Pacquiao vs Marquez - Pacquiao won the fight against Marquez via referee decision. Referee scorecard 114-114, 116-112, 115-113 in favor to Manny Pacquiao and Pacquiao landed 176 of 578 punches.
Pacquiao says "I'm confident that I won the fight".
Many audiences expect that Juan Manuel would won the fight. During an interview with Marquez and said "This was the second robbery and this one was the worst."
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Pacquiao vs Clottey on March 2010
WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao will put his title on the line against Ghanaian Joshua Clottey in March after talks for a bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. fizzled out this week, the Filipino's promoter said on Friday.
The planned fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr. broke down when negotiations between the two sides hit a snag over the American's demand for a rigorous dope testing procedure.
Pacquiao's new opponent beat Zab Judah of the United States for the IBF Welterweight title in August 2008 and lost a split decision to Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto last June.
"This is a better fight," Bob Arum of Top Rank, Pacquiao's promoter, told Reuters in a telephone interview. "(Clottey's) a real strong, aggressive and hard punching African from Ghana and he poses a real test for Manny."
Arum said a location for the fight would be decided on Monday.
News of the Pacquiao-Clottey bout pours cold water over talk that a match with Mayweather, which was expected to be one of boxing's biggest revenue-producing fights, could be salvaged in time for March.
Mayweather Jr. had issued a statement on Thursday that said he still wanted to fight Pacquiao, but Arum said any possible fight between the two sides would have to wait.
"There's always later in the year and there's next year, it's up to Mayweather. But if he starts this nonsense again with testing or anything then let him take a walk," said Arum.
"We are not going to get into a debate with him ever again on stuff that we know nothing about and that only regulators really can understand."
Mayweather's camp had called for random blood and urine sampling prior to and after the proposed fight with Pacquiao in March.
Pacquiao agreed to have blood taken for testing before the initial media conference and immediately after the fight but would not agree to have blood drawn within 30 days of the bout.
The commission that would have overseen the fight in Las Vegas only requires urine testing.
The planned fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr. broke down when negotiations between the two sides hit a snag over the American's demand for a rigorous dope testing procedure.
Pacquiao's new opponent beat Zab Judah of the United States for the IBF Welterweight title in August 2008 and lost a split decision to Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto last June.
"This is a better fight," Bob Arum of Top Rank, Pacquiao's promoter, told Reuters in a telephone interview. "(Clottey's) a real strong, aggressive and hard punching African from Ghana and he poses a real test for Manny."
Arum said a location for the fight would be decided on Monday.
News of the Pacquiao-Clottey bout pours cold water over talk that a match with Mayweather, which was expected to be one of boxing's biggest revenue-producing fights, could be salvaged in time for March.
Mayweather Jr. had issued a statement on Thursday that said he still wanted to fight Pacquiao, but Arum said any possible fight between the two sides would have to wait.
"There's always later in the year and there's next year, it's up to Mayweather. But if he starts this nonsense again with testing or anything then let him take a walk," said Arum.
"We are not going to get into a debate with him ever again on stuff that we know nothing about and that only regulators really can understand."
Mayweather's camp had called for random blood and urine sampling prior to and after the proposed fight with Pacquiao in March.
Pacquiao agreed to have blood taken for testing before the initial media conference and immediately after the fight but would not agree to have blood drawn within 30 days of the bout.
The commission that would have overseen the fight in Las Vegas only requires urine testing.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Watch Pacquiao vs Cotto TV Live
The fight for Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto is on November 2009.
Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto dubbed as “Firepower”, is set to take place on November 14, 2009 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET. at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The much anticipated fight, Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto is set at 145-pound limit, will be shown live on HBO pay-per-view. The Pacquiao vs Cotto fight is scheduled for 12 rounds for new WBC Belt.
The showdown Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto will be at a catch weight of about 145 pounds and is promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Cotto Promotions, MGM Grand and Tecate.
WHERE TO WATCH PACQUIAO VS COTTO LIVE STREAM ONLINE?
