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TSS Report CardManny Pacquiao
By John Nguyen
For whatever reason, fight fans have a hard time being objective about Manny Pacquiao.
For the most ardent fans of the Filipino phenom, he’s a demigod. His straight left vaporizes his foes, his smile calms crying babies, and his sweat cures the gout.
For his most vocal detractors, Pacquiao is an overrated one-two puncher who’s conned his way to the perception of greatness. To them, he’s always one fight away from being exposed for what he is.
There just isn’t much middle ground in this argument.
Perhaps, then, this attempt to take an honest, unbiased look at the Pac-Man is doomed before it starts. Pacquiao’s supporters will think I’m underselling their man’s abilities. On the other side of the coin, the haters will probably think any praise offered is simply from another zealot worshipping at the feet of Saint Manny.
Still, somebody needs to be the voice of reason. With that in mind, and with another Manny superfight just days away, it seems an appropriate time to size up his strengths and weaknesses.
Power
After annihilating Ricky Hatton in highlight-reel fashion and turning Oscar De La Hoya’s face into corned beef hash, the temptation is to view Manny Pacquiao as a fire-breathing monster ready to decimate anyone unfortunate enough to cross his path. As impressive as those victories were, they were also misleading. Hatton was more used up than any of us knew going into the fight. The same goes for De La Hoya, who was clearly a nothing more than a spent shell casing the night he faced Pacquiao.
Probably more representative of Pacquiao’s power is the performance which preceded his two most high-profile victories: his stoppage of David Diaz.
David Diaz was Pacquiao’s first (and only) opponent at 135 pounds, and going into the fight, many were interested to see how Pacquiao would fare against a naturally bigger, albeit outclassed, foe. From the opening bell, Pacquiao chopped Diaz down with ruthless efficiency, pounding out a brave, but bloodied and beaten, Diaz in the ninth round.
Against larger opponents, Pacquiao’s main weapon is in the profusion of his punches rather than the potency of any one punch. The Hatton fight aside, the days of Manny blasting out his opponents with a single shot appear to be over. Like a school of piranhas or a swarm of bees, Pacquiao’s greatest asset is in the volume and ferocity of his assault.
Pacquiao is unlikely to hurt most welterweights with one punch, but he’s certainly no slapper. The fact that there is even a discussion of whether this former flyweight champion can hurt a welterweight is a testimony to how special he is. At featherweight, his punching power would’ve garnered an easy A+. However, against the best 140 and 147-pounders in the world, Manny’s power is just above average.
Power Grade: B+
Speed
The name of Pacquiao’s game is, and always has been, speed. This is the key ingredient to his success in his quick ascent to welterweight. Pacquiao’s speed is especially pesky because of the unique way he utilizes it.
Pacquiao is not the type of fighter to throw flashy shoeshine combinations. Nor is he the type to use his reflexes to stand back, potshot, and counterpunch. He uses his speed, athleticism, and explosiveness to throw four or five slashing punches in succession, exit, reset, and repeat. Meanwhile, his opponents are helpless to do much in return, especially bigger, slower fighters.
For Pacquiao to have continued success at 140 and 147 pounds, he will need to maximize his speed advantage. As mentioned in discussing his power, his greatest advantage will not come from one shot, but from the fact that there will usually be several more immediately following it.
Speed Grade: A+
Boxing Ability
Much has been made of Pacquiao’s much-improved proficiency as a boxer under the tutelage of Freddy Roach. For most of Pacquiao’s career, he was strictly a one-two puncher, with his right hand serving little function other than setting up his booming straight left.
At 126 pounds and below, his power was more than enough to get the job done, giving him little incentive to modify his game and improve his versatility as a fighter. However, as he’s moved up in weight and challenged more skilled opponents, Pacquiao has learned the hard lesson that his limited skill set wouldn’t work forever. In his first fight with Marquez as well as his first encounter with Morales, it looked like the Pacquiao express train was quickly running out of track.
So give him credit for reassessing his style and adding more to his repertoire. His extensively improved right hand has opened a whole new depth to his arsenal. Complementing his still dangerous straight left are his equally dangerous right hook and right uppercut. Like a football team whose run game opens up their pass game, Pacquiao’s right has given his opponents more to think about, in turn creating more opportunities for his left to land.
That being said, no one will ever confuse Manny Pacquiao with Pernell Whitaker. With all his improvements, Pacquiao has really just become a much more effective one-dimensional fighter. He still does what he’s always done, only he’s doing it much better than he was before. We still haven’t seen him rely on pure boxing skills to pull him through a clutch situation. We don’t know if he can win a fight with only a jab, his legs, and a lot of guile. Maybe this is just illustrative of his effectiveness, but the feeling here is that if Manny’s buzzsaw routine ever fails him, he’ll be in some trouble.
