Documentary ‘Manny’ On Boxing Legend Manny Pacquiao Hits Theaters

Award-winning boxer, Manny Pacquiao, will share his story of success on the big screen in the new documentary “Manny.” The film is to be released on Jan. 23, focuses on Pacquiao’s career as he propelled his way from a starving childhood in the Philippines, to becoming a famously accomplished fighter.

Directed by Leon Gast and Ryan Moore, the film holds a fair amount of merit, considering Gast has previously directed “When We Were Kings,” a well-received documentary about the 1974 championship fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Unlike his co-director, this is Moore’s directorial début. “Manny” features narration by Liam Neeson and stars Jinkee Pacquiao, Manny’s wife, and Freddie Roach, his trainer.

Pacquiao has appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” leaving an evident impact on Kimmel, who can’t seem to get enough time with the man, having him as a guest on the show several times. Kimmel will also appear in the documentary, alongside actors Mark Wahlberg and Jeremy Piven.

“Manny” has received decent reviews since its première at the 2014 South by Southwest Film Festival, as anyone may expect from a film that chronicles someone with such a large amount of reverence and adoration. Pacquiao has only continued to earn international popularity and respect since he won his first fight at the age of 16 against Edmund Ignacio. After leaving the Philippines to pursue his boxing dreams, he went on to break records and win titles, including the WBO Welterweight Title (twice), the WBC Flyweight Title, the Boxing Writers Association of America’s fighter of the year award in 2006, 2008 and 2009, and a lot more. He’s defeated celebrity boxers like Oscar De La Hoya, and he simply excels wherever he sets his goals. When he isn’t athletically punching anyone, he occasionally flaunts his singing abilities and, in 2010, he expanded his career into politics when he was elected as a Philippines congressman, winning by a landslide.

Lasting 88 minutes, “Manny” is a story about the impact of boxing and determination on a young man who, literally, fought his way out of poverty to become a hero and idol to many.

“Manny” opens in theaters Jan. 23.