The Pacquiao vs Cotto fight will be available in live Pay Per View while people have flocked to free live streaming online channels just like where they found websites in the results for the fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez. Now, its time for Pacquiao vs Cotto live fight that boxing fans are going to have a hard time finding free Pacquiao vs Cotto live stream. Best thing is if you already have your tickets to watch the fight live. If you can’t afford to go Las Vegas to see it LIVE, I will recommend to watch it live on HBO Pay-Per-View (PPV) to be sure of good quality streaming video.
HBO already started airing Pacquiao vs Cotto HBO 24/7 on October 24, 2009 signaling the countdown before the fight on the 14th.
Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto Fight Results will be posted here as soon as it happens.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Pacquiao Accepts Existing Offer To Fight Hatton
Pacquiao vs Hatton Offer
After a long night and as the sun glimmers in the Philippines' eastern sky Friday, Pacquiao has finally gave the nod to his team to accept the existing offer from the Hatton camp to maybe finally seal the May 2 Pacquiao-Hatton superfight at MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Pacquiao and his team are currently in Manila.
Pacquiao friend and confidant Rex 'Wakee' Salud informed PhilBoxing about the good news. The final financial deal is a 12 million dollar guarantee for Pacquiao and 52-48 PPV share in Pacquiao's favor.
The negotiation has been derailed after Pacquiao demanded a 60-40 PPV sharing in his favor from a 50-50 sharing being stipulated in the original contract. The Hatton camp countered with a 52-48 sharing in Pacquiao's favor and gave Pacquiao a Wednesday deadline to sign the contract. The fight has been called off as of yesterday when Pacquiao refused to budge as both parties issued statements blaming each other for the failed negotiation.
Over 3 bottles of beer
Pacquiao, whose playful antics would create joy and difficulty in his inner circle and this time reverberated into the boxing world by playing hard to get in the negotiation table, told Salud, who does not drink, that he would accept the contract only if Salud will down three bottles of beer. Salud, who had been trying to convince Pacquiao for days to sign the contract, was forced to drink this time around in order for the deal to be consummated.
Salud also informed that Arum was elated to hear the news that Pacquiao finally accepts the deal and that Arum may even come to the Philippines to do the press conference.
The Pacquiao-Hatton superfight on May 2 in Las Vegas is the year's most anticipated fight and is expected to sell out gate and short circuit tickets and break PPV records.
for more update on Pacquiao vs. Hatton you can visit:
Pacquiao vs Hatton Live
Manny Pacquiao PH
Manny Pacman Pacquiao
By Dong Secuya
After a long night and as the sun glimmers in the Philippines' eastern sky Friday, Pacquiao has finally gave the nod to his team to accept the existing offer from the Hatton camp to maybe finally seal the May 2 Pacquiao-Hatton superfight at MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Pacquiao and his team are currently in Manila.
Pacquiao friend and confidant Rex 'Wakee' Salud informed PhilBoxing about the good news. The final financial deal is a 12 million dollar guarantee for Pacquiao and 52-48 PPV share in Pacquiao's favor.
The negotiation has been derailed after Pacquiao demanded a 60-40 PPV sharing in his favor from a 50-50 sharing being stipulated in the original contract. The Hatton camp countered with a 52-48 sharing in Pacquiao's favor and gave Pacquiao a Wednesday deadline to sign the contract. The fight has been called off as of yesterday when Pacquiao refused to budge as both parties issued statements blaming each other for the failed negotiation.
Over 3 bottles of beer
Pacquiao, whose playful antics would create joy and difficulty in his inner circle and this time reverberated into the boxing world by playing hard to get in the negotiation table, told Salud, who does not drink, that he would accept the contract only if Salud will down three bottles of beer. Salud, who had been trying to convince Pacquiao for days to sign the contract, was forced to drink this time around in order for the deal to be consummated.
Salud also informed that Arum was elated to hear the news that Pacquiao finally accepts the deal and that Arum may even come to the Philippines to do the press conference.
