Manny Pacquiao: 15 Things We'd Like To Learn From 24/7 Pacquiao/Margarito
The very first episode of HBO Sports’ “24/7 Pacquiao/Margarito” aired on Saturday evening, Oct. 23, giving fans an opening-night insight of what’s to come this season.
According to wire reports, HBO’s “24/7,” winner of 12 Sports Emmy Awards, returned on Saturday with its ninth boxing installment—featuring an in-depth look at elite fighters Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito.
The HBO Sports program began by airing episode No. 1 of four on Saturday night, giving viewers an all-access pass to Pacquiao and Margarito leading up to a championship bout at Texas’ Cowboys Stadium on Nov. 13.
With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at 15 things we’d like to learn from “24/7 Pacquiao/Margarito.”
No. 15: Nickname Battles—“Pac-Man” Vs. “Tijuana Tornado”
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Who’s got a better nickname, Manny Pacquiao or Antonio Margarito?
Pacquiao, a Filipino fighting champion and legend, is known as “Pac-Man.”
Mexico’s Margarito, meanwhile, is commonly called “Tijuana Tornado.”
And swinging in at No. 15 in this week’s slideshow focusing on HBO’s “24/7 Pacquiao/Margarito” is a nickname battle.
Who wins: Pac-Man, or Tijuana Tornado?
No. 14: Who Has More Focus—Manny Pacquiao or Antonio Margarito?
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From Manny Pacquiao’s so-called charm to Antonio Margarito’s fear tactics, one of the biggest questions surrounding these fighters is: who has more focus?
For Pacquiao, outside of a few fights-that-should-have-been, should be able to remain grounded and focused on the fight at hand.
However, it’s a different story for Margarito—aiming to bounce back after going from the top to the bottom; and now once again attempting to rise to the top.
No. 13: Will Manny Pacquiao, 7-Division Boxing Champ, Live Up to Hype?
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Spanning nine years through a trainer/fighter relationship, Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao have a remarkable relationship.
Many wonder, though: can the Filipino fighter/Congressman live up to the hype in his upcoming Nov. 13 fight against Antonio Margarito?
If you want my opinion, yes—he can.
And he also will.
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No. 12: Who Will Have the Edge Heading Into Nov. 13 Title Fight?
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With three episodes remaining leading up to that Cowboys Stadium championship bout on Nov. 13 in Arlington, Texas, many have to wonder: who will have the edge heading into that title fight?
Based on one HBO “24/7” episode—along with background interviews, fights, and stats—I believe Manny Pacquiao absolutely has the edge with the Nov. 13 bout just three episodes from reality.
Sure, things could change between now and then.
But edge? It’s not even close…
No. 11: Training Time—Who’s Stronger En Route to Texas’ Cowboys Stadium?
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Looking at these two completely different fighters, with two completely different stories of growth from no-name to future-fame, one of the biggest questions surrounding HBO’s “24/7” show is: who is stronger en route to Texas’ Cowboys Stadium?
It’s tough to say this early on—but based on pre-show interviews and video highlights of both boxer’s prior fights, I believe Manny Pacquiao has the strength edge heading into the title bout on November 13.
Does that mean things can’t change between now and then?
Absolutely not, but Antonio Margarito has a tough road ahead if he truly aims to return to boxing glory and defeat Pacquiao…
No. 10: Can Manny Pacquiao Still Show Desire to Train Consistently?
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Another issue surrounding the upcoming bout between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito has to do with the Filipino fighter’s desire to train.
Can Pacquiao, and will he, consistently train leading up to the Nov. 13 bout with Margarito at Texas’ Cowboys Stadium?
Based on early results, I’d say yes—Pacquiao appears focused and ready for the task at hand, including any in-depth training that may be needed prior to the championship fight in mid-November.
No. 9: Can Manny Pacquiao, Antonio Margarito Show Passion for the Sport?
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Passion for boxing is one thing. But cheating is a completely different story.
Yes, apparently Antonio Margarito did not know about any violations he was committing in regards to a plaster found in his gloves (something we’ll discuss in a little more detail later); but do you believe him?
Regardless of whether Margarito knowingly cheated the game, the biggest question entering the title bout is: can these two fighters show passion for the sport?
No. 8: Has Manny Pacquiao Changed Since Becoming Congressman?
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Another major question, or something we hope to learn through HBO’s “24/7” program, surrounds Manny Pacquiao and whether he has changed since becoming a Congressman.
