By now it has sunk in.
Manny Pacquiao is the greatest boxer on the planet not named Floyd Mayweather Jr. He also might be the worst singer ever to put out an album and sing in a band. Here are ten other thoughts to ponder after Pacquiao’s dismantling of Miguel Cotto.
1. Pacquiao can take a welterweight’s punch.
For me, this was the most important question coming in. How would Pacquiao react when Cotto hit him with clean shots to the head and body? Well Pacquiao laid those questions to rest in the first round when by his own admission, he set out to “feel Cotto’s power”.
Come to find out, he wasn’t all that impressed with Cotto’s power, and preceded to thump him for it. In a potential upcoming fight with Mayweather, whether or not Pacquiao can take a welterweight punch is not a question anymore.
2. Cotto was ruined by Margarito, or at least his face was.
There are two ways to look at this. The first is that Margarito ruined Cotto forever, and Cotto will never be the same physically. He took something from Cotto that night that Cotto will never get back, no matter how long he takes off or rests.
The second is that Margarito’s plaster wraps(allegedly) ruined Cotto’s face. I have watched Cotto fight for many years now, and the only times I can remember his face looking as swollen as it did Saturday night was against Margarito. His face now shows the toll of the beating he took that night. He cuts easily, and swells often. No matter the future course of his career, it seems this is a problem he will have to live, or fight with, so to speak.
3. Mayweather is backed into a corner now, he must face Pacquiao.
If you are a true fan of boxing, you have to love this. Mayweather Jr. has finally run out of options. He has to fight Pacquiao now. The public demand will be too great. The money offered will be too much. His ego won’t allow him to duck this one.
Now if it were up to him, I’m sure Mayweather would gladly fly to England to give Ricky Hatton a rematch. I’m sure he is dying to get into the ring with Chavez Jr., preferably in Mexico City. It could be billed as battle of the undefeated. Somebody’s O must go.
Good thing for fans, and perhaps for Mayweather’s legacy, he really only has two serious options now. Either he fights Pacquiao next, or fights the winner of Berto/Mosley.
4. Is Shane Mosley ever going to get a break?
After waiting a whole year to land a big fight, Mosley will have to wait probably another year to get a crack at Mayweather or Pacquiao. If he gets by Berto, and he should; he will still have to wait for Pacquiao vs. Mayweather to come together. Assuming this fight comes off in April or May, the winner most likely wouldn’t fight for another four to six months. That’s Oct. or Nov. Another year for Mosley to get older, and more tired chasing the big one.
5. Mayweather needs Pacquiao more than Pacquiao needs him.
Pacquiao is definitely in the drivers seat. He could fight any number of guys next and the world would watch. He could retire now, his legacy is secure. No one will accuse him of ducking anyone, or dodging big fights. He has taken on all comers. In many cases he has fought bigger guys. He has challenged himself on the highest levels. If he retires now, he will still be an icon and national hero in his country. He could run for office or become a movie star, and make money for years to come. Mayweather, on the other hand, has Philthy Rich Records. ‘Nuff said.
6. Pacquiao; How merciful art thou?
In two of his last three fights, Pacquiao has appeared to show mercy to his opponent. Against De La Hoya, Pacquiao seemed to back off several times and allow De La Hoya to escape the pounding he was giving him against the ropes. Saturday night, he seemed to tire of chasing Cotto around the ring and took his foot off the gas pedal late in the fight. The only reason he couldn’t show Hatton mercy was Hatton’s need to ram his head into Pacquiao’s fists repeatedly with his hands down.
7. Might Pacquiao’s next fight be his last?
If you are a fan of Pacquiao you need to really take this into consideration. Pacquiao is running out of ways to challenge himself. After a Mayweather showdown there really is little left for him to do in boxing. Maybe he fights Shane Mosley, maybe not. Even so, he is very likely only going to fight a few more times. Appreciate him now, it will be too late later.
8. What really is next for Cotto?
Did anybody else feel bad watching Cotto’s family on TV Saturday night? Seemed like every time they showed them they were cringing or turning away. I felt like cringing myself after about the seventh round. Everything after round seven was unnecessary punishment. If Cotto doesn’t retire lets hope he takes a long vacation and lets his body and mind heal from this loss.
9. Can somebody please get rid of Chavez Jr. for me?
If I could pinpoint one of the things that helps MMA take away boxing fans, its fighters like Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. He is the worst 42-0 fighter I have ever seen since Brian Nielson. If I might, let me suggest some possible challengers for the young man. Let me see, Paul Williams, Kelly Pavlik, Shane Mosley, Kermit Cintron, any of those will do for his next fight.
10. Pacquaio vs. Mayweather Jr. is the most significant fight of our generation.
It really is hard to state this any more plain than that. This fight will be the most significant fight in boxing today, and for a long time. You could say since De La Hoya vs. Trinidad, but I think this fight will be much bigger. I think this truly is the one fight you have to see. This is the Leonard vs. Hearns of our generation. This is boxing’s version of Fedor vs. Lesnar. The undefeated all-time great vs. the unstoppable force.