Boxing Ability Grade: B
Chin
Looking at Pacquiao’s increasingly impressive list of accomplishments, it’s hard not to notice the two blemishes early in his career that stain his otherwise majestic achievements: knockout losses to the anonymous likes of Rustico Torrecampo and Medgoen Singsurat. Taking into account that these losses came in flyweight days, it would seem to raise red flags about Pacquiao’s beard.
A closer examination of those knockouts shows that they have more to do with youthful carelessness than a shaky chin. Demonstrating the hubris that only a young puncher can possess, Pacquiao ran into blows he never saw coming, and was short-circuited by them.
As he’s matured during his career, Pacquiao has gotten better about taking calculated risks, and has therefore avoided repeats of the two costly lessons learned earlier in his prizefighting career. He’s also proved that he has a pretty durable mandible as well. He was buzzed against Oscar Larios, and was in trouble in the second Marquez fight, but has shown nothing that would indicate he is susceptible to a big punch. After all, you can’t fight the caliber of opponents he’s fought without taking a good shot.
He probably won’t want to put that chin to the test against the best welters in the world, but, all things considered, he’s got a decent set of whiskers.
Chin Grade: A-
Heart
Regardless of whether you’re a Pac-Fan or Pac-Hater, one thing that really cannot be questioned is Pacquiao’s heart. In the ring, he’s a throwback to another era. He’s no nonsense, shows up to fight, and brings everything with him.
Sure, Pacquiao hits hard, he’s fast, and he’s got pretty good all-around skills, but the feeling you get when watching him is that he just wants it more than the other guy. The reason that Pacquiao’s appeal resonates with so many fans is the obvious desire he brings to his fights. He understands that the fight game is about giving and taking, and to capture the hearts of the fans, a fighter must be willing to do both. At the most elite level of the sport, sometimes skill and intelligence aren’t enough; it is at these times that heart is the deciding factor.
If ever there was a willing fighter, it is Pacquiao. Against some of his most formidable adversaries, he’d take a punch, pump his fists in the air, and wade back in with an assault of his own. Watching him, you get the feeling the only way to get Pacquiao to stay out of your face is to put him on his back.
Fighting isn’t just something he does. It’s not just business. It’s who Manny Pacquiao is. You’ve got to love that.
Heart Grade: A+
Pacquiao finds himself on the cusp of yet another career-defining moment on Saturday night, when he faces possibly the most dangerous challenge in Miguel Cotto. The high marks earned here are certainly no guarantee of success, especially in a sport when intangibles can lay all certainties to waste.
One thing is certain, however. Regardless of the outcome, Pacquiao will be in the fray, giving everything, until the dust settles. Fan or hater, you have to respect him for that.
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Mike:
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Amen, brother, amen.
Although, if Freddie's prophetic words come to pass (KO)....you might have to upgrade that B+ Power grade.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 12:53:14 PM
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DAve:
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I would swap your grade of Boxing Ability to A and his Chin to B. Pacquiao's war with the technical mexican boxers has what made him formidable. His chin is doubtful now just because his last two fights had been so easy, it is not much tested. Unlike Cotto who has to gut it out on his last fight,.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 01:22:24 PM
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Arturo:
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PACMAN is the most entertaining fighter in the sport,maybe the most explosive since Mike Tyson
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 01:33:04 PM
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Anony:
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MUCH RESPECT TO NGUYEN BUT... again.... no coverage on the champion who is the one risking the belt..... no loyalty to our warrior after he gave us such memorable fights.... our Boricua pride is hurt.... but things may change after saturday...
