Case of Legitimacy

Okay, so much has been said about the latest victory of Manny Pacquiao, an 11th round TKO against Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto. We already knew what happened and almost all newspapers dissected the match from the opening bell. Experts made their blow by blow account of the bout dubbed as “Firepower” which gave us an in-depth look at the bloody match.

On my part, I want to give a little observation or something like a study of Manny Pacquiao's date with history. Aside from being heralded as the “Pound for Pound Best Fighter” in the world, he became the first boxer to win 7 titles in 7 different weight divisions.

Today, I will give my own analysis on how legitimate Pacquiao’s 7 world titles are.

ARE ALL 7 TITLES OF MANNY PACQUIAO LEGITIMATE?

Nowadays, an average boxing fan got lost because of the influx of titles or champions in every division. I myself was having a hard time figuring out what is real and what is not. I still have to compare my observation among the different perceptions of boxing gurus.

Here we go!

1. WBC Flyweight Champion (1998-’99)

In December of 1998, Manny Pacquiao knocked-out Thai Chatchai Sasakul in 8 rounds to win the WBC Flyweight title. Sasakul got the title from Yuri Arbachakov, who was regarded as the top flyweight at that time. When you beat someone who defeats the recognized #1 guy, it means that you are now the guy. Pacquiao’s belt in this division is indeed legitimate.

2. IBF Super Bantamweight Champion (2001-’03)

After losing his flyweight title, he now moves 3 divisions higher, passing the 115 & 118 lbs. He then fought reigning IBF Super Bantamweight Champion Lehlo Ledwaba and knocked him out also. Ledwaba was toting a 33-1-1 record and was regarded as a classy and talented fighter. I would say that Pacman second title is very much legitimate.

3. Ring Magazine/ Universally Recognized Featherweight Champion (2003-’05)

When Manny beat Marco Antonio Barrera in November of 2003 in 11 rounds, no title was at stake. But Barrera was the Ring Magazine Featherweight Champion at that time. Barrera locked his lofty position by beating WBC champion Erik Morales in a rematch, but he refused the belt. In this situation, we indeed ignore the rightful sanctioning bodies. Though some quarters might debate, the title that Pacquiao took away from Barrera was recognized in the boxing world.

4. WBC Super Featherweight Champion (2008)

After a bloody loss to Erik Morales in 2005, Manny had a string of victories. He downed Morales twice, repeated over Barrera and a stand-off with Juan Manuel Marquez. The two, Pacquiao and Marquez, met again this time at the 130 lbs. level and Pacquiao won the controversial fight. Despite the intrigues, we can’t argue the fact that Manny was the best Super Featherweight from 2006-’08.

5. WBC Lightweight Champion (2008)

This title is the one many experts might find debatable. David Diaz was considered as a strap holder of the belt, a description given to a champion whose claim was a bit shaky. Diaz won the “Interim WBC title” by beating Jose Armando Sta. Cruz, and was later named the organizations champion when “regular” champion Joel Casamayor was stripped. Despite Manny Paqcquiao’s masterful demolition of Diaz, many might prefer him to beat Casamayor to be considered the best Lightweight. This is still not including the unified titlist, Nate Campbell. I may also have some qualms about this particular issue but to conclude, Manny still beat a formidable champion who has a legitimate belt.

6. World Junior Welterweight Champion (2009)

No dispute probably in all corners after the 2nd round stoppage of Manny Pacquiao against a long time Junior Welterweight champion Ricky Hatton. The Hitman was a Light welterweight since his pro debut and enjoyed the claim as the best in the division since beating Kostya Tsyzu. Pacquiao’s 6th division belt was certainly a legitimate one.




7. WBO Welterweight Champion (2009)

The quest for the historic feat ended after Manny Pacquiao destroyed bona fide welterweight champion in Puerto Rican, Miguel Cotto. Despite the fact that WBO was not that prestigious as the WBC diadem, the boxing world thinks that Cotto was the best Welterweight, with apology to Shane Mosley.

In summing up, Manny’s accomplishments were a staggering feat. By beating the best in every division he conquered, Manny Pacquiao is now in the same page with the likes of Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler and Sugar Ray Leonard. Maybe even better!