Last 5 posts by Bryan Trafford
- Five Things I Learned From "The Event" - March 16th, 2010
- Ten Fights I Want To See In 2010 - January 8th, 2010
- If Not Manny, Who Does Mayweather Fight Next? - January 7th, 2010
- Boxing In 2010; The Year In Preview - December 27th, 2009
- Go Hard Or Go Home: Five Fighters That Need to Step Up In 2010 - December 24th, 2009
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“Now if it were up to him, I’m sure Mayweather would gladly fly to England to give Ricky Hatton a rematch.”
Do you really believe this?
“Is Shane Mosley ever going to get a break?”
Yes, he has had super fights since 2000.
“Can somebody please get rid of Chavez Jr. for me?
If I could pinpoint one of the things that helps MMA take away boxing fans, its fighters like Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. He is the worst 42-0 fighter I have ever seen since Brian Nielson. ”
Cut the kid some slack. He is 23 years old.
New to boxing I take it.
Remember, his father had about 43 fights before facing any significant name competition as well.
- MPM
The PBF flying to England comment is absolutely true… some one is scared and I dont blame him after Sat night… Did you see that interview with Berto in the crowd? he was scared of the Pacman too.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr does stink up the joint and throw him in there with the Punisher should show his true colors if he is any good.
I dont agree with the Cotto stuff.. Did you see the shots he was taking? Any fighter would have a face like that my friend.. and any other fighter that would have taken those shots from Cotto.. well might have been a different fight, Pac’s just an animal.
Solid article sir I enjoyed… Should be a long anticipation for the fight of the century
well done. i could not agree more.
I’m so tired of these horse shit websites and blogs that are kissing Manny’s ass and hating on Floyd. I don’t understand why you can’t show Floyd some respect.
hey andrew, beacuse mayweather is a piece of shit, that is going to get dupmed by pac
by the way andrew why r u kissing gayweathers ass, hmmm make us wonder
Well I’m tired of floyd “ducking” mayweather fanboys that keep suckn his nutz! He is an over rated loud mouth who hand picks opponents and refuses to fight anyone worthy and that’s why he shouldn’t get any respect!
Hey Andrew, because Mayweather is an obnoxious, arrogant, jerk. Just like his father. Both delusional. Floyd did not want to fight Cotto because he was too scared and since Pacquiao beat Cotto, well you do the math….
the fight with pbf may not happen in may since philippine elections will be on the same month. perhaps around or in august or september. and this jives with roach’s statements that manny needs to take a long vacation.
This is comment to Andrew’s post:
Andrew, a guy who is a loudmouth and a coward and no respecter of person like your idol Mayweather does not deserve any respect at all. Or have you forgotten the golden rule?
I DON’T agree with you believing that Cotto was damaged good courtesy of Margacheato. This statement is nothing but baloney for a self-confessed boxing fan who opined otherwise. The first half of the fight clearly showed power, speed and vivacity from Cotto, and not an inferior one. If you really watched the bout how Cotto punched manny you would ask yourself how could someone take this raw power and survive it. Simply put, Pacman was too much for Cotto in ALL areas. For sure, Gayweather can’t and won’t take those shots. He’s scared of Cotto and other elite welterweights anyway.
@Andrew
It’s because your stu pid idol Floyd Gayweather Jr is a jerk, a coward and a LIAR!
And we also choose not to be fooled by that loudmouth. Now keep on believing on Floyd and kiss his butt…
Floyd is nothing, he`s nothing at all,this creature is nothing nothing PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!
To Andrew : “You’re saying you can’t understand why people can’t give Floyd some respect…blah…blah”. Well if I see turd on the street, no matter how “skillful” the way it was dumped where it lies, I’ll still see and smell turd. Got it?
Andrew, your idol Fraud Gayweather. Jr. deserves no respect. An arrogant, trash-talking, loudmouth and self-proclaimed king draw away boxing fans.
Andrew, now you know why Mayweather doesn’t get respect from any people in the boxing world; fans, experts, historian and writers alike. Its because Floyd is just nothing but a self proclaimed P4P King with no credible fights won under his name. He chose fights that are winnable and no challenge to himself. Just look at what he has done with Juan Marquez, he cheated Maaequez on the agreed weight limit and therefore overmatch because of his weight and size advantage. Now, maybe you also know why Manny Pacquaio is getting all the respect and honor duly deserve by this great champion. It’s because Pacman is an honorable man with few words but lots of balls to face all the available tough opponents in the sports he mastered with hardwork and dilligence. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to discern all these things between Pacquaio and Mayweather. You only need to open your eyes and mind, quite simple.
Pacquiao is a cheat! he used steroids! Floyd is the greatest! Floys Sr. is the greatest trainer!
