"Too many punches, in too many nights"
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 19 Jun 2019
BOB Arum could?ve given Manny Pacquiao a second advice, but the veteran promoter kept calm after being assured there was nothing to worry.
Arum cautioned Pacquiao against possible brain injury as he continues to fight fulltime at 40.
Of course, Pacquiao?s next assignment is not a particularly amazing warrior. Keith Thurman, 30, is not the sort of fire-breathing terror who could readily blaze and explode given the chance. He?s slow, overcautious.
Arum was trying to explain that boxers of Pacquiao?s age and beaten nature would always be at risk fighting somebody stronger and younger.
"God is on my side," Pacquiao assured, adding that he would be climbing the ring against Thurman in Las Vegas on July 20 superbly and perfectly prepared.
**
Pacquiao has also been quoted that Thurman is the biggest test of his career.
The only eight-division world boxing champion had faced more ferocious demonic foes before.
But Pacquiao takes Thurman as a very special assignment because, he said, he wants to beat an unbeaten champ now that he?s 40. Thurman is 29-0, with 22 KOs.
What has truly pissed off Pacquiao was the manner Thurman had bragged that he would CRUCIFY the fearless fighting senator.
**
Strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune said he has not seen Pacquiao this upset in a long time.
Pacquiao exploded after Thurman vowed to crush and retire him.
?He?s not happy,? Fortune exclaimed.
The fiery verbal exchange has indeed fueled interest in the defining WBA world welterweight championship between the ?regular? and the ?super? champion.
**
Anyway, if Arum be allowed to give a follow-up advice, the veteran promoter who helped guide Pacquiao to full superstardom, would certainly tell Pacquiao to be in full control of himself. Always.
Why? Because nobody would be happier than Thurman if Pacquiao boxes with anger and resorts to an old reckless style.
The way he had sounded, Pacquiao is bound to jump in and do it freestyle in trying to stop Thurman.
His conditioning coach would not hide this wild plot.
**
Arum could also remind that, in fighting past his productive years, Pacquiao could end up facing the specter of ?too many fights, in too many rings, in too many nights.?
Arum had warned about thinning cranium.
But hasn?t Pacquiao, tested and truly battle-scarred, reached that worn-out point when self-control and patience tend to fall apart?
Pacquiao must take care not to fall into an old trap.
Photo: Manny Pacquiao does the mitts with Freddie Roach at the Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles Tuesday, June 19. Photo by Jhay Otamias.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Tapales bags WBC International Silver super bantamweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 28 Apr 2025Boston, NY and Minnesota One Win Away; Push Orlando, Detroit and LAL on Brink
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 28 Apr 2025Sasaki Guns for Japan's First World Welterweight Title, Honor as Asia's Best Asian Boxing Nation
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 28 Apr 2025Raga beats Bañares in SBA Philippine Open, pockets ₱400,000 cash prize
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 28 Apr 2025OK-C You Next Season, Memphis
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 27 Apr 2025Eubank Jr. Edges Benn in Thrilling Grudge Match for the Ages
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 27 Apr 2025Due to Illness, H2O Syve Withdraws from Tonight’s Bout
Sun, 27 Apr 2025Filipino FM Ivan Travis Cu runner-up in Budapest First Saturday Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 27 Apr 2025Home Teams Rule the Day
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 26 Apr 2025Marlon Tapales Makes Weight for WBC International Title Fight in Gensan
Sat, 26 Apr 2025WELTERWEIGHT ERIC TUDOR TAKES UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER KEVIN JOHSON IN MAIN EVENT OF ‘LA FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS’ FROM THUNDER STUDIOS AND LIVE ON DAZN
Sat, 26 Apr 2025Eubank vs Benn: Like Father Like Son
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 26 Apr 2025Eubank Jr. Misses Weight Ahead of Highly Anticipated Benn Clash
Sat, 26 Apr 2025Rafael Espinoza: “I’m Going To Steal The Show On May 4!”
Sat, 26 Apr 2025CO-PROMOTER OF TONIGHT'S ‘LA FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS’ SAYS FIRST EVENT IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
Sat, 26 Apr 2025