By Yannis Mihanos: Eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KO’s) is a true pound for pound fighter, having come up from the ranks of boxing since turning pro in 1995. Getting raised in an extremely poor background (his first job was selling donuts in the street), he obviously had to learn life the hard way. He also had to learn boxing the hard way with no help or influence but with hard work and determination. And so he climbed at the top, step by step, obstacle after obstacle. Since 2001, Pacquiao’s been working with prolific and 5 times trainer of the year Freddie Roach.
With Roach on his side, Pacquiao was further catapulted to the top, becoming number 1 pound for pound in boxing. Each of his fights is a bank holiday guaranteed in Philippines. On April 12, Pacquiao is meeting again with WBO welterweight champion Tim “Desert Storm” Bradley (31-0, 12 KO’s) for what is expected to be an exciting encounter.
His recent unfortunate results have casted a shadow upon his future. Some people have even suggested that it’s time to retire. Tim Bradley believes that Pacquiao has lost the hunger, the killer instinct that made him so famous. Now at 35 years old, he has specific plans and goals and one of them is the dream of many boxing fans: a showdown with current pound for pound number 1 Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Negotiations between these two have been on and off through the years with both sides to have different demands. While Mayweather still remains unbeaten, the same can’t be said for Pacquiao, who has lost 2 out of his 3 last fights. Although I am not a big fan of clean sheet records (I believe that any fighter can lose at least once), it does create a good argument for the big fight never to materialize.
So in order the big fight to take place one day, the future must hold no more unpleasant surprises for Pacquiao. The April 12 fight against Bradley is a must win fight.
Another setback and the big fight against Mayweather is almost over. If Pacquiao beats Bradley, I think a fight against Juan Manuel Marquez will be next because there is still public demand for a fifth match-up for maybe next October, since September month is already booked by Mayweather. And if that also goes as plan for Pacquiao, then I believe negotiations will have to reignite for a titanic battle between Pacquiao and Mayweather in May of 2015.
So that’s what I think future holds for Pacquiao, but always remember one thing: Future is dynamic, things can change for the good or for the bad.
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