Manny Pacquaio vs. Antonio Margarito: Could It Be the Fight of the Year?

Manny Pacquaio and Antonio Margarito are scheduled to square off on November 13, 2010 at Dallas Cowboy’s Stadium. Record crowds are expected and this fight should do decent pay per view numbers, despite the initial disapproval of most boxing fans. I must admit I was just as angry as most fight fans, feeling like Top Rank promotions shoved this fight down our throats. Freddie Roach has repeatedly said that this is the fight Manny wanted for a long time. I guess when you are as successful as Manny Pacquaio, you deserve the right to decide your own fate.

I must admit I’m starting to get a little excited about this fight. Nothing compared to the Manny vs. Mayweather anxiety, but it’s worth the interest. Initially, I would have made Manny Pacquaio the clear favorite. Howver, now that Margarito has shown a strong sense of urgency to revamp his career, he has made this fight a little more appealing, So much so, that I dare not try to pick the winner.

Antonio Margarito is not the easiest guy to root for following his recent illegal hand wrap incident.  He has been awarded a second chance and the opportunity to face Manny for the vacant WBC middleweight title. The fight will take place at the catch weight limit of 151 pounds, but Antonio’s camp is convinced that this won’t affect his fighters’ stamina at all. I must agree judging by how serious he has taken his training and his physical condition. I think this will be the rebirth of a boxing beast.

Many people are giving Manny the edge in this fight and it's kind of hard to argue with that assessment. There have been stories eluding to a lack of focus from Manny Pacquaio, but I seriously doubt that. Manny has never shown up to a fight not prepared, so I doubt he would ask for this fight and then take it for granted. The Fillipino warrior will be ready to go toe-to-toe with Mexico's pride, Antonio Margarito, come fight night.

If Manny Pacquiao stays true to form and comes out swinging, I think this can be the fight of the year. Margarito won’t pass up the opportunity to trade punches with Manny, so I expect an intense battle. Although Pacquaio’s trainer has predicted a knockout, I will have to disagree. I think Margarito will have the edge, if there is a knockout. I do believe that both fighters will entertain the crowd and no matter who is victorious, we will all leave feeling we got our money’s worth.

At least I hope so.