Far From Neutral Notions - Philippine politics, culture and stuff

One man fights for redemption, the other for respect…
but which is which?

Some time ago, I mentioned that Manny Pacquiao may have lost his killer instinct when he came out with “only a draw” against one third of the dreaded Mexican Triumvirate of Barrera, Morales and Marquez. Of course everybody remembers the Barrera fight, where Manny took apart one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. We also remember how Marquez exposed Manny’s limitations; how, after flooring the Mexican three times in the first round, Manny was unable to finish the job against a true boxer.

That’s what Morales’ team is going to focus on. Because while Manny has tremendous power and hand speed, he is (was?), ultimately, one-dimensional. He’s like Tyson or Foreman, only smaller. He can be out-boxed, and Morales may have the chin to withstand the PacMan’s blows. But while a very good boxer in his own right, Morales isn’t the boxer Barrera and Marquez are, and his tendency to lose his temper and go into a slugfest will play right into the lightning fast hands of Pacquiao. But Morales isn’t called “El Terrible” for nothing, either. He can be a demon if he boxes smart, and he has a height and reach advantage over Manny that may prove difficult if the PacMan hasn’t learned any new tricks.

But it’s PacMan on the 10th-12th round, via TKO, for several reasons. The first being Morales’ tendency to make it a slug fest, and he’s nowhere near Manny’s class in that field. The moment he stops counter-punching, Pacquiao will tear him apart. Of course, Morales knows this; everyone from his trainer to his cousin’s friend’s aunt’s brother’s nephew must’ve told him: “stick to boxing, don’t get into a slugfest with Pacquiao.” But, being the proud warrior Morales is, he just might ignore them, and get pummeled. Repeatedly. Or he might take it to heart too much and shy away from contact, and be gobbled up just like Barrera.

Another reason is that I believe Manny may indeed have learned new tricks… remember the 3K fight? If ever Manny has even just half the power now in his right that he does with his left, Morales will be in for a shocker.

Also, the PacMan is simply more confident, and definitely has the boxer’s mentality - there’s no shadow of doubt in his mind that he can beat Morales, while the Mexican, who lost to Barrera recently, will definitely have strong doubts after Manny lands a few punches in early the first round.

What Manny has to overcome, though, is his tendency to do the same thing over and over, and not lose heart. He can box (believe it or not), it’s just that he’s had so much success with his innate power and speed that he’s never had to actually rely on skill and finesse, something that he might have to do since Morales’ stamina is greater than Barrera’s or Marquez’.

All in all, it’s a boxing fan’s dream: two of the best, in what is arguably the most exciting weight division, head to head. At stake? Not a title, but just as important. Morales fights for redemption and a place in the top three of the pound-for-pound list. Pacquiao fights for glory, respect, and entry into the annals of time as the greatest Filipino boxer to ever step in the ring.

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