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 01:41:05 PM
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deepwater:
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Could pac man out box and beat margocheato???the margarito with the cast handwraps. if you answer no then you already know cotto will bring it and win.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 01:42:33 PM
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in touch:
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Arturo, I agree with u. I also believe Pac is a better boxer than given credit for in this article. Most people find it tough to fathom that an athlete can improve his game at a latter stage in his career. Look at Michael Jordan. He developed the fade away late in his career. It's a sign of a student of the game and a dedicated athlete who continues to challenge himself. Pac could not have boxed as well as he did against ODH if he wasn't as complete a boxer as he has now become. Everyone will see on Nov. 14th just how complete Manny is as a boxer puncher. And why it takes so long for people to recognize that they are getting to see a legend in the sport is beyond me. It just shows how little they know about the very sport they write about.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 01:46:00 PM
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deepwater:
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cotto is not face first ricky hatton or a dried out washed up delahoya.dont count cotto out.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 01:47:40 PM
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Radam G -- walang kabulahan! Manny is an A+ sa lahat:
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Wow! Fightwriter JN, you are invited to Wild Card during Manny's training camp for his March 2010 bout. Be our guest and spar a round with Manny and teel if his hitting power is a B+ and boxing power is a B. I forgive you for your guessing. Manny has been knocking down and out middleweights with 16oz gloves on since he has been a starved-down122lbs. I recalled when you apologized to Margarito for picking Cotto to tear him up. Be prepared to apologize to "Pacquiao" when he knock Cotto down with a single punch and then kayo him with a single one, fairly. And let me add, it will be with awesome "Boxing Ability." Wow! I believe that I saw Antonio Margarito hanging out here on the Strip last night. OMG! Maybe I'm seeing things. Any way, if he is here, that will haunt Miguel some more. SPY FLASH! Three days before weight in and the crack spies are saying that Miguel is coming into the gym at 153 and going out at 148. If he makes 145 by Friday, it will be because he didn't eat or drink anything after Wednesday night and sweat his arse off in a sauna or body wrap on -- all day and night on Thursday. Miguel calves are three inches smaller than Manny's. Miguel is top heavy, and hls tiny legs will not be able to hold him up against the Typhoon PacMan. I haven't seen Donputo yet, I don't think. But I ran into some Ricans outside Circus-Circus awhile ago, and these dudes were full of tatoos and looking straight thuggist. I glad that we have these big Samoan bodyguards in our posse. These Rican cats were getting their hustle on with the sell of some fake Rolex watches for a couple hundreds. I'm an archmaster at haggling and got them down to 50 bucks. So Donputo, if you see Pinoys wearing fake Rolex watches, HOLLA! These cheapa$$, fake Rolex watches probably came from somebody in your Straight-outta-Brooklyn Rican Posse. Yall are up here MAKIN" that MONEY! Gettin' PAID and gettin' LAID! See ya at the Boxing Welcoming ceremony at the MGM. I gotta run. I;m on Filipino Time -- late like a mutha! Holla!
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 01:50:08 PM
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deepwater@radam:
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Could pacman beat margorito?
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 01:51:36 PM
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KOWatcher:
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Once hit by powerful punches in the early rounds will see if Cotto is reminded of Plaster of Paris. If he back pedals then his end is near.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 02:03:25 PM
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karlo guadalupe:
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@Anony
there is no coverage of the welter champ because this article is targeted for pacquiao however noone is really stopping you from requesting from mr. Nguyen to write an article about your favorite champ. peace hommez
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 02:12:47 PM
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Frank Z:
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Good thorough breakdown, but i have to disagree on a couple of things. i think you're underestimating pacquiao's power at 140-147, he did have oscar laid out on the ropes in the 7th and 8th rounds afraid to return fire. his power at this weight may not be like 126 when he could sent opponents careening backwards off their feet, but a single shot from him will still be significant because he snaps it so quickly and his rhythm makes it difficult to feel his punches getting off. he's also sitting down on his punches more... see the left hands he landed on ricky hatton without lunging off balance. which brings me to the point about hatton. yes it turns out in hindsight that hatton's style was perfect for pacquiao, but that was BECAUSE roach honed pacquiao as a counterpuncher for that fight. in 2005 who would have put the words pacquiao and counterpuncher in the same sentence? his defense is also being underestimated, for one his defense is throwing such a high volume of stinging shots that you're afraid to open up and punch, see again de la hoya in the 7th and 8th rounds. but he also has a very weird rhythm to cope with being constantly circling and moving his head and shoulders every which way. the first knockdown in his 3rd fight with erik morales, he was able to slide along the ropes and shoot back in with his power left that put morales down, and that does show that he is improving in his ability to transition from defense to offense as well. i am expecting to see a manny pacquiao more physically prepared in terms of strength, but also more skillfully prepared in terms of turning cotto, throwing his shots up the middle where cotto's squared up stance can get him in trouble, and also digging right uppercuts under cotto'[s elbow, cotto does this little chickenwing stance with his elbows sometimes when he's in his stance. i tihnk cotto's very susceptible to guys who throw combinations, as margarito and clottey both were able to hurt him. yes cotto probably would have beaten margarito if he hadn't bricked up his hands, but either way he would have gotten tagged a lot, since margo was just walking through punches and throwing his back. clottey was able to double and triple his hooks and follow with sharp uppercuts, and he was able to get cotto on the run late, and keep reopening his cut. can cotto beat manny? definitely, the dude's a skilled puncher and a hard puncher, but can he move his head fast enough to avoid manny's shots? can he dictate cut off the ring to prevent manny from circling as he's punching? can he slow manny down with body shots enough for his jab to work its job? he was able to beat shane mosley, and he does deserve credit for outboxing one of the modern greats, but shane mosley spent way too omuch time loading up on big rights which were often too wide of the mark to be successful, and even then it was a close fight with cotto staggered a couple of times. if shane had decided to throw his combos like he did vs. vargas, he would have taken a decision or maybe stopped cotto (if he can KO margo, why not cotto?). Either way, look for pacquiao to stop cotto in the mid to late rounds, i say between 5-8.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 02:21:52 PM
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#1 PacFan "KO's Cotto in 7":
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Let's start with POWER, once again Manny Pacquiao is being underestimated with the power he brings. Even though Hatton had one of the weakest chins in the game I still would give him credit for showing that kind of power Manny displayed. You can safely say Manny fought a Welterweight that night so I would grade Manny's power to an A-. SPEED, right on the money with that category A+. BOXING ABILITY, after the first Morales fight Manny and Roach made a commitment to improve his boxing ability. Roach refined his fundamentals, working on his footwork, more head and lateral movement. The second Morales fight was the beginning of a new Pacman era. He used his right and it set up his left so effectively. I would have to grade Manny in this category an A-. CHIN, right on the money again. The only punch that can hurt Manny is the punch he don't see coming A-. HEART, "Regardless of whether you’re a Pac-Fan or Pac-Hater, one thing that really cannot be questioned is Pacquiao’s heart." Absolutely right! A+. Overall grade Manny averaged at A.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 02:37:47 PM
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jose aquino:
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Right after demolishing Cotto, Margarito had his gloves taken out. He raised his hands and nobody noticed or saw that his knuckles were solidified (by white cement or plaster of paris).
