BACK IN THE SADDLE
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 27 Aug 2007
Boxing fans around the world were ecstatic when they heard the news that Manny Pacquiao was back serious training. He is still a boxer after all. Politics are a thing of the past. He belongs to the world of action, not to the world of empty promises, endless talking and mind numbing paperwork to sign.
His victory again Marco Antonio Barrera four years ago made him Mr. Las Vegas. Now with the rematch looming in the horizon the question needs to be asked - Is it four years too late or better late than never?
In the 1980’s for example, boxing fans had to wait eight years for the Sugar Ray Leonard-Tommy Hearns rematch and it was not as good as their first encounter. The trilogies of Barrera and Pacquiao against Erik Morales were a success not just due to
the quality of the fights but also due to the intervals and timing of when they were fought.
Pacquiao has shown a quality inherent in athletes that have greatness is their destiny. The ability to learn, adapt and retool. He has developed his right hand and has learned to think under pressure. He is now more comfortable under the spotlight.
He has exhibited in the ring a brand of ferocity not seen since the days of a young Roberto Duran. His distractions are as well documented as his commendable work ethic during training. But the Pacman has also shown us that he can win even when he is not operating at one hundred percent as exhibited by his one-sided drubbing of Oscar Larios and his KO of erstwhile
undefeated Jorge Solis.
Since that fateful day in the Alamodome last 2003 Pacquiao has gone 6 wins - 1 loss and 1 draw. Well, two losses actually, if you count the debacle he suffered under the hands of Cong. Darlene Custodio during the May 2007 elections.
The first Morales fight and the Marquez “draw” have both provided blueprints on how to beat Pacquiao. Smart boxing and proper execution if sustained for twelve rounds may do the trick. But will it be enough this time around?
The Pacman that faced Morales in their second and third encounters was a totally different and more terrifying creature. This is the beast that Barrera will need to tame come fight time. This is also the beast that Pacquiao needs to bring out. History is on Pacquiao’s side, if you consider the fact that you would be hard pressed to find a boxer who lost in such a one-sided fashion like Barrera and still won in the rematch. But negative results of overconfidence and sloppy training are a dime a dozen.
When initial reports came out that his focus left a lot to be desired one would think that may be the unexpected ace in the Mexican’s sleeve.
But Pacquiao has been in the business long enough to know that a devastating loss can easily turn him into yesterday’s hero. Freddie Roach also came to the rescue. He is arguably the only man Pacquiao ever listens to. With the training in full throttle, fans can expect another exciting ride.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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