Rather than harp on what isn't, today we revisit what is by looking at the top 3 things in favor of both men going into the fight:
MANNY PACQUIAO
1. Speed - For Manny Pacquiao, the one common denominator coming into this fight is his speed. And to take it a step further, not only his speed, but the way in which he uses it. The herky-jerky, off-beat cadence he fights at has kept more men guessing than the California State Attorney Bar Exam. His ability to mix up his assault and box in shades, then going into rapid-fire mode has left few men standing.
2. Big Fight Experience - Of the many things we hear about Pacquiao, the one stat that few ever discuss is the fact that he has more than 50 fights in his 14 year career. Of those 50+ fights, a great number have been high stakes wars. Morales (3x), Barrera (2x), Marquez (2x), and the list goes on. What is even more notable about that stat is that he he won nearly all of those, with the only question mark coming againt Marquez. That experience will undoubtedly serve him well in the heat of this battle.
3. Heart - Few in todays fight game landscape have displayed the heart of Manny Pacquiao. Not only able to walk through the fire, but typically known for starting it, his passion, Filipino pride, and humble God-fearing nature helps him to stand in a place that darkness can't touch. That heart will be on display once again as it faces perhaps the biggest test yet, against Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto. This big asset could very well become his biggest liability, as this challenge that awaits him will test him to the brink.
MIGUEL COTTO:
1. Power - Miguel Cotto is arguably, and perhaps easily the most powerful welterweight in todays welterweight division. Joshua Clottey - the only man who has faced Cotto and Margarito, who many view as the divisions most powerful punchers - said in an interview that I conducted that there's "no question" who the stronger is. Easily giving that nod to Cotto. His body punching has left far bigger men speechless and unable to move. That reality shines light on perhaps the make-or-break (no pun intended) issue in this fight.
2. Heart - This is a quality that both men share, and also one that will help decide this battle in the end. Cotto is arguably the only welterweight in todays sport that has literally taken on all comers. Mosley, Margarito, Judah, Clottey; All major players have been played by this master instrumentalist, and the unfortunate thing for some is that theirs a lot more music for him to read.
3. Chin - This is a choice that many question at first glance, but I don't think you can take this attribute away from a man who stood toe to toe with a possibly glove-loaded Antonio Margarito for a full 11 plus rounds. When he was younger and lighter, he was shaken up quite frequently, but as he evolved and his body developed, those worries became a thing of the past. We saw Mosley destroy Margarito in 9 rounds. When you consider that Cotto went toe to toe with him and Margarito, it's a bit hard to fathom a fighter (even of Pacquiao's magnitude) coming in and stopping him within the distance.
There are many other things to consider between these two, but these strengths will be on full display. The key of the fight that will neutralize both men is the ability to hold their ground. Both men are most effective coming forward.
The man who refuses to fight backwards will win the fight. The man who can't avoid going backwards will lose it. Footwoork is one thing, but cutting the ring off and trapping an opponent is another.
3 months is a long time away, but at least we know the end (of the wait) is near.
Stay tuned.
share on: facebook
No comments:
Post a Comment