Bleacher Report - Articles by Elmer Crisostomo

Manny Pacquiao: Two Wins Away From Being Boxing's Greatest

Elmer Crisostomo — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:55:47 -0500

With his shocking demolition of the Golden Boy, which made boxing experts all over the world eat their words, the pride of the Philippines Manny Pacquiao has only Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. left as obstacles on his way to unprecedented greatness in boxing.

With due respect to Rocky Marciano, Henry Armstrong and even Muhammad Ali, the Pacman will easily place himself on the No. 1 all-time list should he hurdle the two remaining worthy opponents before he hangs his gloves for good.

His date with the Hitman, tentatively set on May 2, 2009, will serve as his tune-up match before taking on the undefeated former No. 1 pound-for-pound king Mayweather.

Claiming to be the king of 140-pound-division, Ricky Hatton will surely be dealt with his second career defeat by the man who humiliated the Golden Boy. Although Manny will not have an easier time with the English fighter, Pacquiao's ever improving skills and power will be too much to handle for Ricky.

Unless Hatton make a dramatic adjustment in his fighting style and fight like a Juan Manuel Marquez or Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Pacquiao will easily win his fifth title in fifth weight division.

When that happens, Pretty Boy Floyd will have no more excuses for not unretiring. He will have to face the future No. 1 greatest boxer of all-time in one of the biggest fights ever.

That big fight will not be one of the most exciting, though, especially if Floyd sticks to his hit-and-run style. As Freddie Roach predicted, it will be a boring fight. Mayweather will never be suicidal and engage Manny in a slugfest for sure. But Manny will still beat him via a unanimous decision and will earn for himself a place in the history of boxing which will surely be his alone for a long time.

The Five Greatest Boxers of All Time

Elmer Crisostomo — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:36:56 -0400

Any serious boxing fan can come up with a list of his all-time greats using any chosen set of criteria to make it more credible than just, maybe, popping out names out of nowhere.

As someone who has been following the sport for decades, I humbly share my thoughts on who the five greatest boxers of all-time are, using such factors as achievements, contributions to the upliftment of the sport, and popularity.

Everyone can agree or disagree with me, but the bottom line is, at least, I have already scratched the 'itch' in me.

So, without further ado, ladies and gentlemen of Bleacher Report and the world, here are my five greatest boxers of all-time:

No. 5 Evander Holyfield

One of the most courageous athlete who had worn a pair of gloves, Evander's ticket to fame was his ability to look at Tyson eye-to-eye. Iron Mike was boxing's most feared pugilist and everyone he fought were trembling even before the opening bell. However, Holyfield had successfully dismantled him twice over and even making him lose his senses.

Having won world heavyweight titles during the era where the division still mattered, Evander Holyfield defied great odds to prove that boxing is not only all about having the most powerful punches, but having the biggest heart as well.

No. 4 Manny Pacquiao

An ever-evolving fighter who captured the hearts of millions with his big fighting heart, Manny is one of the present day saviors of boxing. In the sport where many are losing interests because of underperforming and overrated stars, sloppy decisions, and other factors, the Filipino fighter had greatly helped putting the sport in the consciousness of millions once more.

No. 3 Oscar De La Hoya

One of the boxers who don't look like one, the Golden Boy had definitely put boxing several notches higher with his popularity rooted not only on his brawn but brains and looks as well. In his prime, Dela Hoya was a joy to watch and he won boxing titles in different weight divisions mostly in convincing fashions.

No. 2 Muhammad Ali

He may be the self-proclaimed greatest fighter of all-time but many people were thrilled with his fighting style dubbed as "floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee." Ali is considered as one of boxing's icons and his popularity no doubt had revolutionized the game of boxing.

No. 1 Rocky Marciano

Retiring with a perfect record is definitely an envy of every boxer. Although Floyd Mayweather had retired unscathed as well, Rocky did not avoid anyone in his time. He had fought every worthy heavyweight and convincingly won every single fight until his retirement. His feat will definitely hard to duplicate and it will probably remain unmatched for many more decades.

