Have Fans Forgotten Yet That Manny Pacquiao Is Human? |
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| Written by Frank Lotierzo | |||
| Wednesday, 15 February 2012 17:36 | |||
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Back then Pacquiao wasn't thought to be human. Now that welterweight title holders Floyd Mayweather 42-0 (26) and Manny Pacquiao 54-3-2 (38) have once again managed to side step each other, let the hype begin for their upcoming bouts with Miguel Cotto 37-2 (30) and Timothy Bradley 28-0 (12). If we know nothing else, we know that Mayweather-Pacquiao or Pacquiao-Mayweather if it ever happens, will undoubtedly be realized long after the sell-by date. By the time Mayweather meets Cotto on May 5th, the anticipation for the fight will be at a crescendo. You can bet everything you own that Mayweather's WWE style of promoting a fight will be in full bloom. Add to that Floyd's willingness to assume the role of the villain, something he does remarkably well, boxing fans will be chomping at the bit to buy the fight with the hope of seeing Cotto separate Floyd from his senses. (Note: Lotierzo filed this before Mayweather's Lin Tweet) Aside from that there's not much intrigue to the fight. It doesn't take someone with a high boxing acumen to grasp that Mayweather is the fresher fighter who also holds the style advantage. Mayweather will beat Cotto conclusively and then try to convince the boxing world that he's the greatest pound-for-pound boxer in history because of it, despite it being five years after the time when it would've really meant something. Everyone knows that the Mayweather MO never changes. Pick a name fighter to fight after he's been beaten and on the decline, and brag about the feat as if it's Randy Turpin upsetting Sugar Ray Robinson afterwards. However, the story around Manny Pacquiao as he approaches the Bradley fight on June 9th is much different. Remember when Pacquiao was thought of as being one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in history after he took apart a game Miguel Cotto in 2009? Pacquiao looked so good that night it was scary. Then he fought Joshua Clottey, who after two rounds decided that he'd rather lose every round and claim a moral victory in going the distance, than fight to win and chance getting embarrassed. After Clottey he fought a rusty and ponderous Antonio Margarito at a catchweight, and aside from being hurt once during the bout, he won going away. After Margarito, he sparred Shane Mosley for 12 rounds, who looked as if he knew his skills had been long gone and just wanted to keep his record alive of having never been stopped in his career. Yet, even against a complicit Mosley, Pacquiao didn't look spectacular. In his last fight against Juan Manuel Marquez, Manny was constantly a step behind and looked as if he saw a style in Marquez that he'd never seen before, despite sharing the same ring with him for 24 rounds over two fights between 2004 and 2008. After the Marquez bout, there were several fan polls taken in which an overwhelming majority of those who saw the fight thought Pacquiao lost. Prior to Marquez III, Pacquiao got the benefit of every doubt in a hypothetical fight against other past all-time greats that he was matched with. It's always been crazy to think Manny was the equal of Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard, but it went beyond that. Some ill souls even suggested that he was equal to or better than Sugar Ray Robinson and Harry Greb. Then he fought Marquez this past November and those type of conversations seemed to disappear. Interesting. So the question now is: Has enough time passed for passionate boxing fans to have forgotten that he's human? As of February 2012, Manny doesn't even get the benefit of the doubt against Mayweather in a hypothetical fight, let alone Duran and Leonard. In all honesty, Manny's persona as being this supernova flashing across the galaxy isn't what it was a year ago. There used to be talk of him winning titles up to super-middleweight without losing more than a round or two along the way. Now he's fighting Timothy Bradley and he's not even considered a mortal lock in that fight. Granted, Bradley's an undefeated highly skilled junior welterweight, but to be given a chance against Pacquiao, where'd that come from? Perhaps it came from fans and media overreacting to one fight or showing, something