Margarito was gesturing with his hands. I consider that win was legitimate.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 02:50:52 PM
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deepwater:
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could pac man beat margarito(the one with the casts)???
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 02:51:52 PM
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#1 PacFan "KO's Cotto in 7":
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@Anony, don't get caught up with all the coverage Manny is getting. Even though he isn't the champion he is the draw and that's who everyone wants to see. Remember the Dela Hoya fight, Manny wasn't even getting that much coverage as well because he was the underdog in that fight.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 03:14:03 PM
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#1 PacFan "KO's Cotto in 7":
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I am finally witnessing a lot of believers in this Universe. I remember in Manny's last couple of fights there were a lot of you who didn't think Manny had what it takes to win in the higher weights. Now he has made believers in many, except for a few that can't accept that he's on top. I hope the Ricans on this site don't take it personal on the outcome of the fight cause I know I won't. Cotto is also one of my favorite boxers so Manny losing to him wouldn't be as bad. But it won't happen you see.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 03:20:52 PM
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Flipper:
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I disagree on his punching power at 140 and 147. He's had 2 fights at/or above 140 lbs, and they ended in a ko and a tko. Can't do any better than that.
Maybe, just maybe because of having to lose weigh all those years at super bantam and featherweights that Manny didn't get to show his real strength. Now that he gets to eat 3 large meals a day, his power has increased while adding in more pounds.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 04:31:25 PM
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kups:
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HAHAHAHA...... PAC'S POWER AT B+ TELL THAT TO HATTON AND HE WILL KILL YOU.
EVEN BABY FLOYD WHO IS A BIG WELTERWEIGHT CANNOT EVEN DO THAT KIND OF DAMAGE TO HATTON! WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON HERE?
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 04:33:23 PM
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cezpel:
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Fair article. A few things to note though, I've watched the Torrecampo fight over and over again and can't see the KO punch. The KO resulted from a clash of heads withPacquiao banging his head probably on Philippine mahogany. Moedgen did win against a flu stricken dehydrated Manny who didn't make weight and clearly was not himself more than 10 yrs. ago. There's no ko punch ! Manny slumps in fatigue after Singsurat lands a punch on his elbow. Go to You tube and look at these fights again. Manny was not buzzed by Larios! he was playing possum and was the promoter of that fight. Manny's been known to carry opponents along in the past though i've not seen it at the elite level. Anybody who doubts his chin, watch his fight with Nedal Hussein where Hussein clips him with a solid left hook which puts him down groggy (incidentally Cotto's best punch) you see Manny rise from the"dead" and then proceed to administer a beat down of Hussein reulting in a massive cut over husseins eye causing a stoppage(albeit Hussein was most likely to be KO'd cold the next rd. reminiscent of dela Hoya had the fight not been stopped). These are points I'd like to bring to the attention of the Author and that he shouldn't rely too much on what has been written in the past but rather scrutinize for himself the facts available!
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 04:33:39 PM
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RG@DEEPWATER:
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margarito would whoop and swoop cast of hands on any fighter sucka, tales are for haters, OMG, TYPHOON, holla!!
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 04:46:07 PM
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antideeph20:
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hey deepwater. how many world champion margarito has?
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 04:53:17 PM
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Grammar Police:
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It's "complementing," not "complimenting."
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 05:09:57 PM
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isidro:
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Not to mention markmanship.Pacquiao throws a powerful shot at a blinding speed at a very odd angle, but able to land precisely wih a devastating effect.When Hatton was trying to steam roll Pacquiao, during the first round of their match,the left side of his face met a powerful right hook opposition punch.That spells the start of a disastrous ending for Hatton.
