I can almost hear it: Ring announcer Michael Buffer, in introducing Manny Pacquiao, saying, “Doctooorrrr Mannyyyy Pacmaaaannnn Pacquiao!”

I know of no other boxer who entered the ring carrying a doctorate degree, even if it was honorary. Manny Pacquiao will hold that distinction when he enters the ring against Ricky Hatton. He was recently conferred an honorary doctorate degree in humanities by the Southwestern University.

Many have rolled their eyes at Manny’s conferment, implying that a doctorate degree shouldn’t be given to a boxer because boxers have nothing in their heads. This isn’t fair to the Pacman.

For one thing, Manny Pacquiao is a great boxer because he’s a smart boxer. He just doesn’t charge his opponent when the bell rings and brawls, hoping to God that a lucky punch will knock his opponent down. He moves, he calculates, he times his jabs and punches.

The Pacman is also a smart investor. Many Filipino boxers before him have thrown away their careers along with their prize money upon being crowned champions. Not so with Pacquiao. He invests his money. And one way he invests is he trains hard for his bouts. Again, other champion boxers climb up the ring wearing merely their pride and fame and then get knocked out into retirement and oblivion.

Manny Pacquiao is smart. He rose up from poverty doing what he does best. He’s a legitimate professional in a legitimate sport. I believe he deserves the honor Southwestern University bestowed upon him.

He may not be articulate in the English language, but this doesn’t mean he’s stupid. I know of at least two congressmen who are Ateneans, speak flawless Ateneo English, but have done more stupid things than Manny Pacquiao.

Southwestern University is being very smart in not conferring anything on them.