After De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao Should Fight Juan Manuel Marquez

Elmer Crisostomo — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:46:10 -0400

After scoring an explosive win against Casamayor in his lightweight debut, Juan Manuel Marquez, who has been desperately trying to forge a third fight with WBC Lightweight Champion Manny Pacquiao, proved that he deserves to be among the candidates that Manny will consider for the last two fights of his career.

In his sensational win against the erstwhile 'unfloored' Cuban linear lightweight champion, Juan Manuel showcased his wide array of boxing skills that should propel him a notch higher in the pound-for-pound rankings.

A third fight against Pacquiao just became a must-see for all serious boxing lovers who are probably willing to set aside a possible Pacquiao-Hatton megafight in the offing.

Marquez isn't getting any younger; at 35, delaying a third fight that could ultimately answer every possible question about their two controversial bouts, will prove to be anticlimax for legions of boxing fans.

Having resurrected the sport to a respectable level it has today, their looming battle will definitely be an ultimate fight that will decide once and for all who's really the best boxer in the planet.

On the part of Manny Pacquiao, not having faced Marquez for a third time will definitely put a stain in his quest to be the best boxer of all time.

He'll definitely gain more in winning against Marquez, who is one of the best Mexican fighters today, than scoring a victory over the title-less Ricky Hatton.

The no.1 pound-for-pound boxer must silence those who claim that the Pacman will try his best to avoid a Marquez path.

Is There Any Hope Left in Sports for Manny Pacquiao's Country?

Elmer Crisostomo — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:12:11 -0400

Even with sporting legends such as Manny Pacquiao of boxing, Efren "The Magician" Reyes of billiards, Paeng Nepomuceno of bowling, and Eugene Torre of chess, my country, the Philippines, has yet to win a gold medal in the Olympics.

Most people are blaming it on being a third-world country. They say our government doesn't allocate enough funds for our national athletes. In a nation where more than 80% of its people are living on less than a dollar a day, how can anyone expect to throw away a sum of money for athletes who just "play" when millions are starving?

But anyone with a sane mind doesn't buy that. The fastest man in the planet comes from a third world country.

A number of experts insist that we don't have a huge pool of talents to choose our athletes from unlike China which has at least a billion people at its disposal.

Anyone who is not mentally troubled doesn't buy that. A country with a population of barely a million has already won a gold medal.

Some say Filipinos' physical make-up is a big disadvantage. The Americans and the Europeans are giants when compared to us.

We don't buy that either, as our neighbors like Thailand and Indonesia, which nearly resemble us physically, have been having their national anthems played regularly in the Olympics. And if that argument is true, we wouldn't have had a No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the planet today.

So, what ails Philippines sports?

The chief cause of our miseries are the politicians who are in charge of Philippine sports. With their own selfish interests in mind, they make use of our athletes for their personal gains.

They even often quarrel among themselves, greatly affecting the morale of the athletes under their care.

They are the ones who take all the glory when their athletes perform well but are the same ones who blame everybody else but themselves when the athletes fail to bring home medals.

Is there still hope for us?

Ordinary people like me who has a deep passion for sports are holding on to the slimmest of hope still left.

Someday, our national anthem will be played in the Olympics too.

Did the NBA Degrade the Game of Basketball?

Elmer Crisostomo — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:10:46 -0400

NBA basketball is first and foremost a league for sports entertainment. Through the years, it has devised and used its own rules to uplift the entertainment value of the game and, in the process, won millions of fans worldwide.

Consequently, a lot of people have put NBA players on a pedestal, treating them as stars.

But when the rest of the world finally caught up with the American players and even began to beat them in international competitions, the league had to adjust its rules, because having their superstars beaten was definitely far from entertaining to NBA fans.

So, if the real competitive basketball is the FIBA-sanctioned tournaments, did the NBA actually degraded the game of basketball by using a different set of rules through the years?

And now that the league is slowly but surely reverting to the FIBA rules, is it rectifying the mistakes it committed against the game of basketball?

Had the NBA adopted the international rules right from its inception, would fans have enjoyed a higher level of basketball?

Who Can Stop the Celtics from Repeating?

Elmer Crisostomo — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:03:18 -0400

Although Kevin Garnett and company had struggled a bit in the earlier phases of the playoffs, the Boston Celtics easily won the championship against the team of the best player in the planet and their arch-rival, the Los Angeles Lakers, to reestablish the ground works for the dreaded Celtic dynasty.