The final knockout punch was just to seal the fate of Ricky
after the onslaught of precision power punch shooting.
Power multiplies without deflection.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 05:33:49 PM
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dundee duque:
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The author of this article contributed a fair and balance write up . He might not emphasized the true concept of the subject but it is fairly credible . One thing for sure , Within the levels or grade that " the Pacman" possesses , I believe he has cemented his legacy as a real pound for pound champion of the world . His critics may still doesnt believe and convinced and yet you'll still expect a lot more alibis and criticism even he'll win against Cotto . For me the General Average of Pacman is at grade A . ...I expect Pacquiao to win this fight with Cotto & you'll see the meaning of " A " .
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 05:43:13 PM
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JaketheSnake:
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Nice piece. I have to disagree however with your statement that Manny is just doing the same things, only better. In the Delahoya fight, he was nt throwing the lunging left that took care of Morales and Barrera and 1st rd. Marqez. He as throwing a short left then sidestepping to his right so DelaHoya could not hit the counter hook. That was the punch snapped back Oscar's head so many times! And that's a sign of an improving boxer.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 05:52:20 PM
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#1floydfan:
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i agree with mr writer here exept.....marquez rocked pacquiao....so i still got a big question mark over pacs chin....and as for heart well.......if he can get knocked down twice and get back up to fight to a draw.....now that would be heart....im sorry but A plus goes to marquez......pacquiao would be an A minus
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 05:52:34 PM
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Jake04:
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How come there is no mention of STAMINA/TENACITY?! That is one of the most important aspects of Pacman's game! He is where he is now because he attacks his opponents relentlessly - from round one until the final bell.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 05:59:21 PM
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Oddsmaker:
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Pacmans new weapon the upper cut , this writer will finally again be shaking his head in disbelief on how easily Pacman will finish a fighter in Cotto's caliber then suddenly after the fight excusses will come pouring in that Cotto is a shell of himself
blha blah blah . Pacman will silence all critics once again with his fist
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 06:23:03 PM
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SICMENO:
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PACMAN WIN KO! SORRY IF I HURT YOUR "BORICOA PRIDE"
LMAO!!!! WHY CANT THEY JUST BE BOXERS?
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 06:25:52 PM
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FILIPINO-FOR-A-DAY***MEXICAN:
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I LIKE COTTO, HES A WARRIOR AND A GOOD FIGHTER BUT PACMAN IS JUST TOO MUCH. HE WILL BE FASTER AND THE HARDER PUNCHER. BELIEVE THAT!!! HOPE TO SEE A GOOD FIGHT.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 06:28:53 PM
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Heatman:
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Another False Propet writing an Article. if you say Pacfan's look or see Manny as Demigod?!! WTF. Where on hell did you get that idea. You should be burnt alive for your opinion. The problem with you is you treat all Pacfans ignorant. We look at Manny so high with respect because of his discipline, his work ethics, and he look back at his people with sincerity and high regards. But a demigod or godlike or something like God, you are a LIE. Are you writing a fiction?
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 06:34:14 PM
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HereWeGoAgain:
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power b+?
you've got to be kidding me...
doubts in manny's power... here we go...
again... and again... and again until there is nothing left...
i can't w8 for that day cuz i know it's coming...
oh it's coming alright and whatever you dumb@ss people write or comment or say something that looks like that it makes sense but the truth is it's all bullsh!t...
you can't do anything about it... it's like a big wall closing down on you and you are helpless... all you can do talk, talk, and talk until there is nothing more to talk about... you're just gonna scream and yell "i surrender, he's the f*cking greatest..."
what you see is what you get...
you people are like innocent minds that is going to be raped by the thought "Manny Pacquiao the greatest" and you will will be pissed and say things like "fuck manny!" but all we are gonna do is show you the past fights, and smile like Manny always does...
:D
hahahahahaha....
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 06:49:13 PM
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TotoyBato:
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If Timing and Rhythm (in delivering blows and in disrupting the opponent's rhythm) is included in boxing ability then Manny should get higher than B.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 06:52:16 PM
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#1floydhater:
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FLOYD IS A BORING FIGHTER.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 06:52:54 PM
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Phucquiao:
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You guys are ridiculous. He writes an article about Pac's abilities and yall turn it into an argument over who is going to win. The writer made no predictions, he only set the record straight about Pac's abilities for his doubters and those who put him on some other-world platform. That being said. Nice article Mr. Nguyen
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 07:40:48 PM
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ravi:
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What i still can't understand is people now are saying that de la hoya and hatton were shot but before the fight with pac,they said they will demolish pac. they bacame old overnight? come on.....
