Manny Pacquiao

It is now 12 days before the big fight of Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito. Like most Filipinos, I want Pacquiao to win.

I was in the U.S. during the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Oscar Dela Hoya. Although I wanted Pacquiao to win in that fight, I had much apprehension about his winning over the taller Dela Hoya. But as always, Pacquiao surprised me when he won. After the fight, people said it was a mismatch because Dela Hoya was a lot older than Pacquiao and he had to lose much weight for that fight. Then came the fight with Ricky Hatton. Hatton was known in his country to be a very good boxer. His countrymen in U.K. had so much faith in him, they came in droves to Las Vegas to watch him. But it was the biggest disillusionment in their life. Their champion was knocked down on the second round. Then came Cotto who was also bigger and taller than Manny, but he was afraid of being hit that he kept on retreating during the fight. Then Clottey, who like Cotto, was afraid of being hit by Pacquiao, did not fight, all he did was cover himself to avoid being hit. In my honest opinion, Cotto and Clottey could have fared better even if they lost, had they been more aggressive because they have the power. But they were really afraid of Pacquiao’s famous speed and power.

This time, with Margarito, Pacquiao has to do his best, he must focus because Margarito is a lot taller and stronger, aside from the fact that Margarito is a real super welterweight. I have noted the comments of Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach that Pacquiao is not focused on his training, and Bob Arum’s statement that if Pacquiao had fought Margarito two weeks ago, Pacquiao would lose. So Pacquiao must focus on his training to make his countrymen proud again. If he wins again, he will be the only boxer to have 8 titles in 8 different weight divisions and the only congressman boxer.

I really hope Manny will win again. Cheers for Manny!