We have heard for years that “there is only one Ricky Hatton”. In the world of primetime pugilism that is true; however, there is also only one Manny Pacquiao. And on Saturday night I witnessed a remarkable transition I was not sure would ever grace my field of vision. The transformation of Manny P from arguably the world’s greatest amateur fighter to a truly skilled hand-warrior. Before any MP fans get upset with the previous sentence, I will explain what is actually a huge compliment.
With the exception of MP’s bouts with Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, I never felt MP was a true “Sweet Scientist” such as Floyd Jr. or the three Sugars: Robinson, Leonard and Moseley. Manny, until recently, was a true champion who relied on conditioning, toughness and ring generalship to compile his impressive record. That has all changed in a profound way. The champ, a modern-day Henry Armstrong, now employs a new, very effective plan of attack to augment his previously suspect defense. The name of the game, afterall, is to hit and not be hit. Now I see a man who not only punches with more accuracy, but hits, spins, and a maintains a safe distance from his opponent. The Arturo Gatti days of brawling are coming to a close. In fact, Gatti became more of a boxer than a mano a mano punishment absorbing machine as he entered his thirties. This certainly extended his career. Manny turned the big three-o last December and has no doubt satisfied Santayana’s dictum to learn from the past or be doomed to repeat history.
Not so long ago, MP often fought in retreat, threw haymakers off the wrong foot, or lunged and missed resulting in poor balance and positioning. Something has clicked, and I am proud to declare that Mr. Manny Pacquaio has graduated, summa cum laude, from the old school of duking it out to the new school of strategy and tactics. What is scary is that boxing’s top student has not maxed out his learning curve. The PhD. is next. With the stellar Professor Roach teaching class, I am confident that a belt at 154 is feasible. Why not go for a record setting title in a 7th weight class? The PFP boss of the ring clearly carries extra weight well. Shane M should never have fought at 154, or Pavlik at 170 or certain unnamed heavyweights who really should be fighting the battle of the bulge. But Pacquaio, no matter what he tips the scales at, does not appear to relinquish speed, stamina or power. In this regard, he is Sui Generis (look that up aspiring latin scholars and SAT takers).
What now for the dethroned Hitman? The colorful Brit is a dedicated pro who is a true blood and guts over-achiever. Another compliment, by the way. Let’s face it, Ricky is a net positive for the sport, but is no longer evolving as a man worthy of a crown. Fighting at an optimal weight and supposedly the naturally bigger/stronger man with a top trainer…well, the outcome speaks volumes to my point. RH can still secure another fairly lucrative purse, but it probably will have to be in or close to Manchester. At this point, the weight class is irrelevant because his fighting days are numbered. Unless he experiences some unlikely epiphany (after a decade it should have happened) no sanctioning body should permit R.Hatton to absorb much more thunder. While Ricky is a gamer, it is apparent now that his jaw may not be glass but it is of the plastic or composite cardboard variety. Personally, I hope Ricky returns home to his lovely family, never meets Bernie Madoff with a cockney accent and remains involved in the game perhaps as an energetic manager.
For the history-tying victor the sky is the limit. Granting myself some latitude to fantasize, I offer the following wishlist:
Pacquaio v. Edwin Valero at 135
Pacquiao v. Paul Williams at 147
Pacquiao v. J.M. Marquez at any weight
Pacquiao V. Floyd Jr. at any weight
For what it is worth, here are my predictions: Valero is tough to forecast because I have never witnessed him in action. Williams would win, maybe handily, because the height and reach advantage are so daunting, and Williams is a non-stop headache for the good folks at Compu-Box. Unanimous decision. JMM is a favorite of mine as are most Mexican fighters and I think he won both wars with the Pac-Man, especially the second time around. My concern is his age and the wear and tear which comes with advanced age. And MP is more skilled than ever and still at or near his prime. Number three would be an epic but a slightly easier decision for Manny. Before the destruction of RH, I would have selected Floyd Jr. due to his precise punching and defensive abilities. But look at what MP did to common opponents coupled with the fact that Pacquiao can win points just on effort. He is a relentless wrecking machine. And layoffs may be restful and healing but they often create rust and tamper with timing. I will call this a pick’em. A toss-up.
Fellow boxing fans, we are off to a great start this year. The Pacman is the biggest small man in the squared circle and the biggest reason 2009 is on a roll. The remainder of the year looks promising. One superstar is back to thrill us on July 18, and with any luck, we can keep B-Hop’s brilliance in full display and see the return of Joe Calzaghe. Of course, as the saying goes, “two out of three ain’t bad”.
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