Manny Pacquiao aka "Pac-Man" is one of my all-time favorite pro boxers, both inside and outside the ring. It is well-known that he is a devout Christian. Many other top combat sports competitors, such as MMA star Cris Cyborg, attribute much of their success to their faith. I believe that having a connection to a higher power is gives an athlete a spiritual edge and is beneficial to success as a competitor in Boxing or MMA. Lately, I have been meditating on a Bible verse that imparts great advice for athletes who want to be their very best. 1 Corinthians 9:26 says "So I do not run without a goal. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something - not just the air." What the Apostle Paul was saying with these sports analogies was that he approached his mission as a Preacher of the Gospel with a clear purpose. He also had discipline. The Apostle did not let anything distract him from his mission. Success in the ring or octagon requires purpose and discipline.
Thoughts on Combat Sports and Martial Arts