By Derrick P. Villanueva: 1.) Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is Stronger than Floyd “Money” Mayweather – In his recent fight with Cotto, he turned the proud Puerto Rican’s face into raw hamburger. The only other time I’ve seen him look that bad is when he got pummeled with Antonio “Hands of Plaster” Margarito. The ‘Pacman’ also made Oscar De La Hoya quit on his stool, something he’s never done in his career. And do we dare forget the demolition of then 140 lbs. king Ricky Hatton? Critics can say all they want about the power of this General Santos City native or the state of his opponents but the fact remains that he’s beaten bigger men to a pulp more than once. I for one sure as hell didn’t see Oscar’s face look That bad after his fight with Mayweather, nor did I see any sort of damage or pain in Hatton’s face before that fateful hook.
2.) “Pacman” has Shown he can Take a Punch – Who in their right mind will stand still and let Miguel Cotto wail bombs on their body like a stationary punching bag? Pacquiao that’s who. To be fair to Cotto, the punches he threw DID hurt according to Pacquiao, even admitting that Cotto was “very strong, very powerful.” But could Cotto hurt him enough to stop him like he dropped Zab “Super” Judah? Nah.
3.) “Pacman” is Faster – Mayweather has never fought anybody as fast as the “Pacman.” Mayweather has the best defense in the game today but is it enough to nullify Pacquiao’s 8-10 punch combos? I don’t think so. One or two solid hits is all it will take to displace Mayweather’s false sense of security. Critics will point out that Mayweather’s sharp counter-punching might stop Pacquiao but I highly doubt that “Money” has enough “Firepower” to slow Pacquiao down. It will take some time to figure out how to use his speed against the slippery fighter but once he does, it’s game over for Floyd.
4.) “Pacman” has Roach – Pacman’s “Master.” This three time Trainer of the Year awardee devises a perfect game plan time and time again for his human wrecking ball tailor-fit for his current opponent and adapts on the go in-between rounds. There’s also something to be said about the “Father-Son” bond of the two: it’s real. At least for Manny Pacquiao, who hasn’t had a father figure in many years. This special bond enables Roach to control his protégé well, forging a special trust that enables precise (except for the beginning rounds of the Cotto fight,) execution of his game plan.
5.) “Pacman” has Fun – Unlike “Money” Mayweather who does it for, well, money, Pacquiao is one of the rare breed of boxers that enjoys what he’s doing. You can see it in his face and in his smile every time he comes out of the locker rooms to the adoring cheers of his fans. This is a man that is humble, that carries the Pride of the Filipino people on his shoulders, who loves to sing, but most of all, just loves to fight. And you know what they say: In order to be successful in something, you have to love what you’re doing.
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