that I too may have been a victim of for a brief spell. Then again I never went past thinking that he was perhaps Mayweather's equal, but never beyond that. Never for a fleeting moment did I see him in the league with the former greats mentioned above. Pacquiao is now in a no win situation. If he doesn't take Bradley apart and beat him decisively, some will begin to question if Pacquiao ever was nearly as great as he was perceived to be, and how Mayweather messed up and waited too long to fight him. On the other hand, if he destroys Bradley, it'll be said after the fight that other than beating Devon Alexander, Bradley wasn't such a world beater either. It's amazing how one fight or game can rightly or wrongly change the perception of an athlete or team. Two weeks before the NFL playoffs began, the New York Giants (7-6) lost a home game 23-10 to the Washington Redskins (4-9). Who in the world would've taken a bet that the Giants would win the NFC East after that, let alone not lose another game the rest of the year and go onto win the Super Bowl? That would be nobody including the biggest Giants homer in the world. Prior to fighting Marquez last November, many fans viewed Pacquiao as unbeatable. Since winning a gift decision over him last November, those same fans can easily envision him having his hands full with Timothy Bradley. That is unless they've already forgot that he's human. Radam G says: No! Nobody has forgotten that he is human. But he's super one, not a regular one, the-run-of-the-mill one or a weak-minded one who believes media manipulation, and bullsh*tology. ali says: If u think Marquez has Pac number just think if he fought Mayweather three times...especially when he was using his legs and throwing combinations like he was at 130 Pac would have never reached the level he is at today. SALT_LOVER25 says: I think this article would reflect much more on Pacquiao's personal life. Recently there has been some news that he has publicly denounced his womanizing and gambling. I know this doesn't have much to do with boxing, but definitely outlines the humanity topic much more than inside the ring. No one is unbeatable in the ring. No one, and yes that includes Floyd Mayweather Jr himself. Radam G says: Light-skinned SCLA Ali, the sun is bouncing off your skin and blinding your arse! Da Manny would KAYO Money May EARLY. And Money May know it. He just hope that his fanfaronades and groupies as you keep living in a world of make-believe. The tooth fairy is still giving old-arse Uncle Roger money for Uncle Roger to keep putting his teeth under the pillow. Hehehehe! Some people just believe in anything and love fantasy and reality distortion instead of the reality of just doing it. Holla! palomo says: There is no way shape or form that Manny would have beaten an in form Duran, Ray Leonard, Tommy Hearns, Sugar Ray Robinson, or any of the like. Manny is a very good fighter who has hand picked his last 10 opponents. All of these guys except Margarito (who was all hype and loaded gloves) were way past their prime. I fully expect that Bradley will defeat Manny via a boxing lesson. If it ever and mean ever happens between Floyd and Manny expect Floyd to basically win by a 10-2 margin. Boxers beat punchers in 95% of the cases. Leonard beat Hearns; Hopkins beat Tito; and Robinson beat Jake La Motta 5 out of 6 times via boxing. It would be very interesting if this guy ever submits to Olympic style drug testing. He started off at 106lbs and now walks around at 162. Something seems weird. #1 PacFan says: What's up TSS? It's been a minute Radam G says: Naku! Yall suckas bettah recognize! It is #1PacFan's TIME! Heeeeeeeeeeeee's BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKKKKKKKK! Holla! #1 PacFan says: What's up RG! Still spitting those rhymes and preaching the truth about Congressman PAC? I still can't believe how many people still believe it was a close fight. I had the fight scored the same as Lederman once again lmao. Look at the stats in all categories including post fight appearances. Look! It's plain and simple you have to beat the CHAMP decisively to win a decision and Marquez didnt do that. reyocs says: Emmanuel dapidran "pacman"pacquiao is a super human.... reyocs says: Be fair man plzzzzzz.......we all human in this world we are aven no one is above its others.. #1 PacFan says: I think Manny has a chance at beating Leonard and