As the season 2008-2009 begins, the question on everyone's mind is, "Is there any team that can prevent another Boston domination?"

Los Angeles Lakers

Being still basketball's pound-for-pound best player, Kobe Bryant cannot easily forget about the sound beating he and his Lakers had gotten in the NBA finals.

The gold medal he helped won for the US may have eased the pain a little, but, for sure he just can't wait for a vengeance.

A healthy Bynum could be the missing piece of the puzzle for the Lakers this year and if he successfully return to the deadly form he had prior to his injury, another blockbuster Celtics-Lakers finale is in the offing.

Phoenix Suns

When Phoenix Suns traded for Shaq, they had expected to solve the match-up problems they had against teams with great centers. But they realized that their haste made waste as they got booted out right in the first round of the playoffs.

The management may have become a bit impatient when they let go of their coach who turned Phoenix into a competitive team. But the fruits of getting Shaq in their fold are bound to be harvested starting this season.

But whether they will prevent a Boston-LA part II remains a big question.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Everybody expects LeBron James to at least win a championship ring in his NBA career.

A couple of years ago, the kid had experienced what it was like playing in the finals. Even if Tim Duncan made it a bitter one.

With another year added to his maturity and the boost he got from winning a gold medal, James will surely do everything to at least get a second crack at NBA glory.

San Antonio Spurs

Tim Duncan and company have been winning the championship every other year. With this trend, it's only logical they didn't win last year.

And this year, the Larry O'Brien trophy is supposed to end up in San Antonio if the pattern continues.

The coming season for the aging San Antonio Spurs could be another breakthrough. Or it could lead to a break up of its nucleus at the end of the year.

Kobe Bryant's Sweet Redemption in Beijing

Elmer Crisostomo — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:16:37 -0400

Spain was within two points with barely three minutes to go in the basketball gold medal game, with bitter memories of the USA's debacle in the last three world caging tilts starting to haunt the Redeem Team. Kobe Bryant, badly wanting the ball in his hands, calmly took a pass and coldly sank a three-pointer that broke the defending world champions' back.

Had he missed, it would most likely have been another monumental collapse. But thanks to the courage of the best cager in the planet, Bryant took it upon himself and completed the great American redemption in basketball.

Nobody from the past three Olympic teams dared to take that chance. Most of them passed off important shots down the stretch because nobody had the courage to take risks. Consequently, they went down, literally and figuratively, in the history as the first all-NBA team who failed to bring all the marbles in caging.

Those humiliating losses just made the likes of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Kobe Bryant more determined and hungry.

Their nationalism had to come out ahead of anything else and so they responded to the challenge without reservations, unlike some of their predecessors who totally gave it all up when they had experienced stinging losses.

More importantly, they learned that basketball is still a team game. Although, there were many instances when they still played individually, the 2008 Redeem Team came out as the best "team" ever. They really played as a team.

Spain was not able to take advantage of the "secret" in dismantling an all-professional basketball team. They were not able to play perfect basketball for 40 minutes.

The formula just got harder this time, though. With the way Kobe and company played, now it would probably take more than a perfect game to bring down Team USA.

And now that the Olympic gold medal is back where it rightfully belongs, it will probably be a while before Team USA loses it again.

Manny Pacquiao To End Up as the Greatest Fighter of All Time?

Elmer Crisostomo — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:08:53 -0400

Only a couple of months ago, the great debate in the Philippines was about who the greatest Filipino boxer of all time is, and it’s a toss up between the Pacman and Gabriel “Flash” Elorde.

But with Manny winning his fourth title in a fourth weight division, and having prospects of fighting De la Hoya, Hatton, and Mayweather as his three last assignments before hanging his gloves for good, he is now in a position to give the likes of Muhammad Ali, Rocky Marciano, and Sugar Ray Robinson a run for their own money as the greatest fighter of all-time.

His fight against Oscar De la Hoya will definitely break all-time records in pay-per-view sales. His battle against Ricky Hatton will surely break all-time records in live attendance if it is held in England. And his mayhem with Mayweather will definitely break the last walls separating Manny from Muhammad Ali and company.

