US-based sports magazine Sports Illustrated has chosen Manny Pacquiao and his achievements in the field of boxing as its top story for the year 2010.

According to SI columnist Bryan Armen Graham who compiled the Top 10 boxing stories for 2010, Pacquiao is the first and only Asian who was able to qualify in the mainstream of American sport.

It was also noted that the boxer had been elected as congressman in the province of Saranggani.

Last March, Pacquiao successfully defended his title against Joshua Clottey and just this November 13, he defeated Antonio Margarito, making him the 8-division world champion.

Also included in the Top 10 stories of Sports Illustrated is the pending negotiation between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

Graham says 2010 is “The Year of Pacquiao.”

This coming May 7, watch out for Pacquiao vs Mosley fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.