Manny Pacquaio Destroys Antonio Margarito, Looks Forward to Floyd Mayweather Jr
So who's next? That's the question most boxers receive minutes after defeating the last foe. As fans we are generally selfish and before you can enjoy your present victory we want to know when will you do it again. Manny Pacquaio is no exception.
Last night he was asked about fighting Floyd Mayweather, Jr. He gave us just enough to believe the fight was still alive, but the responsibility is on his promoter.
As a boxing fan, I was impressed with Manny's performance, but was also tormented by it. It was like I seen it before, over and over and over. I'm not taking anything from what Manny accomplished last night because he was the smaller guy. What bothers me is the opponents who are always predictable, slow, and game to take punishment.
Let's take a look at what we learned about Manny's fight last night, and what it means against Floyd Mayweather.
Early Rounds
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From the opening bell, both fighters were a little reluctant to let their hands go. Margarito threw more jabs than we were accustomed to seeing from him, which was an indication he wanted to box and not brawl.
Although Manny clearly won the round Antonio looked a little more comfortable. In the first couple of rounds Manny moved backwards, evading the bigger man even when landing punches it seemed bothered Margarito.
It didn’t take long for Pacquaio to pick up the pace, and to start using his exceptional lateral movement. In the fourth round, Manny landed a body shot that nearly buckled Antonio’s knees and that’s when Manny Pacquaio clearly took over the fight.
Margarito began to receive vicious shots to the head and his already-bruised face began to swell. Then in the sixth round, Margarito caught many with a powerful body shot that clearly hurt Pac-man. Manny managed to survive and retaliate with more combinations to Antonio’s head.
Later Rounds
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During an eight round exchange, Manny was caught on the chin with a right upper-cut. Although he managed to escape he seemed a little fatigued and cautious for the remainder of the round. I must say he also proved he can still take a solid punch.
After taking a commanding lead, Manny became more reluctant to engage Margarito, but instead danced and countered the slower guy. By the eleventh round Manny was looking for the referee to stop the fight.
Antonio’s face was disfigured, both eyes were nearly closed shut and he was clearly in survival mode. Manny closed the fight just as he started it by winning the round.
Post-Fight Interview
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In his post-fight interview, Manny acknowledged Margarito strength and admitted he was shocked by his sustaining power. Manny also said he was hurt a few times and was told to play it safe in the later rounds.
He also dispelled any rumors that he was retiring from boxing. It was also clear that the energetic Filipino is still game to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. He told Max Kellerman he will fight anyone as long as his promoter can successfully negotiate the fight.
Pac-Man won a unanimous decision and his first WBC Super Welterweight title, marking his eighth title in eight different weight classes. He already held the record with seven.
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Beating Antonio Margarito Doesn’t Change Much
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For the first time, I actually felt sorry for a Manny Pacquaio opponent. Freddie Roach said he has never seen Pacquaio swell up an opponent's face like he did last night.
It may have been better if Margarito would have just let many knock him out in the early rounds. It at least would have sped up the healing process. Despite giving an excellent performance, Manny didn't win the battle that matters at the negotiating table.
The fight still fell short of producing impressive pay-per-view numbers. It also drew a smaller crowd than the Pacquaio vs. Clottey fight. With only 41,000 fans on hand, we can make the case that boxing fans want Manny to fight outside of Top Rank. If Bob Arum truly does engage in talks with Golden Boy and Floyd Mayweather Jr., he has to come correct.
Bob Arum told the press that he would try to negotiate another Floyd Mayweather fight. The question is whether Floyd’s legal woes take precedent over him negotiating a boxing match. If Floyd can avoid prison next year, he has no choice but to make this fight happen.
I think if Manny offers the 7 day cut-off for Olympic style testing, Mayweather needs to accept it.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquaio
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Although Manny Pacquaio gave a commanding performance, the boxing world still wants the answer to one question: can he beat Floyd Mayweather?
If you ask Freddie Roach that question, the answer is a resounding yes. After the fight, Roach told reporters, "Let's face it. Manny's way above him at this point, because I remember when he was ducking Margarito and he wouldn't fight him, either. If he doesn't fight Manny now, we know this guy should retire."
But Freddie Roach’s strong words and Manny continuing to fight slow, hittable targets hasn't proven he deserves the edge against Floyd. I still think Floyd would be favored in their fight. I do think the pressure is on for Mayweather to be open minded in discussions, because of public perception.
Last night proved Freddie Roach is game for playing mind games. All the rumors about Manny’s training focus proved to be promotional bull to build fight interest.
If Floyd and Manny ever decide to square off, I have to give the pre-fight war edge to Mayweather Jr. Pacquaio will resist the verbal war, while Freddie will happily engage as he has in the past. As far as fight preparation, I see neither fighter taking training camp lightly, so that’s a wash.
The Prediction
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Last night showcased Manny’s footwork and speed, but we already knew that. He also made the case that he can take punches from bigger guys. A not-so-favorable revelation is he is still hittable. Margarito lacked head movement, footwork, and speed and still managed to connect enough to hurt Manny throughout the fight.
It’s no doubt Manny has a tremendous offense attack, but his best defense is his offense. I think that’s a vulnerable and beatable attribute.
Floyd won’t stand in front of Manny with his guard up while Manny throws 5- and 6-punch combinations. Instead, he’ll be moving, changing angles and timing Manny's first punch. I will not make a fight prediction right now, but I will say I’ve never seen Floyd Mayweather lose.
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