History Vs. Redemption

            Few more days and that issue would be settled. And since there would only be one man left standing after the fight in the ring, it could either be Margarito who would stand redeeming the lost prestige of fearsome Mexican boxers probably carving a niche as Mannycutioner. Or it could be as usual Manny the Pacman adding 8^th world title in 154 pounds to his  already stellar and storied 15 years boxing career and still counting. ”That’s my role in history. Fighting bigger guys  in as many higher division.,” he lately emphasized in his training in Wildcat Gym. Is this not too much for Pacman? What’s  your take man?

Unfortunately for Manny, Margarito could be his toughest opponent. Apparently, it’s all glory and nothing to lose for bigger  Margarito as he vowed to knockout Manny in the 11^th round. His built and height simply tells it all dwarfing in fact Pacquiao looking like a new  kid in the block in their photogig. He has too the perfect body for a boxer –wide torso and small but hard breadbasket like a menacing bat- .Of course the chance to prove that he’s one of the best in his class is another important variable to boot not to mention handsome dividend for his purse.

Well taken.  But that if he could weather the blistering pace and blinding speed of Pacman’s hands.  If not, then he would not last 6 rounds fearless forecast  estimate by Freddie Roach. Not only that, Margarito has to prove many  boxing analysts and fans’ verdict wrong. Legendary Ray Sugar Leonard, Laila Ali and even artist Kenya West are all for Manny. From the latest survey, it’s in fact an overwhelming  6 and 1/2 to 1 for Manny.  And what the fight would be like among thousands of online voters from boxing observers and enthusiast.  I voted for  semblance of Manny-Cotto bout taking the cue from Bob Arum’s pronouncement of Margarito’s bull-strong and unwavering offensive hell-break loose stance as fighter. But I was dead wrong  as majority sees it having the semblance of Manny-de la Hoya fight.

There you have it. But guess who’s having the most goosebumps among his fans and training camp for his upcoming fight.  Not Mommy Dionesia whose been used to praying her rosary, not this writer and many converts after his sweet and methodical demolition of de la Hoya, not probably even PNoy, senators and his colleagues in Congress. Definitely not Al Mendoza, a true blue bodied Pacman fan win or lose. Maybe commentator Ronnie  Nathanielz who is cautious and alarmed over many appearances and appointments messing up with Manny’s top-heavy training.  Definitely never too Bob Arum who plays around for almighty dollars for both his wards.

It’s no less than his trainor Freddie Roach himself who sees Manny’s entry in politics as culprit slowly taking his urgency, focus and drive  in boxing. And just like observing de la Hoya’s failure  in firing his pistol against Mayweather losing the bout, the great coach Freddie is afraid too that Manny might not be able to execute his game plan – full throttle speed – against hungry Margarito. And incidentally he has concrete physical evidence vindicating his suspicion beyond reasonable doubt – nagging left heel injury that has slowed down Manny’s running. The cause – the use of hard shoes as celebrity and politician going places around. No wonder he’s for Manny’s retirement after this fight supporting his new career as Congressman of Sarangani. Good advice!

How about Mayweather? Count him out although Manny would like to. The guy is yet to swallow his egomania and show that he has balls in between  his legs to fight the best in the planet.

Fortunately, Manny has Bob Arum to his rescue countering Roach growing pessimism. Boxers’ lives are ridiculously complicated. That does not exclude Manny, he clears. But Manny is a genius not only in the ring but also in life as he has coped with any pressures through multitasking.  With Manny serious in his training, he’s unbeatable. Mayweather coming close only. He would be even campaigning for his friend Harry Reid, combat sports advocate as Senator in US.

 Well said and let’s see what happens comes November 14.