Manny Pacquiao has been the talk of the town since he announced his retirement from boxing.
This means lots of work and opportunities for his doppelgangers.
In Sabah, Malaysia for instance, Pacquiao look-alike Aloysius Taidin is making the rounds and attracting large crowds. The 43-year-old Taidin from the local village of Kampung Kabatang Baru has become some sort of a celebrity because of his likeness to the Filipino boxing icon.
In the Philippines, Pacquiao dead-ringers like Johnny Dagami, a Filipino stage performer, has also benefitted from his facial similarity with the only eight-division world boxing champion.
Also known as Manny Paksiw, Dagami said he began to imitate Pacquiao in his performances during events and gatherings, where his talent fee went up five times.
“Dumami ang nag-mamarket and nag-iinvite sa akin at tumaas ang TF,” said Dagami, who met Pacquiao personally and learned he approved of his work as his impersonator.
The most memorable work for Dagami came when he played as Pacquiao’s double in the movie “Anak Ng Kumander.”
Dagami was even invited by Solar TV once to attend the Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton closed-circuit viewing at the Araneta Coliseum.
These days, Dagami continues to accept bookings as a Pacquiao impersonator.
The fighting senator also has a Filipino look-alike, who can actually fight in Mars Sismundo, a professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter, who has a record of 5 wins and 8 losses.
His moniker? Pac-Man.
Just like Pacquiao, he is feared for his explosive fists, so his opponents would always go for takedowns to avoid trading punches with him.