WHY THE GREAT HURRY, FREDDIE?
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 19 Nov 2013
GOING by their respective knockout ratio, underdog Brandon Rios (31-1-1, 23 KOs) stands more than just an inch-and-half taller than Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs).
Both combatants, among the hottest KO chasers today, seek a stoppage when they tangle at the Venetian in Macau at noontime next Sunday.
Pacquiao remains the awesome favorite.
But, for the record, Rios, 27, towers a full head over the 34-year-old Pacquiao in the area of abbreviated bouts. Rios did not like the idea that Roach, particularly, did not like to treat him seriously.
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Here?s why: Rios has lost (only) once but has never been knocked out.
Pacquiao, on the other hand, has lost a total of five times, while suffering a total of three stoppages, the last one exploding vividly like a terminal toppling.
Of course, it doeasn?t serve the debate on who?s tougher of the two by saying the record should speak for itself.
The truth is, sensational as he is, Rios has never fought anybody with the might and stature of Pacquiao, the only eight-division world titlist.
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With his vast edge in style, experience and speed, Pacquiao could outpoint Rios seven days a week.
But what?s a bit perplexing was the vehement command by trainer Freddie Roach for Pacquiao to go for a stoppage--the earlier, the better.
Roach did offer some modification by later saying Pacquiao would not be caught rumbling and brawling, but would instead box and fight intelligently.
In the same breath though, Roach stressed that next Sunday?s main event at the Cotai Arena inside the Venetian would not go past round six.
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Nothing could indeed be more startling, sparkling than a knockout.
But, given the chance, Pacquiao should not hesitate to suggest that a classic conquest, completed masterfully, could be doubly redeeming than a savage stoppage.
It?s like this: Questions, some asked and others left dangling, lingered as Manny Pacquiao headed with his team for Macau on a chartered PAL flight yesterday afternoon.
Pacquiao will go all out in a bid to redeem himself, rebuild his reign, re-inspire his countrymen.
This reporter had booked a flight later on Monday, and should be in the fight site at the Venetian Macau a little later than the amiable Mr. Roach.
The idea is to seek out the multi-awarded Hall-of-Fame mentor to ask him, very kindly:
?What?s the hurry, Freddie??
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
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