Pac Man Faces Real Threat
Super-stars in any sporting endeavor invariably raise the tide for the the whole of their sport. This is especially true of boxing's current fighting dynamo Manny Pacquiao. The Pac Man has become a global personality who generates streams of income from endorsing products,starring in movies in The Phillipines as well as huge purses in the ring. It would be erroneous to discount Manny's accomplishments over the last decade,as he has waded through multiple weight classes and captured various belts from accomplished foes. What really impresses observers is the continuous improvement Manny has made to his boxing skills as he has grown into his super-lightweight body. Pacquiao has added lethal right-handed power to his once left-handed reliance, with much credit going to his trainer Freddie Roach. There is some concern that an air of invincibility is seeping into the Wild Card Gym owner's prognostications for the Cotto encounter. Be sure that Pacquiao has never been in a real welterweight fight. The De la Hoya dance was a mirage as Oscar was a shot fighter that had no legs,lack of any power and no defense from the speedy Pinoy puncher's field day attack. Freddie Roach has been quoted in the final build up to the fight as stating that Cotto is too slow and will be knocked out for a certainty.
Miguel Cotto is an extremely resilient welterweight who brings a full tool bag of boxing ability as well as above average power. Cotto has sought out and beat top-tier welterweights in speedy bangers Zab Judah and Shane Mosley. Cotto has also met and defeated undefeated stylists Paulie Malignaggi and Carlos Quintana(who would go on to beat huge welterweight Paul Williams). Miguel has never eluded a challenge, as his fights with killer Antonio Margarito and tough as nails Joshua Clottey have proven. I would give Pac Man a chance of going(3-3)against this line-up of fighters. Miguel's lone loss came against Tony Margarito in a fight that is listed with an asterisk after Margo's hand wraps were found to be enhanced with hardened plaster of paris in his next fight against Mosley. The fact is Cotto has met and defeated a dozen top shelf (jr. and)welterweight fighters that would be no walk in the park for Pacquiao,regardless of Freddie Roach's seemingly arrogant discounting of Miguel's abilities. Pacquiao will be in his first fight with a big welterweight;one who withstood bombs from other hard hitting welters and prevailed(*save for Margarito).
Manny Pacquiao as a media magnet is undisputable and a boon to the game of boxing as a whole. It is an era when most media outlets will only follow the exploits of boxers who are thugs, felons or have been murdered by ex-stripper wives. Pacquiao is a refreshing departure from the norm and brings an infectious smile to every encounter. The sullen Cotto is revered in Puerto Rico and New York City by his countrymen. Cotto has also been a staple on HBO boxing telecasts throughout the decade as he searched out and conquered the best fighters in two divisions. This fight of the year matchup will produce two winners from a business point of view. Were the match to go the distance,a draw could produce an enviable win-win for all involved. What is more likely is that at some juncture a strong welterweight is going to land some firepower on Pacquiao, and how he responds will dictate the outcome. This writer envisions that moment of truth to unfold by the sixth round, and their will be a parade the next day in Caguas,Puerto Rico.
Bawdy Shots: Is there any chance Oprah could have Joe Frazier on as a guest,if only to help him get over his 40 year grudge with a very ill counterpart......I certainly hope that Kelly Pavlik gets the opportunity to heal properly now that he has shut down for the year. His comeback opponent should be a B-level fighter though due to inactivity...... The Super Six 168 lb. tourney kicked off as I had forecast last blog. Abraham was brilliant in closing the show late, and Dirrell's lack of heart led to his defeat to Froch...... I lean to Mikkel Kessler taking a decision victory over Andre Ward. Kessler brings grit,more experience,power and skills,while Ward has never been in with this class of fighter....... I have no idea what will happen between circus act Niko Valuev and David Haye,but the Russian giant was beaten(unofficially)with a blueprint provided by Holyfield........