goes toe to toe and KO Duran. Stylistically Manny marches up better with Duran who just comes forward. Manny has greater power than SRL but less skillfull in terms of boxing ability. Manny would KO Mayweather eventually in the later rounds. Yezsir says: First and Foremost I a big Mayweather fan for his shear technical brilliance. Secondly I am also a Pacman fan as well for his exciting style. With that stated, to say Radam G says: Bradley is going to run like Bambi and occasionally try to rush in like a bull seeing a red cape, and try to billy goat butt. Oh, YUP! Dude is going to be many animals in dat squared jungle. The dude has a chin similarly to the late Floyd Patterson, but has being able to hide it behind his dome-blasting. #1 PacFan says: Manny took on a more fresher Cotto back in 09 Manny gets criticized but when Mayweather takes on a worn out fighter who took two beatings its ok. What gives? Is it because he's Asian? Two can play that game Floyd. #1 PacFan says: Bradley is going to get KOed if he trades with Manny. #1 PacFan says: Damn! Where everyone at? Did I scare everyone away? Nah but where all the originals at? #1 PacFan says: Manny has already agreed to all of his demands. Your boy don't to fight. He even had Konz put 55-45 split in PPV. Your Boy ducking hardcore. There is no way shape or form that Manny would have beaten an in form Duran, Ray Leonard, Tommy Hearns, Sugar Ray Robinson, or any of the like. Manny is a very good fighter who has hand picked his last 10 opponents. All of these guys except Margarito (who was all hype and loaded gloves) were way past their prime. I fully expect that Bradley will defeat Manny via a boxing lesson. If it ever and mean ever happens between Floyd and Manny expect Floyd to basically win by a 10-2 margin. Boxers beat punchers in 95% of the cases. Leonard beat Hearns; Hopkins beat Tito; and Robinson beat Jake La Motta 5 out of 6 times via boxing. It would be very interesting if this guy ever submits to Olympic style drug testing. He started off at 106lbs and now walks around at 162. Something seems weird. #1 PacFan says: The key words on this post is IF and level. You see Mayweather has mot looked the same since 130 division like you say. Floyd will never step in that ring with Pac like ive been saying from day one. QUOTE=ali;13582]If u think Marquez has Pac number just think if he fought Mayweather three times...especially when he was using his legs and throwing combinations like he was at 130 Pac would have never reached the level he is at today. Matthew says: Let me start off by saying that I like Manny Pacquiao as a fighter and as a person (or at least as much as I know about him as a person). However, to think that he could have even competed with any of those all-time great fighters mentioned is simply a joke. He would have been soundly beaten by any of them. This is why a fighter must wait five years to even be considered for the hall of fame. There is no such thing as proper perspective if you attempt to consider where they rank when they are still active. Many irrational fans and writers tried to claim that Roy Jones Jr. was greater than Sugar Ray Robinson during the early part of this century, and we all know how ridiculously premature that turned out to be. For the record, I believe Pacquiao did enough to squeak by Marquez in all three of their meetings. I have stated in these forums several times that I would favor Mayweather to beat Pacquiao if they ever do fight, and I still stand by that. I give credit to Pacquiao for taking on a hungry young lion in Bradley, and I think he beats "Desert Storm" in a tough scrap. Those that were ready to annoint Manny Pacquiao the greatest ever need to realize that while he can probably be considered a great fighter (by today's standards), he has also benefitted from some favorable negotiating and matchups as he moved up in weight (an obviously inferior Diaz, a spent bullet in De La Hoya, a weight-weakened Cotto at a catchweight, a human punching bag in Margarito at a catchweight, and a washed-up Mosley). Take what you hear and read with a grain of salt. dino da vinci says: @Matthew. Great points all with the possible exception that he may be 3-0 against JMM. Outside of Radam, yourself and the Pacquiao family, you'd have to scour the globe to fill an average size room at a Holiday Inn to find people who believe he's perfect against Marquez. In