Mark Muñoz

MANILA – Filipino-American MMA fighter Mark Muñoz believes Manny Pacquiao can bounce back from his devastating loss to Juan Manuel Marquez last December.

“The Filipino Wrecking Machine,” who is currently in Manila for a three-day visit, said Pacquiao has the grit and determination to overcome his humiliating defeat.

“I believe he still can fight, he has that fighting spirit we all talk about,” said Muñoz.

“He’s been a champion for a long time and he’s proven before that he can get back and fight again.”

The Filipino-American is a proud Pacquiao fan, having watched with his dad most of the Filipino boxer’s fights.

Muñoz said he witnessed “Pambansang Kamao's [The National Fist’s]” monumental battles against Erik Morales and Marquez.
 
“My dad would call me every time he (Pacquiao) fights. ‘Hey, Mark. Halika dito, lumalaban si Pacquiao,’” recalled Muñoz.

He added that Pacquiao is also unparalleled in terms of work ethic.

“I’ve seen him train at the Wild Card Gym and he’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen him work out round after round, no problem,” said the MMA fighter.

Muñoz said he also admires Pacquiao for his pursuits outside boxing, like showbiz and politics.

He just hopes that these other activities won’t keep the beloved Filipino boxer away from training.

“I heard that’s he got a lot of things going for him, he’s running for office, he’s doing a lot of other things. If those things don’t keep him away from training, I think he can do what he’s been doing in the ring for so many years.”

Muñoz will be holding a meet-and-greet with his local fans at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) on Sunday.

Aside from that, he'll be guesting on ABS-CBN's Showtime and evening newscast Bandila.