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!

Pacquiao vs. Cotto 24/7, A Must See

HBO made its premiere telecast of Pacquiao vs. Cotto 24/7 last October 25, 2009. Last Sunday, the 2nd part of the instalment was aired and different reactions and observations were handed down.

I personally watched the first 2 parts and I also want to impart my comments on what’s happening on both training camps.

Let’s examine first Team Pacquiao. 24/7 started showing the devastation caused by typhoon Ondoy in Baguio City, the site of the training camp of Manny Pacquiao. Because of the bad weather, they had to make several adjustments in their accustomed routine. Conditioning coach Alex Ariza made Manny swim in cold water in lieu of his morning jogging because of the rains pouring heavily in Baguio. Distractions are everywhere from the people wanting to have a glimpse of Pacquiao to the television shows he attended. HBO also showed how Manny disobey the instruction of Freddie Roach not to play basketball. The rift seems to escalate in Pacquiao camp as Roach and Manny adviser Michael Koncz continue to argue in several issues. Even Ariza had a run –in against Koncz, proof that there’s a real animosity going on in Team Pacquiao. As new typhoon Ramil moving in north direction, Freddie Roach was so concerned that they may got stuck in Baguio City. He talked to Manny and agreed to go down to Manila the following day. As they were ready to leave, an unexpected visitor came in. Senator Manny Villar arrived and sat down with Manny for several minutes. Seems irritated, Freddie now decided to interrupt the conversation and told Manny that they have to leave NOW.

Upon arrival in Manila, they went straight to Penalosa Gym for some work-outs. Days after, they are now on- board in plane to Los Angeles. There he was again greeted by a throng of fans waiting for his arrival. Roach is now at peace since Pacquiao can concentrate now at the Wild Card Gym.

Miles away from Tampa Florida, Miguel Cotto is busy mapping out his strategy against the pound for pound king. The show zero-in on Cotto’s relation with his family particularly with his wife and son. If Pacquiao’s camp was tumultuous, Cotto’s camp was relatively quiet. There were clips were HBO showed how relax team Cotto is by playing golf and swimming and diving in the pool. Past Pacquiao fights were keenly watch to unmask the weakness of their opponent. Unlike Pacquiao, Cotto preferred not to open his sparring sessions to the media although he gave some pictures of it. Cotto seems to be so focus and determined that fear might strike you while watching him.

Contrasting camps, similar purpose. Different strategies, the same goal. The final part of Pacquiao vs. Cotto 24/7 will be shown on Nov. 8, exactly a week before the main event.

I’m looking forward to the exciting finale of Pacquiao vs. Cotto 24/7!

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.?