Bryan, FOR SURE Manny will not be available for fights early next year because he has a bigger fight come May and this one against the Congressmen of the Philippines. His electoral machinery has already been put in place and tons of millions invested that there’s not way Manny will put it in the backburner. December Manny starts his heavy campaigning by doling out giveaways and January to April will be a very hectic time for Manny. Philippine elections are known to be very brutal and Manny cannot let his guard down for a minute. This is Manny’s dream. So earliest fight for Manny would be September or November, no earlier. THAT’S FOR SURE…
i have seen people blah blah blah
but mayweather is trah lah lah lah
In reply to Andrew: Floyd is asking for it! He’s creating enemies with his mouth! Look at this news from nowboxing dot com…”Mayweather Jr.- “Roach wants Pacquiao to fight me so he can cash out”
“You must realize Freddie Roach… each day his sickness is getting worse, so he gotta cash out as quick… as soon as possible and he knows the only road where Manny Pacquiao can make the most money is with Floyd Mayweather.”
Freddie Roach using his fighter Manny Pacquiao as a sacrificial lamb against Mayweather for his own final big payday? What an accusation by the JR.
(Talking about accusations, SR accuses of Manny of using illegal substances to enhance himself).
Good points. And yes, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is one great hype (unless he proves otherwise in his next fight). His 42-0 record is filled with unknowns. He’s probably running after his dad’s own record.
Speaking of padding records, Mayweather is a “padder” of records as well. Ra the Rugged Man said it right, if he has fought the guys Mosley, Cotto and Pacquiao fought, his 0 would probably not be there. And because of that I wouldn’t exactly call him an All Time Great.
very very nice and informative boxing article. More power Mr Author
Hey Stupid Andrew about Respect…let me tell you something kid…… If Floyd has respect for boxing or everyone…. he will get it….just like Cotto….. he may have lost the fight but we Boxing fans Love this Gentleman…. the |Man | who has The Courage of a Lion… but still remains gentle after a devastating lost…. he may have a battered face but damn he has a solid heart…. and that is not coming from a latino or Puertorican that is coming from a Pure Bisaya…mi amigo…
I can retire from being the Philippine National Hero now that Manny Pacquiao is here. All Filipinos are very proud of him.
Napaghiganti niya tayo sa mga ninuno ng mga Latinong boksingero na nang-api sa atin noong 1500-1800. I salute you Manny.
i would never let anybody from my family to marry a maywheather….. i never knew a maywheater thats sane, well i only knew 3 and all of them are so fukd up!!!
Thanks, Bryan for the nice article. You hit the nail right on the head.
As for Andrew, RESPECT must be earned. It will not come, if you will not work for it. Just tell it to your idol Floyd. ‘Hope you now know.
Hey Andrew, assholes get respect only from another asshole.
all eyes is on pacquiao’s next possible bout it could be an 8 title bout in somewh middleweight or it could be a lucrative bout with the undefeated mayweather….. damn!!!!! thats for sure the unstoppable force will always be on top of his Game!!!
Andrew -
B/c pretty boy, Sr & and his uncle/trainer Charlie Murphy just talk too much…
Good article. It is true after Mayweather Jr, Pacquiao might just retire forever. He got no one else left to fight. There is no point fighting Shane Mosley unless it is for money. Let’s hope we will see the fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather soon. It will break all the records.
Hey milagros shut up!!! either you are stupid or just plain dumbass. Read achived boxing news and find out for your illiterate self who is involved in drugs>>>>ASSHOLE
Don’t worry if Floyd whips Manny they will come up with a billion new reasons why Floyd is a coward.
uh uh well Manny wasn’t a true welterweight and uh he should have fought Mosley instead. You know why I know this people talk about the DLH fight like something Floyd shouldn’t have taken after everyone wanted to see it and probably because they thought that Floyd would lose to him and when he beat him (he did by the way anyone who scored that fight for Oscar is just a moron) they couldn’t stop making excuses for him.
their will be no fight…was it a fight when you saw floyd and marquez last september? floyd will ran around and pacman will chase him around the ring…their will be no fight..its just a cat and a mouse chase…or maybe just dancing with the stars type of show…i think pacman better fight marquez instead of floyd..
MILAGROS SOLIDARIOS: Look how stupid you are and the likes of Gayweather Sr. If what you’re accusing is true why didn’t you and Floyd Sr go to the Nevada Sports Commission and blatantly scream at their faces about their “incompetences”? You ignorant fool!
My question is:
How come GayFlo wasn’t at the fight?
Did he hide in the closet because he was so scared of Pacman?
hahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
bet you he did.
No steroids for Pacman. See below:
http://www.examiner.com/x-24959-Oakland-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m11d24-No-steroids-for-Pacquiao
so stop dreaming that Pacman is taking steroids. Pacman is one of the all-time great boxer.
Manny Pacquiao is the best boxer of all time!
I wanna see Pac vs Mayweather Sr. Anyone with me on that?
Manny (with his left hand tied on his back) can KO Floyd in less than 3 rounds
You can’t demand respect, you have to command it; to deserve and receive respect as due.
Respect comes to you from others because you pursue it by challenging yourself, by practicing your craft with passion.
Of these two fighters, who has EARNED respect?
he gave 40 million to avoid blood test!