their last scrap, ninety percent or better of the people in attendance at the MGM Grande Garden had it no worse than a draw with the vast majority siding with Juan Manuel. Radam G says: Wow! It is something about regular, or the norm, or whatever in da double fudge heck they are known as, that make them reach into the past as if it were the best forever and cannot be topped. YUP! RIGHT! Later for that bullsh*tology. @Matthew, all respect due. But the joke is people believing the nonsense that there will never be another this and/or that and/or anything and/or anybody better. SALT_LOVER25 says: Without wanting to get into a controversy here in TSS, but I have to agree with Matthew in what he says in the comparison between boxers of yesterday and boxers today. SALT_LOVER25 says: And one more thing about 'Sugar' Ray Robinson. Check his fights periodically. The man fought approx. every two weeks!! Imagine Floyd fighting May 5th against Cotto, then May 19th against Victor Ortiz, then Pacquiao on June 9th, then Andre Berto on June 16th, and again Pacquiao in July....XD!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hahahahahahahahahahaha!!! Ya'll think he would still be undefeated? I don't think so. Likewise Pacquiao, Ortiz, Cotto, and all the others. Radam G says: Well, c'mon my man, don't be shy! But check your fact hard and long. During the eras of Sugar Ray Robinson, there was the NBA, NYABC and the World Athletic [Boxing] Club. Nothing in boxing has changed. Go to Boxrec and holla at SRR's titlebelts for yourself. When his held the World middleweight title in 1958 -- when my moms were born -- to 1960, he was recognized champion only by New York and Massachusett. SALT_LOVER25 says: Well, c'mon my man, don't be shy! But check your facts hard and long. During the eras of Sugar Ray Robinson, there was the NBA, NYABC and the World Athletic [Boxing] Club. Nothing in boxing has changed. Go to Boxrec and holla at SRR's titlebelts for yourself. When his held the World middleweight title in 1958 -- when my moms were born -- to 1960, he was recognized champion only by New York and Massachusett. Like I've said a million time, the game is all about optical illusions. SRR were never undisputed welterweight champion, only tow undisputed middleweight champion. Go and read the fact for yourself. Don't be fooled by the bullsh*tology of these days and time that we live in. Holla! Yeah, I hear ya. You may be right. the Roast says: @Dino, I would stand in that room with Matthew, Radam and the Pacquiao family. I got Pac 3-0 over JMM. First fight that judge should have scored 10-6 that would have given Manny the win. Second fight was close, I thought Pac won it. Third fight was close, JMM took his foot off the gas too early and Manny eeked out the win 115-113 on the Roast's scorecard. All close fights but 3-0 if you axe me. dino da vinci says: @Roast. OK, And you know I love you. But here is how I quiet these type of statements. Radam G says: WOW! DVD, it all about being loosey goosey! Da Manny kicked crybaby Marquez's arse all three bouts, as the Roast indicated. But you guys suffer from inattention blindness and cannot see clear reality. You muthadudes are trapped in a reality distortion ship. So you look for the meat and jive that taste good to you. dino da vinci says: Just as I thought. Radam G says:
Hehehehehehe! DvD -- I mean DDV -- you are too much! Holla!
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He's a greater pound-for-pound fighter than Sugar Ray Robinson, Harry Greb and Henry Armstrong. He would've defeated Roberto Duran and both Benny and Sugar Ray Leonard. He'll win titles up to super-middleweight for a total of 10 weight divisions before he retires from boxing. He'll destroy Mayweather when they fight. He can't be hurt and can solve any fighter's boxing style. Those are just some of the things that were echoed by some fans and writers about superstar Manny Pacquiao over the last couple years before his last fight against Juan Manuel Marquez.





This is a very good article. We as fans can easily manipulate ourselves. Boxing is a very difficult and physically debilitating sport. Pac may have slipped a bit or just became bored. Roache has made numerous comments that floyd is the best fight for manny not only because it is the biggest challenge but because it has the highest motivation for manny personally.
btw, not buying either ppv....