However, for his name to be mentioned in the same breath with these all-time boxing greats, the pride of the Philippines must first defy great odds to score impressive victories against the said three future hall-of-famers in thrilling record-breaking fights where he stands to earn at least 50 million dollars (approximately two billion pesos).

The feat is not close to impossible though as the Pacman performs better when the odds are stacked against him. With his big fighting heart, his powerful right and left fists, newly-developed ring savvy, and his faith in God and himself, everything is possible for the man who carries the hopes of millions in his shoulders.

Should he fail, Manny would have to settle for the record of being the first Filipino billionaire athlete, though.

Billionaire Manny Pacquiao to Retire as One of the Greatest Boxers of All Time

Elmer Crisostomo — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 19:54:53 -0400

Only a couple of months ago, the great debate in the Philippines was about who the greatest Filipino boxer of all time is, and it’s a toss up between the Pacman and Gabriel “Flash” Elorde.

But with Manny winning his fourth title in a fourth weight division, and having prospects of fighting Dela Hoya, Hatton, and Mayweather as his three last assignments before hanging his gloves for good, he is now in a position to give the likes of Muhammad Ali, Rocky Marciano, and Sugar Ray Robinson a run for their own money as the greatest fighter of all-time.

His fight against Oscar Dela Hoya will definitely break all-time records in pay-per-view sales. His battle against Ricky Hatton will surely break all-time records in live attendance if it is held in England. And his mayhem with Mayweather will definitely break the last walls separating Manny from Muhammad Ali and company.

The feat is not close to impossible though as the Pacman performs better when the odds are stacked against him. With his big fighting heart, his powerful right and left fists, newly-developed ring savvy, and his faith in God and himself everything is possible for the man who carries the hopes of millions in his shoulders.

Should he fail, Manny would have to settle for the record of being the first Filipino billionaire athlete, though.

No Redemption in Beijing for the US ‘Redeem Team’

Elmer Crisostomo — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:55:39 -0400

LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd, and the rest of the USA men’s basketball team will surely be standing at the podium receiving their medals at the end of the Olympic Games, but there will be no Star Spangled Banner to be heard in the background.

Although this year’s team is the most prepared all-pro USA national squad ever assembled, some factors will still stand in their way of redeeming the great American pride in basketball...

NBA Superstars Can’t Pull the Trigger When the Game is on the Line

Most of the current NBA players on the roster may have scored winning baskets in the world’s premiere league, but international basketball is an entirely different matter.

In the crucial games they had lost in Athens, Allen Iverson couldn’t even connect on a shot he had been easily making in the NBA. And Tim Duncan couldn’t be at his usual smartest self in their most important games four years ago.

With the two of their best players then not returning now, it’s a wonder who would take the ball in his hands and deliver crucial baskets when a shot at the gold medal is at stake.

They Wouldn’t Risk Their Multi-Million-Dollar Contracts

If LeBron James literally breaks a leg, heaven forbid, what about his being on track to becoming the first billionaire athlete? What would happen to Los Angeles Lakers’ bid on a return trip in the finals if Kobe seriously injures himself? Would the Orlando Magic be the same again if Dwight Howard suffers a career-threatening injury?

They may successfully block these thoughts off their heads but these concerns in their sub-conscious minds will surely prevent them from diving for loose balls.

Basketball is Still a Team Game

This group of basketball superstars may have an overwhelming advantage in every position over any of the countries competing, but it is still the best ‘team’ out there who will win in the end. Teamwork is not a thing that can be developed overnight. Besides, lack of it can never be compensated even with superior individual match-up edge.

They may have tons of NBA experiences combined, but how about as a team?

International Teams Already Have their Numbers

When Jordan, Magic, Bird, and company had shown that the USA and the rest of the world were worlds apart, it looked like the Americans would never lose a basketball game ever again. But through the years, the average margins have dwindled until they finally got beat.

The world had realized that there’s a secret to dealing a Dream Team a loss and it had already been figured out in two world championships and the in last Olympics. And with the Team USA not making major adjustments this time, the formula is still going to work in Beijing.

