By Babatis Banda: In just about two weeks, we are going know the truth about Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao. It is either Mayweather cements his status as an All-Time Great (ATG), or Pacquiao assumes the undisputed P4P status that Floyd has held for years and years. It is very true that the unbeaten status of Floyd Mayweather junior draws the line on how history will look at these two fighters.
If Mayweather beats Pacquiao, naturally all the accusations of picking soft opposition should then fade away, and his critics should understand why he carries that ‘O’.
Now, I have heard a number of challenges that Floyd should engage Pacquiao toe to toe. I believe this is in reference to standing in front of Pacquiao and trading blows, the Gatti-Ruels style. This is obviously considered exciting. Some really think it’s being manly and a lot more feel this way, Floyd may get his first loss. To woo Floyd into fighting Pacquiao’s type of fight in the hope that he gets beat-up is really a far-fetched dream. This challenge has not come from just the mare and ordinary usual Pacquiao funs, but from as high (caliber) men like Roach, Bubboy and a number of others. I just can’t understand what they are thinking. Would Floyd really get off his game plan just so he pleases these guys, or are they already looking for excuses why Pacquiao losses the fight?
I see it as a point of consolation on the morning after the fight. Floyd would have lost if he had engaged in a toe to toe battle, they would say. They will describe from 1 to 100 why Floyd couldn’t have fought toe to toe. The fact of the matter is that Floyd and Pacquiao are too different kind of fighters. Pacquiao is more of a puncher than a boxer. Floyd is more of a boxer than a puncher, and so to ask Floyd to give up his strength is pure madness. Let Pacquiao be the puncher and Floyd be the boxer and let us see the two men do what they do best.
Rumbling, or is it toe to toe, or savage fighting is beautiful to watch, but it has its very terrible outcomes. First of all, it exposes you more to getting caught up in the mix and getting taken out. It explains why Pacquiao carries five (5) losses. We also know that it is not good for one’s health in the long term. The punishment to the body and brain will take its toll when everybody has forgotten about you, and when you are just an ordinary old man un-able to remember all the names of your grandchildren.
I believe boxing is an art. It’s far less of a savage game like the MMA. The use of skill and ring ability guarantees wins against those that are naturally stronger than you. It also means that other than you being able to remember all the names of your grandchildren, you will also be able to read your bank slips and count your money in your latter years.
May the best man win on May 2.
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