MANILA - Manny Pacquiao, hailed the “2008 Fighter of the Year” by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA), confessed that he would not become a boxing superstar without the help of the media.

“The People’s Champ” said this in his June 14 “Kumbinasyon” column.

“Kung wala ang mga writers, walang mga taong susubaybay sa aking bawat galaw, walang mga taong magiging susi sa pagbibigay impormasyon sa lahat ng mga tao sa buong mundo at marahil, walang Manny Pacquiao,” he wrote in his column posted on PhilBoxing.com.

It was earlier reported that Pacquiao would not be attending the awarding ceremony at the Capitale in New York. But he still proceeded to the Big Apple, taking a direct flight from Manila with his wife Jinkee and some friends.

“Bukod sa nagbabakasyon kami ng aking mga pamilya at marami akong pinagkakaabalahan sa Pilipinas, minabuti kong bigyan ng pagpapahalaga ang pundasyon ng aking tagumpay bilang No. 1 Pound-for-Pound boxer sa buong mundo,” he added.

The “Fighter of the Year” award is Pacquiao’s second citation from the BWAA. He also received the Edward J. Neil Memorial plaque in 2006.

“Alam kong hindi dapat ipagpawalang-bahala at isnabin ang pagtanggap ng award na ito dahil ang mga manunulat na kinabibilangan ng organisasyon ng mga Amerikanong writers ang tunay na pinanggagalingan ng aking tagumpay sa ibabaw ng ring,” he said.

Pacquiao added that he is deeply honored to have received the award from the BWAA. “Sabi nga nila, ang respeto ng tao ay pinaghihirapang makuha at hindi tinatanggap, kaya naman talagang hindi ko dapat ma-miss ang ganitong awards ceremonies,” he reiterated.

He also congratulated coach Freddie Roach, who was bestowed his third “Coach of the Year” award by the BWAA.

Pacquiao promised that he will work even harder for his next fight this year, which is rumored to be a clash with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto, the WBO welterweight champion.

“Matinding ensayo at paghahanda at iyong tibay ng katawan at pag-iisip ang mga susi ng aking pagiging kampeon at higit sa lahat, ay ang aking takot sa Panginoong Diyos ang nagbigay sa atin ng tagumpay na ito,” he said. “Sa Kanya ko rin ibinababalik ang papuri at pagpapasalamat.”