Bobby Steps Out of His Brother's Shadow
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 11 Jun 2006
Now it can be told! For many years, boxing fans and pundits have kept Bobby behind the shadow of his brother Manny. Although a fairly decent fighter and a title holder (WBC Continental Americas Super Featherweight Champion) Bobby, they say he does not have the same charisma, the incessant fire power, the guts and the heart of his more famous brother. But, with his performance tonight, all that twist has been erased. Bobby is now his own man!
Bobby Pacquiao with US manager Michael Koncz at the WildCard Gym in Hollywood. Thinking ahead?
Bobby's impressive win over a sly veteran, Kevin Kelley a few minutes ago at the famous Madison Square Garden in New York City proved that. The immense pressure to win impressively, particularly after his controversial win over Famoso Hernandez, is now "water under the bridge," so to speak. He can now concentrate and focus on bigger and better goals without being constantly judged according to the exploits of his brother.
Although a victory over Kelley, a New Yorker now based in Las Vegas, a man with more than 60 fights in his books, and 38 years in his aging body, does not seem to be "that extra-ordinary," it can qualify as being "impressive" for who does not get impressed by a knock -out? Be that as it may, it took Bobby out of the shadow and into the limelight. Now, it all depends on him how much longer he wants to stay and how much further he wants to go.
Certainly, with management people like Wakee Salud and his brother Manny, in the Philippines and Michael Koncz in the US, Bobby is pointed to the right direction. And, it does not hurt that he has the master, Freddie Roach on his side ably aided by Buboy Fernandez. Now with Bob Arum contracted to promote his fights and possibly pick his opponents on his way to the top, it would not be too long before we see Bobby Pacquiao win another title.
Bobby's victory over Kelley is a remarkable exhibition of skills, tactics and power compared to his last fight, a split decision victory over Famoso Hernandez. It was apparent that he was following very closely a game plan designed by Roach and put into action by Fernandez. He was patient, yet aggressive when he needed to be and showed a fairly good defense when necessary. He also mixed his punches very well, particularly the combinations. Therefore, he effectively negated the fight experiences of the cunning veteran who was supposed to heavily lean on such an advantage, as he brings the fight to Bobby.
In the end, it was Bobby's masterful performance that spelled the difference. He KO'd Kelly in 1:24 of the 4th round. He also knocked Kelly down in the dying minutes of the third round. Bobby thus improved to 27-11-3 (12 KOs). Kelley dropped to 58-7-2 (39 KOs).
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.
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