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 08:03:43 PM
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mike lira:
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pacman will win in 4th round by stoppage. a right hook will start the onslaught. believe me
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 08:05:35 PM
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MisterLee:
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Good article Mr. Nguyen. What about his foot speed and use of footwork! You touched on his 4-5 punch combo and resetting, but what about the foot speed? He can go in and out, circle and turn an opponent, or advance with those punches before opponents see him coming. I believe handspeed and footspeed are two different types of "speed" and deserve each separate categories... for example... guys, remember Morales 3? Manny's footwork was so superb Morales couldn't touch him! And what about head movement and defense? what about angles? and ya, rashad holloway says pac hits harder than margarito. No one gets on PBF, in the welterweight division, PBF is the paulie malignaggi (nothing agst malig) of the division... he's never knocked out a true welterweight. Also, there are two men who ever knocked out De La Hoya (iron beard): Bernard Hopkins, and Manny Pacquiao. Tho DLH was in 147 he still has one of the best chins in boxing, and manny knocked him out. Also, look at his knockout record. It sure is better marquez's. Pple are giving Marquez too much credit for having outboxed pacquiao, he simply has his number, that is all, doesn't mean he's half as great as manny... does this make forrest better than mosley (RIP), mayorga better than forrest, frazier (1) better than ali, taylor *cough* better than bhop, etc. that's why pbf would never want to clean out any division, b/c there's always someone there who has your number... so avoid them and beg for big money fights. And we all know castillo 1 whooped Floyd's butt, yes, the one who's getting beat up by pacquiao in sparring as we speak. Yeah, go ahead pour some haterade and label me, i feel i'm pretty objective, The writing is good, the points are relatively solid, but I'd give this article a C for incompleteness, but the material i do read is about a B+. Holler!
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 08:08:58 PM
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GEORGE:
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No chin made of steel, anyone can break other chin from 130lbs up when it's exposed and hit hard. That's the weakest part of the body, solar plexus, rib cage can both hold there own especially when strengthened with exercises, bridge of the nose and eye brow lines are both prone to cuts but not as weak as the chin. So, the argument here is not about the chin, its about the defense to hide your chin. And I believe Manny has the advantage in this aspect compare to Cotto or other fighters. He moves his heads so well that his opponents could not find it so easily that resort them to look his body rather. You should change Chin with defense and grade Manny with A-. Throwing punches, side to side movements, in and out, head buffing and blocking punches with own gloves are all considered defense. No other fighters executed these kind of defense better then Manny.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 08:09:01 PM
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MJ:
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Agree with most of your observations John, except with your statement that Ricky Hatton was "more used up" at the time that he met Manny. Ricky was still at the top of his game, but his style simply fit Manny's to a T. So it wasn't surprising that with Manny's speed, improved skills and timing, he was able to dominate Ricky and KO him in 2 rounds.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 08:10:08 PM
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MisterLee :
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Heard the Good Nguys? What's your prediction mr. author? I think you'd make a decent prediction based on your knowledge, and even tho I'm just a crap poster, and you're a professional writer, I serve crow for all those who back cotto. Have a nice day!
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 08:15:42 PM
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TEMPER PROOF:
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Miguel Cotto HASN'T FACE YET A FIGHTER IN HIS ENTIRE CAREER who throws punches in successive, swift and uniterupted fashion with power behind it. HE WILL FEEL IT DIFFERENTLY and will try to make adjustments. By the time he has adjusted a A NEW SET OF PUNCHES from different angles that will MARK THE BEGINNING OF THE END.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 08:29:58 PM
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aero_cael:
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Dave, pacman's last two fights were easy because pacquaio made them look easy. Pacquiao is just that good.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 08:40:48 PM
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blue4cor:
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BIG MISTAKE. This is like going to court without a lawyer defending him for Cotto. I am talking about his inexperienced trainer with nothing in resume. Does having a legitimate trainer annoys Cotto? Is his personality a bossy? I believe so. It's easy to tell he wants to execute plans in his own way based on the news coming from his camp. In any sports or competition you joined in, you need expert and professional guidance. You won't see all mistakes that needs to be rectified on your own while playing. Cotto hasn't stepped in the ring yet but he allready made a big mistake.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 09:05:47 PM
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Speedmaster:
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A very interesting and analytical article. However, I disagree with your take on the power department. Hatton has not change much of his fighting style. He always fight like a bulldozer, man handling his opponents. Mayweather a legit welterweight and a class A fighter was not able to take Hatton down with his earlier power shots till the later rounds.