The Pacquiao-Hatton superfight on May 2 in Las Vegas is the year's most anticipated fight and is expected to sell out gate and short circuit tickets and break PPV records.
for more update on Pacquiao vs. Hatton you can visit:
Pacquiao vs Hatton Live
Manny Pacquiao PH
Manny Pacman Pacquiao
By Dong Secuya
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Pacquiao vs Cotto Live Streaming Preparation
Pacquiao vs Cotto
Ever since Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KO’s) defeated Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, Manny seems to have become a little too confident in his abilities. Instead of putting things in perspective and releasing he just essentially beat two hand picked opponents; Pacquiao seems to be acting as if he beat the top fighters in boxing.
All I can say is that Pacquiao is going to be in for a big surprise when he faces Cotto on November 14th at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas. I could see Pacquiao being sky high right now had he beaten someone like Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito, Juan Manuel Marquez or Timothy Bradley in his last two fights.
I mean, those guys can still fight and have a lot talent still in them. But when you go hunt down a 36-year-old De La Hoya or someone like Hatton, a guy that was already exposed by Floyd Mayweather Jr. two years ago, then I see the wins as being empty, useless and without value. Those aren’t wins to me.
Pacquiao bypassed Bradley to fight Hatton, and then skipped over Margarito and Mosley to fight De La Hoya. Does any honestly think that De La Hoya could beat Margarito or Mosley? Of course not. Then why did Pacquiao fight De La Hoya rather than Mosley or Margarito? Was it because he was considered an easy option? What Hatton?
Does anyone honestly think that Hatton could beat Bradley? If they do, they’re severely deluded because Bradley would likely dominate Hatton just as bad as Pacquiao was if given the chance. Of course, Hatton has never given Bradley a chance at fighting him and you can bet that he never will either. In all likelihood, Bradley would literally wipe the deck with Hatton and beat him an in embarrassingly easy fight.
So in the end, things will even out because Pacquiao will be finally in with a fighter with talent, power, defensive ability and speed when he faces Cotto on November 14th. And Manny will be in for the shock of his life when he starts taking heavy shots to the hit. Cutting corners isn’t a good practice.
There’s a reason why fighters take an incremental approach to facing better opponents. It’s so that they don’t get in over their head by facing someone too good for them. The problem for Pacquiao is that he’s going from the softest of competition in fighting an old weight drained De La Hoya and past it Hatton to a fighter that is still at the top of his game in 28-year-old Cotto.
There isn’t a go between fighter like Joshua Clottey, Zab Judah or Luis Collazo to get Pacquiao ready for fighting a good welterweight. So basically Pacquiao is going from soft opposition to one of the three best fighters in the welterweight division.
And because of that, I think Pacquiao is going to get his head torn of and end up knocked out, bleeding on the canvas and wondering where he is afterwards. It will be his own fault. If Pacquiao had only fought some good guys instead of jumping over the pack to go after a quality fighter for a change in Cotto. That’s what happens when you cherry pick your opponents and take the easy path.
Cotto vs Pacquiao Live
Ever since Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KO’s) defeated Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, Manny seems to have become a little too confident in his abilities. Instead of putting things in perspective and releasing he just essentially beat two hand picked opponents; Pacquiao seems to be acting as if he beat the top fighters in boxing.
All I can say is that Pacquiao is going to be in for a big surprise when he faces Cotto on November 14th at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas. I could see Pacquiao being sky high right now had he beaten someone like Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito, Juan Manuel Marquez or Timothy Bradley in his last two fights.I mean, those guys can still fight and have a lot talent still in them. But when you go hunt down a 36-year-old De La Hoya or someone like Hatton, a guy that was already exposed by Floyd Mayweather Jr. two years ago, then I see the wins as being empty, useless and without value. Those aren’t wins to me.
Pacquiao bypassed Bradley to fight Hatton, and then skipped over Margarito and Mosley to fight De La Hoya. Does any honestly think that De La Hoya could beat Margarito or Mosley? Of course not. Then why did Pacquiao fight De La Hoya rather than Mosley or Margarito? Was it because he was considered an easy option? What Hatton?
Does anyone honestly think that Hatton could beat Bradley? If they do, they’re severely deluded because Bradley would likely dominate Hatton just as bad as Pacquiao was if given the chance. Of course, Hatton has never given Bradley a chance at fighting him and you can bet that he never will either. In all likelihood, Bradley would literally wipe the deck with Hatton and beat him an in embarrassingly easy fight.