And if you want my immediate response or reaction to this question, my answer is short and simple: Pacquiao, whether with a label of boxer of Congressman, is a fighter.
It’s in his blood.
And Pacquiao, if anything, has become an even stronger and more well-rounded person—and fighter—since being elected to Congress…
No. 7: Has Manny Pacquiao’s Relationship with Freddie Roach Changed?
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From the fight that was supposed to be between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao to the upcoming bout with Antonio Margarito, one major question remains: has the Filipino fighter’s relationship with trainer Freddie Roach changed?
Based on what I have seen in regards to how Roach and Pacquiao react with one another one-on-one, I don’t think there is anything to be concerned about heading into the Nov. 13 bout with Antonio Margarito.
No. 6: Will Antonio Margarito Reclaim The Respect of Boxing Community?
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Did Antonio Margarito know about plaster in his gloves?
God only knows.
But if you want Manny Pacquiao’s opinion, he’ll tell you he believes Margarito had to know something was in his gloves.
And to be perfectly honest, Pacquiao’s response makes sense; how, exactly, could Margarito NOT know something illegal was in his boxing gloves?
Regardless of your view on the situation, Margarito is being given a chance to reclaim the respect he has lost in the boxing community.
Of course, it will take a win over Pacquiao to accomplish that feat.
But we’re all allowed to dream.
Even Margarito…
No. 5: Can Manny Pacquiao’s Speed Beat Antonio Margarito’s Height, Reach?
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Manny Pacquiao is faster and smarter than Antonio Margarito, regardless of his opponent being bigger and stronger.
And the quickness and brilliance factors could be deciding factors in the WBC title bout on Nov. 13 at Texas’ Cowboys Stadium.
So for those out there wondering: can Pacquiao’s speed beat Margarito’s height and reach?
Of course it can.
Pacquiao has proved so time and time again, and he’s about to prove it one more time on Nov. 13.
No. 4: What Drama Will Unravel Between Now and WBC Title Bout?
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No, not Johnny Drama from HBO’s “Entourage.”
Instead, we’re talking about REAL drama. Like the drama you see in day-to-day life and season-by-season in sports.
But from chaos such as the 1995 O.J. Simpson trial to the 2010 Brett Favre textual investigation, the sports world continues to get its dose of drama.
However, I digress.
Today, we’re talking about boxing drama—and what all will unfold between now and the Nov. 13 fighting date between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito.
What all will happen between now and then?
Only time will tell, though one thing is certain: these two can’t wait to get in the ring and fight each other…
No. 3: Can Southpaw’s Right Hand Punch KO Antonio Margarito?
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If you put all your money where Freddie Roach’s mouth is, there is absolutely no doubt whatsoever that Manny Pacquiao’s right hand punch can and will knock out Antonio Margarito.
Roach even made a similar statement when both trainers and fighters sat down for a round-table interview prior to HBO airing the first episode of “24/7.”
“I really believe it will be the right…it’s so strong now,” Roach told abs-cbnnews.com on Oct. 19.
Will Roach be right, or will the fighting southpaw's right be wrong?
No. 2: Who Will Claim the New WBC Super Welterweight Title?
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One of the biggest questions entering this season’s HBO “24/7” show revolves around the Nov. 13 boxing date and who will claim the new World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Welterweight Title.
And obviously, that has yet to be seen.
But with all the hype and hysteria leading up to the WBC title bout in November, one has to wonder: who has the advantage heading into that championship fight?
If it hasn’t already been made abundantly clear, though, my vote goes towards Manny Pacquiao—as I personally believe the Filipino fighter will out-smart and out-speed Antonio Margarito with ease at Cowboys Stadium on Nov. 13...
No. 1: Will Manny Pacquiao Win WBC Title for Fellow Filipinos?
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“The [title] fight will be for the country’s honor,” Manny Pacquiao told abs-cbnnews.com on Oct. 23.
Those words pretty much sum up what Pacquiao has in mind when he battles Antonio Margarito in a WBC Super Welterweight Title bout on Nov. 13 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
But the biggest question is, can Pacquiao live up to those words when he squares off with Margarito in mid-November.
I think you already know my answer, but watch out world.
For those doubting the true strength and resilience of Pacquiao, your questions and concerns will be answered quickly on Nov. 13 in Arlington.
Until then, who’s ready for some Texas training?
Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at denton.ramsey@gmail.com
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