Just 2 Rounds for the Best Pound-for-Pound!

“London bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down!” This is the chant you will hear inside the dug-out of the newly crowned IBO junior welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao right after disposing Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton in MGM Grand Las Vegas yesterday. True to his monicker, Hatton was “hit” numerous times before referee Kenny Bayless stop the fight before the 2nd round ends.
It was one of the most spectacular knock-out ever recorded by Pacman, even better than the two Morales’ stoppage. His victory extended his winning streak to 10 dating back to 2005. Pacquiao also entered the record books by winning his 5th world title since started campaigning as a light flyweight in 1995.

I’ve watched the fight in pay-per-view at Casino-Pavilion with my wife and officemates. We arrived at around 10:00 a.m. about 3 more undercards before the Pacquiao fight. I have some doubts if Manny can really beat the Manchester kid. Doubt, not of his skills but the many “firsts” associated with this fight. It will be the first time that a male singer, Martin Nievera, was tapped by Team Pacquiao to sing our National Anthem. Second, Manny’s mother Dionisia will watch the encounter right at the venue and not in the Philippines (It was reported that she wasn’t present at the MGM Grand). It was also the first time that WWE superstar Batista will be part of Manny’s entourage since he was volunteering for Pacman, 2 years ago. It was also the first time that he will be campaigning at the 140 lbs. where the Briton was considered untouchable being undefeated in 45 fights in that division. Also, this is the first time Manny will go not for a WBC belt but for the less heralded IBO title.

His devastating victory not only earned him the Ring Magazine award nor maintained his status as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world today but also cemented his name in the history of boxing. In the post-fight interview Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has this to say, “You’re seeing something that is developing. I really believed that when the full story was written, this man will be considered as the greatest fighter who ever lived”.

But where will Manny Pacquiao go after this? Does he still need to prove himself to the world? Is there any worthy opponent that could excite Manny to continue wearing his gloves? Is there any attractive pay-per-view match that could make Manny’s take bigger? Am I hearing the name Floyd Mayweather Jr.?