Hey, don’t accuse of not believing in the capability of the Pambansang Kamao.
More than most of his fanatical fans, I know Manny better.
Much better, I would say. I’ve been telling this everyone – all those who care to listen – that way back when he was still struggling to take a title in the flyweight division, I had covered Pacquiao’s exploits.
I don’t want to put doubts in your mind, though. I am just trying to make an analysis, an honest one. May I now explain why?
Contrary to what we are reading in the papers of what appears to be loosely written news articles about Adrien Broner, the guy is completely motivated to put up his best and beat the man he has idolized for years.
You see, a talented boxer aspiring to climb the pinnacle of success must be able to display his wares before the American sporting public where he would earn his spurs on the way up.
Las Vegas is the world’s boxing mecca.
It is in this arena where Manny convinced the boxing world that he was the best he could be, earning accolades as Fighter of the Decade and best pound for pound ring gladiator.
Bronner is setting his sights on the path that the Sarangani senator travelled. The chap knows he could reap millions if he gets by Pacquiao because promoters and matchmakers will be surely putting him up as a marquee fighter.
What else could motivate Broner save for this?
He has been bumped thrice off the road to boxing greatness, twice by Marcos Maidana (he fought Floyd Mayweather twice and lost both) and by Shawn Porter.
Broner should be aiming
to knock Pacquiao out to convince everyone that he is indeed among the best in
the league of champions.
Who knows? He could very
well challenge and entice Floyd to come out of retire should he be successful
against Manny.
This is what I fear
exactly. Get the drift?
Manny’s camp has been declaring he is already 100 percent fit and ready.
I actually
doubt this because the 8-division champ went into full serious training
only last December when the fight contract was sealed. Normally, it takes him
at least eight full weeks of intense training and preparation.
From there up to fight
night on January 19, that is less than 8 full weeks.
If his handlers
compressed his regimen to fulfill the training period, they should know.
But having physically
witnessed the senator’s serious work at the Senate where the Upper House
recessed just on December 12, Manny’s preparation – in my calculation
– adds up to only to five completed weeks.
Now, this is major
reason why I and many of Pacman’s legions fans want him to score an early
KO. If the fight goes the distance, he might end up the way he lost to Juan
Manuel Marquez in 2012.
Broner has had many
title matches ending the distance. His handlers will tactically go for a
counterpunching strategy to wear out Pacquiao. At 40, they know Manny is not
the same boxer who taught Oscar dela Hoya, Antonio Margarito,
Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton neat boxing lessons years ago.
Now, listen and read carefully.
If Pacquiao wants to take out Broner in five, he can do it.
Buboy, Roach et al will just have to map it out, up to the last detail. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