You miss to highlight the detail that the first KD punch of Pacquiao on Hatton in round 1 was with a short right hook while Pacquiao was on a southpaw position. Powerful punches usually comes from the superior hand of a fighter delivered from the more stable opposite stance which brings more momentum when the punch is thrown. A short right hook on a southpaw stance taking down a rated junior welterweight is no small feat.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 09:18:58 PM
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Fe'Roz:
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How do you grade for: "Dare to be Great'
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 09:21:29 PM
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Jay Ari Yin:
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This good article is bull's eye in all fronts.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 09:30:45 PM
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MisterLee @ in touch:
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@ Mr. Quote of Note. I'm glad you noticed that about jordan. In addition to that, he did a lot more posting moves, then half turn, pivot and then fade away a lot more after retirement and his first comeback. Or driving and then popping it in their face off the drive. He was also one of the best in league at stealing and defensive play. Jordan's work ethic and competitiveness was solid, and he never ducked no one! Jordan and May are like night and day! Could you imagine May in a gatorade commercial or a nike commercial (like may! if i could be like may... then you see a kenyan doing his thing...)... haha.. pc!
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 10:05:49 PM
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the phenom:
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good article, mr. nguyen. but i do think you're underestimating pac's power. why put tha hatton fight aside? before that fight everybody was talking how hatton will overpower pac. hatton was stronger. hatton will run pac over. turns out packy was the bulldozer of the two. why put packy's most definitive wins aside, when in fact, pac showed how much he improved during his last two fights.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 10:25:06 PM
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arturo@mister lee:
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Floyd makes his opponent feel like there is no hope of winning the fight, so NO he is not the Paulie Malignaggi of the welters.JMM did not get too much credit for boxing Manny the way he did in the two fights.He took Pacquiao to the limit and thenyou say that Marquez is not half as good as MANNY?...give me a break........BREAK........How in the world are you going to compare the Castillo that fought Floyd a long time ago to the Castillo in the present?
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 10:37:24 PM
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bill major:
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pacquioa is the best lbs 4 lbs fighter on the planet and that includes mayweather.he is just getting better and better and actually reminded me of a young duran with the moves he exhibited in the hatton fight . he has ko in both hands now and cotto is going to sleep on the 14th. this guy is a real throwback with bocou pride of country . he wont be denied where we know cotto would if it gets to much like with a.margarito.
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 10:57:51 PM
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pacbyko:
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"However, against the best 140 and 147-pounders in the world, Manny’s power is just above average. "
dont be suprised if manny comes out the bigger and stronger guy in the ring come fight night..
Tuesday Nov 10, 2009 11:56:33 PM
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Erik:
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Critics like you is what makes Manny better for each fight. I don't see you mentioning Floyd, who fought a lightweight, then cheated by going 2 pounds over the catchweight! You got more materials there than some of the BS you wrote about Manny!
Wednesday Nov 11, 2009 12:00:55 AM
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Isaiah:
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Manny Pacquiao's overall grade is A minus brother, but his power is no doubt A+. Should I point out that Hatton was the 140 pound champ and was fighting at HIS weight class when Manny destoryed him? It took 10 rounds at 147 for Mayweather to do that. Should I point out Manny knocking down Marquez 3 times in the first round of the first fight at 126 or the 1 knockdown in the 2nd fight at 130? In contrast, the very bad weight of over 140 for Marquez against Mayweather and Mayweather could only knock Marquez down once. Should I remind you of Manny's destruction of ODLH compared to Floyd's or shall we use the same old exscuses of why he was able to achieve these goals? The fact is, is that Manny just maybe a once in a lifetime fighter while Mayweather' skills are minus the willingness to fight the best. Even at 140, Manny proved his still great power against the Champ Hatton. You can't ask more then to knock out the champ so Manny gets an A+ in power until otherwise proven although Cotto is no doubt on a whole other lever then anyone after Juan Manuel Marquez. This will be a war to remeber! Manny's get's an A minus overall because he is still great, but has just a slight, ever so slightly room for improvement. Of cours, that's one of the things that makes a great fighter great. You know, always feeling like you can do just a little bit more...
Wednesday Nov 11, 2009 12:27:43 AM
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Marco Polo@author:
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Strength B+? Kindly do me a favor and watch again the eyes of hatton when he got knockdown.@Misterlee, great points men, nobody mentioned that pac is struggling to make that weight when MP VS JMM 2 took place. He won a decision(we cant change the past) and knock the guy on third round. and rock marquez a couple of times on the late rounds.
Wednesday Nov 11, 2009 02:28:28 AM
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natebar:
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Power: A (@147 lbs) / A+ (@140 lbs)
Speed: A+ (from 112 lbs -- surprisingly all the way to 147 lbs!)
Boxing Ability: A (in a level of his own where talent weighs in a lot. He bobs, weaves, slips punches, switches positions with jumping jack flash, and combines them all with drilling offense. And if you examine how he moves/and quote the opponents he'd faced, they're all confusing movements awkwardly in synch. that's something you can't quite teach textbook style).
