Open Season for Boxing's Manny Pacquiao. Part I: Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao
Isaac Barrio - 8/15/2006
Manny Pacquiao, a little big man who had to overcome a hard knocks "Filipino" upbringing on his road to becoming one of boxing's greatest superstars . A man dubbed the "Mexican Assassin" for his ability to dispose of the great Mexican champions of the last decade. A man who is worth the equivalent of a winning lottery ticket to all the upstart boxers who are toiling away in hot gyms across the world. It is easy too see that a big black X now hangs on the back of Pacquiao and Hardcore Boxing will take a look at the rumblings and rumors of future potential match ups for the "Pac Man" Pacquiao. In part one we look at : Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao.
It would be the coveted #1 vs. #2 matches up. It would be the biggest non heavyweight fight since Felix Trinidad vs. Oscar De La Hoya. Mayweather and Pacquiao would make so much money that it would be the equivalent of a Golden Parachute for both. The question being, is it a logically possibility being that Mayweather is comfortably fighting at two weight divisions higher? The logical end falls squarely in the camp of Pacquiao. Yes, the fight can be made at a catch weight but the "catch weight" would have to be in Mayweather's favor of no less then 137-139lbs. Knowing Mayweather it may even have to be at 140lbs. The weight difference puts Pacquiao at an obvious disadvantage. Let us look at match up in depth.
Chin:
Both fighters poses granite chins.
Mayweather has been in with hard hitters Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah , and Diego Corrales . Mayweather took the best punches they had to offer and prevailed.
Pacquiao has also been in with some great bombers in Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Juan Manuel Marquez.
In the chin department it is a push. Advantage no one.
Power:
The great equalizer.
Lb4lb, Manny has more pop then Mayweather. Manny has one punch knock out power. Floyd has brittle hands that tend to break.
Advantage Pacquiao (Note: Pacquiao's power is unproven at the weight they may fight at so in "real time" it may not be an advanatge at all)
Speed:
Both fighters are extremely... no...impossibly fast with their hands. I really cannot call winner in this category. A very slight edge may belong to Mayweather, but it is not enough to declare him faster.
Advantage No One
Defense:
Easy call here.
Pacquiao gets hit with everything and Mayweather rolls his shoulders, uses his feet, and makes you flat out miss.
Advantage Mayweather.
Experience:
As is in the case of the power category plays equally in this category. Both fighters have been in big fights.
Advantage No One
Heart:
Easy call here.
Mayweather is defense first. Pacquiao holds nothing back and is all go. Pacquiao will fight anyone anywhere. Mayweather has a reputation of not taking on the best available to him.
Advantage Pacquiao
Intangibles and Outcome:
The biggest intangibles are the level of boxing skill and the huge weight difference. It is a pair of differences that Pacquiao cannot over come. Mayweather would be the stronger of the two and would end up dominating Pacquiao by using his defense and angles. In order to beat Mayweather you need to bully and pressure him, Pacquiao does not have the strength to pressure Mayweather. Castillo has the build and fighting style of a bully and that is why many think he beat Mayweather. Pacquiao is fast and annoying but lacks the strength.
In the match up that everyone and their mother want to see I would take Mayweather by wide Unanimous Decision. Rarely does power trump skill.
In part II, Hardcore Boxing takes a look at Diego Corrales vs. Manny Pacquiao.