So in the end, things will even out because Pacquiao will be finally in with a fighter with talent, power, defensive ability and speed when he faces Cotto on November 14th. And Manny will be in for the shock of his life when he starts taking heavy shots to the hit. Cutting corners isn’t a good practice.
There’s a reason why fighters take an incremental approach to facing better opponents. It’s so that they don’t get in over their head by facing someone too good for them. The problem for Pacquiao is that he’s going from the softest of competition in fighting an old weight drained De La Hoya and past it Hatton to a fighter that is still at the top of his game in 28-year-old Cotto.
There isn’t a go between fighter like Joshua Clottey, Zab Judah or Luis Collazo to get Pacquiao ready for fighting a good welterweight. So basically Pacquiao is going from soft opposition to one of the three best fighters in the welterweight division.
And because of that, I think Pacquiao is going to get his head torn of and end up knocked out, bleeding on the canvas and wondering where he is afterwards. It will be his own fault. If Pacquiao had only fought some good guys instead of jumping over the pack to go after a quality fighter for a change in Cotto. That’s what happens when you cherry pick your opponents and take the easy path.
Cotto vs Pacquiao Live
Pacquiao 2009: The fight for boxing immortality
The end of the year is here and its just a good time to look back at the year that had just ended, you know, both good and bad events, new life lessons, and the looking forward to the coming year with promise. As a boxing fan, I just couldn’t help but get excited for the possibilities of 2009. Margarito-Mosley in a few weeks, a looming Pacman-Hitman, a possible golden boy farewell and maybe, the same time next year we maybe talking about how Pacquiao dominated “Money” Mayweather.
But personally, the fight I would love to see next year is the Pacific Typhoon against the Tijuana Tornado. With the possibility that the Pacman having only three fights left before retiring for a political career, this will be the ultimate farewell fight with all the height, weight difference (especially if Margarito beats Cotto again). I can just see it, reporters asking Pacman or (maybe even Margarito himself) Will you fight Margarito? Manny will reply “It is not a problem for me, my job as a boxer is to train hard for whoever my promoter (Bob) wants me to fight”. The guy is fearless and we know he’ll fight anyone. I think he’ll even fight Marquez and Margarito at the same time, if at all possible.
The match up in paper will look lopsided in favor of the Tornado, but so was the last fight with the Golden Boy, and we all know what happened to that one. I’m sure, the usual chorus that the fight is a circus and all of that will be heard, once again. But the match up of Pacman’s speed (feet and hands) against the all angle power punches of Margarito will make for a really good fight. As I said before, this is Manny’s destiny, and he knows how this fight is going to end if it happens. This, I think is the very reason why the man is just fearless.
One of my favorite films, “When We Were Kings” chronicled the Rumble in the Jungle, the legendary Ali-Foreman fight. In one scene on the film, Ali talks about the reason that he fights is for his poor black brothers--- “to uplift the spirits of his little brother who is sleeping in concrete floors in America”, for people living in welfare and dope addicts. In another scene, he talks about having God in his mind, being the reason that he is not scared of Foreman, that with God, when he is fighting his opponent becomes “little” compared to his purpose and how he can help people with just one fight.
If this sounds all familiar, this is exactly what makes 2009 so exciting for me. Pacman seems to be the 142-pound reincarnation of this transcendent figure today. A man fighting not for himself, but for his people. We all know how “The Greatest” raised the bar, challenged and made everyone around him to be the best that they can be, from Foreman all the way to Holmes. Exactly what Manny is doing from Barrera all the way to De La Hoya.
Ali, most of all has inspired generations, regardless of their race and nationality to believe in their own selves. And today ask a Filipino, any Filipino that you know, for that matter, then you will understand. The amazing thing is it is now crossing over to all races and nationalities. There is no boxing statistic for this intangible; but it certainly measures the fight in a man.
