If the measure of being a great athlete is by recognition of peers and fellow athletes, then there’s no question that Manny Pacquiao had reached rock star status in the world of sports.
Case in point: Here’s a video of the Boston Celtics jockeying for position (um, making sure that they don’t step on Pacquiao) in a photo shoot while chanting like boxing fanatics. "The Boston freaking NBA champions Celtics!"
Thanks to kamasupra for the heads up.