By Nick Reynolds: On November 23rd, in Macau, China, Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KO’s) will make his much anticipated return to the ring — anticipated because most are eager to see what long term impact Juan Manuel Marquez’s devastating knockout had on Pacquiao’s once upon a time granite chin — as he will be stepping into the ring with fellow Top Rank stablemate Brandon Rios (31-1-1, 23 KO’s).
On the surface for Pacquiao? Decent idea, right? A solid name opponent to add to the resume in Rios who appears to be made to order for Pacquiao due to Rios’ plodding, come forward, and not so difficult to hit style. I’ve heard some even refer to this as a tune-up bout of sorts for Pacquiao — although I fail to see how a 31-1-1 fighter with 23 KO’s to his credit, and who has never been stopped before professionally, qualifies as a “tune-up”. But that’s another topic for another day.
So lets say Pacquiao obliterates Brandon Rios, who to some resembles perhaps a smaller version of past Pacquiao conquest Antonio Margarito, whom Pacquiao blitzed for 12 rounds as if the former were a walking punching bag . Who exactly is this going to appease? Well besides Manny’s deep pockets, of course. But his detractors, whose group size has become rather large I might add (and growing by the day), will see this as a blatant cherry pick opponent whose style fits Manny’s style like a velvet glove. Here, even victory by spectacular fashion will garner little if any credit to the Pacquiao camp.
Lose.
Now onto that chin issue. What if Manny’s chin has indeed been permanently damaged as some have speculated to be the case? If it is, things could turn incredibly disastrous here for Pacquiao. Rios is a young, high pressure, aggressive puncher who likes to trade. Loves to trade. Lives to trade. Make no mistake, Pacquiao’s chin will be tested in this fight. That’s an absolute certainty. The question is, how will it hold up? If Manny’s chin has a return to previous form, then we should expect to see something along similar lines to the Margarito fight back in 2010. Rios would effectively be used as target practice with some nice moments for himself here and there, but will ultimately lose out via wide decision on the scorecards. But if the chin has been “cracked” as they say? Well, how does back to back embarrassing knockouts sound?
Lose-lose.
Doesn’t get anymore high risk, low reward than this, Pacquiao fans.
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