By Hernan Cortez: The training variable alone generates interest. The second variable came from HBO’s downright hypnotic advertisement productions. During their Face Off segment, Margarito responded to the assertion that he would be knocked out by stating, “what does he think I’m crippled or something?” To which Freddy Roach responded “No, I saw your last two fights.”
Although I am sure there was a good amount of editing involved, the moment sold the fight in a way few Face Off’s had in the past. For some, Pacquiao must seem like an avenging hero attempting to punish Margarito on the center stage. For others, Margarito may seem like a shamed hero attempting to vindicate his dishonor by stopping a titan.
Other factors also aid in selling this fight. Take into account that we may never know if Margarito actually used plaster loaded gloves during a fight before Mosley. Take into account the performance enhancing drug abuse allegations made against Pacquiao, which causes us to watch his performances even closer.
Finally, take into account the catch weight factors as well as the reality that Margarito will be fighting at a more comfortable weight than in his Mosley outing, and now we have a matchup that somehow feels appropriate.
So here I am, I bought the hype, which means I am buying the fight. The advertising has done its job. I’m singing a completely different tone from just a couple of weeks ago. Although the odds would leave one to believe this is an easy fight to call, the hype has blurred the line. The story surrounding this fight has manifested into something too tempting to pass up. There are too many questions left to be answered once the bell rings. Will Margarito achieve redemption? Was Pacquiao taking this fight serious? Will it be as brutal and violent of a fight as it seems to be developing into? I can only hope Margarito offers more than Clottey, and that the fight will live up to the hype. Besides, what other major boxing match do I have to watch on November 13th? I am not saying this will be the greatest match up possible or that it is an appropriate replacement for other bouts of high demand. I am simply saying they got me, I have compromised again, have you?
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