I am not saying that the Pacman is our generations’ “greatest” but he is pretty close, and he is certainly the Philippine’s version of it. His last three fights in 2009 will certainly tell us the ultimate ending of this magnificent boxing story. Who knows? With his purpose, humility and charm, he may also put boxing back in the hearts of the people. Maybe put it back in its rightful place in sports, just before he retires. As a boxing fan, I want and I know there’s only got to be one good ending to Manny’s boxing story. It is seemingly a fate carved in boxing immortality. After 365 days, we shall all see. Happy New Year to all!
But personally, the fight I would love to see next year is the Pacific Typhoon against the Tijuana Tornado. With the possibility that the Pacman having only three fights left before retiring for a political career, this will be the ultimate farewell fight with all the height, weight difference (especially if Margarito beats Cotto again). I can just see it, reporters asking Pacman or (maybe even Margarito himself) Will you fight Margarito? Manny will reply “It is not a problem for me, my job as a boxer is to train hard for whoever my promoter (Bob) wants me to fight”. The guy is fearless and we know he’ll fight anyone. I think he’ll even fight Marquez and Margarito at the same time, if at all possible.
The match up in paper will look lopsided in favor of the Tornado, but so was the last fight with the Golden Boy, and we all know what happened to that one. I’m sure, the usual chorus that the fight is a circus and all of that will be heard, once again. But the match up of Pacman’s speed (feet and hands) against the all angle power punches of Margarito will make for a really good fight. As I said before, this is Manny’s destiny, and he knows how this fight is going to end if it happens. This, I think is the very reason why the man is just fearless.
One of my favorite films, “When We Were Kings” chronicled the Rumble in the Jungle, the legendary Ali-Foreman fight. In one scene on the film, Ali talks about the reason that he fights is for his poor black brothers--- “to uplift the spirits of his little brother who is sleeping in concrete floors in America”, for people living in welfare and dope addicts. In another scene, he talks about having God in his mind, being the reason that he is not scared of Foreman, that with God, when he is fighting his opponent becomes “little” compared to his purpose and how he can help people with just one fight.
If this sounds all familiar, this is exactly what makes 2009 so exciting for me. Pacman seems to be the 142-pound reincarnation of this transcendent figure today. A man fighting not for himself, but for his people. We all know how “The Greatest” raised the bar, challenged and made everyone around him to be the best that they can be, from Foreman all the way to Holmes. Exactly what Manny is doing from Barrera all the way to De La Hoya.
Ali, most of all has inspired generations, regardless of their race and nationality to believe in their own selves. And today ask a Filipino, any Filipino that you know, for that matter, then you will understand. The amazing thing is it is now crossing over to all races and nationalities. There is no boxing statistic for this intangible; but it certainly measures the fight in a man.
I am not saying that the Pacman is our generations’ “greatest” but he is pretty close, and he is certainly the Philippine’s version of it. His last three fights in 2009 will certainly tell us the ultimate ending of this magnificent boxing story. Who knows? With his purpose, humility and charm, he may also put boxing back in the hearts of the people. Maybe put it back in its rightful place in sports, just before he retires. As a boxing fan, I want and I know there’s only got to be one good ending to Manny’s boxing story. It is seemingly a fate carved in boxing immortality. After 365 days, we shall all see. Happy New Year to all!
Pacquiao 2009 vs. Pacquiao 2008
"The People's Champ's" retirement from boxing and entry into Philippine politics purvey a sad state for many boxing and sports fans who want to see Pacquiao's exciting fights beyond 2009. What could be a fitting eulogy for a heroic boxing career? Of one who aspires towards statesmanship?
The conveyance of the great George Washington before his death in 1799:
"I leave you with undefiled hands, an uncorrupted heart, and with ardent vows to heaven for the welfare and happiness of that country in which I and my forefathers to the third or fourth progenitor drew our first breath."
In 2010, Pacman is no more. So we anticipate. The Tazmanian Devil reverts back permanently to simply Manny Pacquiao. A return to roots, away from brutal sport, to the embrace of countrymen.
While Pacquiao was already an established and elite boxer in 2008, it was not until Manny's demolition of the (aged) Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya that etched Pacquiao in the minds of international mainstream and casual sports observers.