Chin: A (oh, he's been hit! -- even by ODLH who held the back of Pac's head in the 4th and fired three left uppercuts on the mark with purely bad intentions!)
Heart: A+ (Lionheart! -- Pacquiao-Morales 1 showed it best. And Pac lost that fight.)
Wednesday Nov 11, 2009 02:33:16 AM
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1986:
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Hey John!..what's with the chin thing?..Pac got KO'ed twice..both times with a punch to the breadbasket..never to the chin..KD's, yes..but he was able to get up and TKO'ed his opponents..I don't disagree with your rating but the manner in which you arrived at it was a complete nonsense..atleast on the chin thing..
Wednesday Nov 11, 2009 02:44:25 AM
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Tony Mullen:
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Little Manny, took apart dlh, oscar lookin' like a middleweight the nite he fought tiny Manny.. oscar, coming off a tough hard figh tvictory over forbes..he was ready....no one! No one! Could of taken dlh apart that nite, the way Manny did... hopkins could not do it like Manny, Pac won every freakin' round vs oscar...he started out at 106 lbs.. unreal, believe dat, or Swollow those pills! It is Manny, who is king of the Hill.
Wednesday Nov 11, 2009 07:26:14 AM
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Vinz TORM ANHOLT:
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I believe PACMAN will devour Cotto alive in round 4.. Dont understimate the Power and Speed of Manny.. He will unleashes his final potion - the deadly M1P1 virus that kills all mexican legends.
Wednesday Nov 11, 2009 01:29:54 PM
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brainbashedbritboy:
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Manny will be on par with Cotto when comparing strength, Cotto wasnt bad at 140 but he was drained slightly, Manny is just a phenom who has grown well into the weight. Stronger...but as fast as at 130, both fighters will need the fight of their respective lives to come out on top in this one. Manny showed his true strength against Hatton and it was truly devastating, i cant remember Cotto been as decisive but then again hes a wily ol cat who likes to figure a fighter out. Manny is like a Gatlin Gun firing away at speed from all angles....i wonder if Cotto will get the chance to figure him out before its too late...mouthwatering prospect.
Wednesday Nov 11, 2009 01:39:39 PM
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Vinz Aguirre:
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Viva Philippines!
Manny is a carrier of the incurable M1P1 Virus -- PacMan Fever," said Roach. "It has a short incubation period. Once Cotto is exposed to it, the prognosis is not good. He'll be cooked, laid out in nine rounds. Even Louis Pasteur couldn't create a vaccine to protect Cotto from this."
The winner of this fight should have a clear path to Floyd Mayweather Jr and that will be the fight of the decade easily.
Wednesday Nov 11, 2009 01:47:59 PM
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The Saint:
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@1986. Yes, Pacquiao has been KO'd with a punch to the chin. One of those KO losses was against this really short guy who got him with a clean punch on the chin.
Wednesday Nov 11, 2009 02:41:53 PM
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@The Saint:
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Actually Pacquiao was KO'd with a punch to the temple when he was as a teen and 20-year old. Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Juan Manuel Marquez and many more greats were KO'd to the temple when they were young -- teens and early 20 years. They had amateur career where it happened. Manny never had an amateur career. He is knocking out Cotto and too many people cannot accept it or the greatness of Manny. Go to Youtube and see how Manny was KO'd. The End!
Wednesday Nov 11, 2009 08:30:51 PM
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Mandingo:
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I feel lost when boxers/commentors said that de la hoya is just a shell of his previous fights. I have seen dela hoya fight with Pacquiao twice and de la hoya is very good but he fought the pound per pound king. I bet on Pacquiao because i am a filipino but i do have doubts because dela hoya is one of the best boxer in the world. To say that dela hoya is over the hill in that fight is a great injustice. He ( dela hoya)is a professional and to think that he is not prepared in that fight is a big lie. He should have been knock out in the 5th round but Pacguiao has so much respect in de la hoya that he did not knock him out for de la hoya to quit than be embarassed. My advice to de la hoya is you are already a legend in boxing, do not embarass your self by not acknowledging that you lost to a better fighter.
Wednesday Nov 11, 2009 11:57:43 PM
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Tuan:
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People can say Oscar was over the hill or whatever. Truth is nobody exposed him like Pacquiao did. John, get at me. I'd like to speak to you whenever you got time
Thursday Nov 12, 2009 03:41:01 PM
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Angie And Goody...23 Years Later
Twenty three years later after they seconded Marvin Hagler and Ray Leonard in Las Vegas, Goody Petronelli and Angelo Dundee crossed paths again. This time, it was at Foxwoods. Photo/friend of TSS "The Iceman" John Scully reports there were only pleasantries exchanged. Goody didn't debate the split decision victory enjoyed by Leonard, which to this day Hagler disputes.
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