LeBron’s Boast Will Add to their Burdens

As an aftermath of the 2004 Dream Team’s nightmare finish in Athens, Kirk Hinrich feared that “Americans would kill them after failing to bring the gold medal home”. I wonder what LeBron James would say when he and his multi-millionaire teammates fail to bring home his ‘guaranteed’ gold medal this time.

They may have been annihilating all their opponents in exhibition games in preparation for their Olympic stint, but by the time the quarterfinals or semifinals of the ‘real’ games in Beijing come around, living up to James’ big talk will surely add more pressure on the ‘Redeem Team’ as they go up against fired-up and more cohesive opponents.

Of course, being a big NBA fan who lives in a basketball crazy country, I’d be glad to be proven wrong.

Underrated Steve Nash Will Quietly Lead Phoenix to the Top

Elmer Crisostomo — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:49:58 -0400

Not so many NBA players, past and present, can easily win a back-to-back regular season MVP awards, not even the highly fancied LeBron James (with all the hype, he still has to win one) nor the little scoring machine Allen Iverson. So, when the likes of the underrated Steve Nash does, it doesn't create much noise.

Started as a third-string point guard in Phoenix many years ago, Steve didn't show any sign that he would be the legitimate NBA superstar that he is today. He slowly worked his way to the top with his deep understanding of the game and his passion for revolutionizing it.

A former soccer player, he has one of the most effective ball control in the league and his knack for looking for the open man is one of most point guards' envies.

One greatness he has easily accomplished is his ability to make his teammates better. Dirk Nowitzki couldn't have been the player he is today had not for having Nash as his teammate. When Amare Stoudemire returned from injury, his road to getting his old form was made easy by Steve's feeds.

Many players like Raja Bell emerged in NBA fans' consciousness thanks to the two-time MVP's quarterbacking.

Although this future hall-of-famer has yet to win a championship ring, he will surely win one before his playing days are over. It's just a matter of finding the right mix. They should contend this year as the Shaq factor is expected to sink in.

Steve Nash's Phoenix Suns will stop the Boston Celtics from winning their 18th banner.

Floyd Mayweather to Unretire for Money and Manny?

Elmer Crisostomo — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:45:10 -0400

With Manny edging out (or just barely losing to) Oscar in December and hitting the Hitman with his blinding speed and power shots next year, a potential fight to decide who really is the best boxer on the planet would make Mayweather salivate for reactivation.

Although it's too early to look forward to that would-be fight of the decade or even century, all roads seem to point in that explosive direction. It would definitely give boxing fans the biggest treat of their lives.

First, the Pacman, who has devoured the biggest names in the ring with his power, fearlessness, and, lately, finesse, proved that his vaunted fists don't just dominate in the lower weight divisions. The pride of the Philippines proved this in his annihilation of the former lightweight champ, David Diaz.

His domination erased the short-lived little doubts about his moving up. It validated that he'll most likely improve his power as he moves up to heavier divisions. So when he fights the Money Man at 140, Pacquiao will surely have enough explosives in his fists to force Floyd to be at his most defensive and avoid a slugfest.

Second, Mayweather's inactivity will shorten his edge over the current No. 1 pound-for-pound. Two years ago, the fight between them was almost a no-brainer.

But with a turn of events, the impossible becomes doable. Floyd would no longer be overwhelmingly favored in a match between the two. His more than a year absence in the ring will work in Pacquiao's favor and the Filipino will really have a chance at a mighty upset.

Third, it will be more than thrilling to see their contrasting styles at work in the ring. It is expected be one of the most watched boxing matches of all time, with the best offense facing the best defense.

Mayweather will definitely be the heavy favorite in this fight, but an upset will also be probable. The biggest mistake that Floyd could make would be to engage Pacquiao in a slugfest.

He would have to utilize as many tricks as he could to avoid a confrontation with the more powerful and faster opponent and stay away from Pacman's path. In order to reclaim his place on the pound-for-pound list, he has to fight the most intelligent battle of his career and hope that the fight would go the distance.

His concentration must exclusively be on avoiding Manny's hay-maker and filing as many points as he can. Nothing must distract him in the ring—not even the expected loud boos from the crowd of probably over 20,000.