Prior to that fight, many - actually most - dismissed Pacman as a Kamikaze fighter on a suicide route towards an aircraft carrier base. Low and behold, it turns out that the P-43 single engine plane lodged an atomic bomb on that floating carrier base before speeding away.
2008 as Pacmania's Summit (thus far)
2008 is Pacquiao's summit - evoking comparisons to boxing immortal Henry Armstrong is not enough merely to think of it as an "accompplishment." The matter should be downright jaw dropping. Yes, Michael Jordan's two "3-peat" championships with the Chicago Bulls should not be degraded as some "accomplishment."
Or Lance Armstrong's ungodly tear on cycling despite battling cancer.
How will 2009 compare to 2008 for Manny? The answer of course depends on how 2009 shapes up for the Pacman. Of critical importance is his ability to continue to be successful in the ring given (presumably) larger opponents.
In the words of hall of fame football coach Vince Lombardi, "Live as if you were living already for the second time and as if you had acted the first time as wrongly as you are about to act now!"
Come to think of it, that thinking evokes of Nietzsche.
Critics, Crickets
A mere two years ago, the American and Philippine press exploited the (perceived) personal shortcomings of Manny Pacquiao. Critique of a world class athlete who has helped his community and country.
There is a sort of aloofness, and perhaps cruelty (intended or otherwise), in serving as a critic to a gentleman who has good intentions and who has attained a high level of station.
A baker has worked tirelessly in mastering his craft and in serving his customers superior food products and services. Because of his value to the organization, and his dedication and service, management has made him the head chef in a few short years.
Former peers, observers, kitchen workers, and other hotel personnel begin to dish out snipes at the hard-working chef, now-considered to be "obsessive compulsive," "anal-retentive," and a perfectionist - in the pejorative sense of the word.
"Be careful when he's around, or he'll snap at you." The vast majority of critics, perhaps each one, however, are unfamiliar with being the main guy himself - of what it is like being the top dog.
They have not, nor will not, undergo the tremendous work ethic and discipline necessary, day in and day out, to reach a lofty height of performance or skill level. Such is the nature of observation - the guy from the stands, content with popcorn and coke.
"Yes, Manny is a good boxer, maybe a great boxer. Will he finally be affected by all the late night partying and drinking? Does he have gambling debts? Is (supposed) womanizing being a distraction? Will the entertainment business cause his downfall? Does he still have the hunger? Will all the people surrounding and admiring him cause him to become complacent?"
Pacman resoundingly answered those questions with a stellar 2008.
Recap
His last 6 fights have involved victories over the following opponents:
Oscar de la Hoya - TKO (2008)
David Diaz - KO (2008)
Juan Manuel Marquez - Split Decision (2008)
Marco Antonio Barrera - Unanimous Decision (2007)
Jorge Solis - KO (2007)
Erik Morales - KO (2006)
As obvious to fight fans, Manny is on a historic tear and brings with him plenty of momentum as he closes out his career (unfortunately, boxing fans are likely to see a retired Manny as 2010 rolls around).
In a eulogy for Washington by close associate and fellow Continental army officer Henry Lee:
"First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life. Pious, just, humane, temperate and sincere— uniform, dignified and commanding—his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting. . . . Correct throughout, vice shuddered in his presence and virtue always felt his fostering hand. The purity of his private character gave effulgence to his public virtues. . . . Such was the man for whom our nation mourns."
The uneducated, the illiterate, the poverty stricken whose dire circumstances from the forgotten unknowns of the world, from which Manny hails from, may be unable to fully verbally express their affection for Manny. His retirement may evoke just as sincere of an emotion. Thus bringing about urgency in a prospective final year of prize fighting.
Shane Mosley (R) defeats Antonio Margarito - Mark Terrill / AP
What will 2009 bring for Pacfans and boxing fans?
May 2nd brings about a fight with junior welterweight champion Ricky "the Hitman" Hatton, a fight which Manny is favored to win. Assuming he wins that fight, boxing fans could see two more (and perhaps two last) fights in 2009.
