WILLIAM DEVELOS, 58, a trainer who was the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation super flyweight champion in 1980-1981: ”In training, you are already being made to suffer so that it will be easier for you when the time comes.” — ROLLY MACASO, 21, a former laborer and baker who once scavenged garbage heaps for recyclables, and now hopes boxing leads him to a better life: ”I want to be like Manny so I could help my parents, to lift them out of poverty.