One fight can occur in the September timeframe and yet another in December.
After Hatton, Mosley / Cotto / Valero / Marquez III / Mayweather, Jr. stand in the wings?
Welterweights Shane Mosley and Miguel Cotto, fresh off impressive victories themselves, are interested in clashing with Pacquiao. Make no mistake, these two fighters are bigger than Manny. They are both solid punchers. And unlike de la Hoya this past December, they can quickly pull that jab, body punch, and hook triggers.
With Top Rank's Bob Arum also acting as Cotto's promoter, Pacquiao vs. Cotto could happen in September. While Manny has the clear advantage in speed, movement and footwork, Cotto also has a distinct advantage in power, brute force, and ring experience with much more sizeable fighters such as Antonio Margarito.
Cotto represents a larger Ricky Hatton, and possesses sound technical boxing skills. Certainly, Manny can dart in and out of Cotto's range - and presumably, the Puerto Rican rolls forward like a German Panzer tank - with the constant threat of vicious head or body shots from Cotto.
A reasonable scenario is Manny's inability to knock out Cotto with a single punch or even effective combination. Cotto, however, with well placed, timed, and unforeseen artillery shots can stagger Manny, and seriously so if Pacman is caught by the ropes.
Fans are left to ask themselves: "Which is more impressive? Victories over Marquez, Diaz, and de la Hoya (in 2008)? Or victories over Hatton, Cotto, and Valero or Mosley (in 2009)?
Tough prospects with Mosley or Cotto
As of February, Edwin Valero seems more of a plausible opponent for Pacman than Mosley, whose size, power and speed are likely to cause the influential Freddie Roach to discourage this fight. Given Mosley's stage of his career, he is more of a super welterweight fighter than a junior welterweight fighter.
Upon close study of fight insinuations thus far, Bob Arum may likely be discouraging a Mosley fight as well. Manny is unlikely to hold any significant advantage over Sugar Shane Mosley, except for slight advantages in speed, movement, and footwork. Mosley, however, delivers tremendous punching power and hand speed, as well as, possesses superior grappling, holding, and rough housing abilities.
Miguel Cotto (R) punches Michael Jennings - Mike Segar / Reuters
Is Mayweather lurking around?
Hatton, Cotto, and Valero seem to be on par with Manny's fights with Marquez, Diaz, and de la Hoya in 2008. The X factor here is whether or not Floyd Mayweather Jr. returns to the ring and accepts Manny Pacquiao's challenge.
Such a showdown would clearly be the fight of the decade - much like Tyson vs. Holyfield or Oscar de la Hoya vs. Felix Trinidad in the 1990s. For now, we leave the former pound for pound champion Mayweather out of the picture - he is after all retired, and entitled to a well deserved respite.
For Pacquiao to top his 2008 performance, in which he earned universal Fighter of the Year honors, he will have to beat either Mosley or Mayweather. The former is an unlikely opponent, unless Manny disposes of Hatton and Cotto with relative ease. And Pretty Boy has stated his commitment to retirement.
And yet still, a victory by Juan Manuel Marquez over Juan Diaz on February 28 can undoubtedly renew calls for a Pacquiao vs. Marquez III, especially by Marquez followers.
To be sure, no critics here. We shall see. Fighters speak for themselves.
We can search for parallelism between retirement and death. Analogy. Jordan was never the same with the Wizards as when he was with the Bulls. Larry Bird the coach is not the same as Bird, the mythical leader on the court.
Fisher Ames' eulogy in 1800 of General Washington eloquently provided:
"We have seen him display as much valor as gives fame to heroes, and as consummate prudence as insures success to valor; fearless of dangers that were personal to him, hesitating and cautious when they affected his country; preferring fame before safety or repose, and duty before fame. . . . ."
Few men can attach the same attributes to self. Those that do, we look up to as models for our own circumstances.
Given Manny Pacquiao's predilection, character, and nature anything might be possible after all. Duty before all else. In reference to an earlier allusion to Sugar Shane Mosley. Might it be suicidal? Might it be a clawing of yet another peak, of lacking air and harsh conditions?
