TO WHOM WILL “PACMAN” PASS THE TORCH? (The Final Episode)
02 October, 2006 by Reylan Loberternos
MANNY PACQUIAO USED TO BE A “BOXER”!
Tagbilaran City, RP-Contrary to popular notion, Filipino boxing icon and pride of General Santos City Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (42-3-2, 33 KOs) used to win most of his bouts by out-boxing and out-pointing his foes early in his career. As a teenage boxing sensation, he had blinding speed, coupled with tremendous footwork and boxing skills way beyond his years. It was however two fights after Rustico Torrecampo, the lone Filipino to stop the “Pacman,” put a dent on Pacquiao’s previously immaculate record, when Manny discovered and started to maximize the power in his left hand. He then went on to rack up twelve successive victories, eleven of which did not last the distance, en route to snatching his first world championship belt from erstwhile champion, Chatchai Sasakul (56-3-0, 36 KOs) of Thailand, exactly thirteen days before his 20th birthday.
GOT "TOO" USED TO USING ONLY LEFT HAND
Pacquiao continued his left-hand-happy ways, adding another world championship belt to his waist by dethroning IBF super bantamweight champion Lehlohonolo Ledwaba (36-5-1, 23 KOs), and later on subduing future Hall-of-Famer Marco Antonio Barrera (63-4-0, 42 KOs) in eleven rounds of humiliation that “Pacman” inflicted on the “Baby-faced Assassin.” Technique finally caught up with him when he sustained an injury to his favorite fist after scoring three first-round knockdowns on Juan Manuel Marquez (45-3-1, 34 KOs). The bout ended in a draw, with Marquez counterpunching his way to retaining his WBA and IBF featherweight belts. Prior to his first encounter with Erik “El Terrible” Morales (48-4-0, 34 KOs), veteran trainer Freddie Roach worked with his prizefighter to develop a wicked punch using the right hand that they called "Manila Ice." Owing to the nasty cut suffered by Pacquiao in the fifth round of their first fight, it was, however, only in their second bout when that savage right hook was used effectively and efficiently.
WILL MANNY SHIFT BACK TO BOXING?
While it can’t be denied that Pacman’s incredibly exciting devil-may-care attitude atop the ring earned him tremendous fan following, it has also however made some boxing critics judge him as a one-dimensional fighter, especially after the draw with Marquez and the unanimous decision loss to Morales. Considering the fact that father time will one day catch up to him, or any fighter for that matter, no matter how fast or strong he may be, developing one’s boxing skills is necessary to keep pace with the younger, stronger, and faster generations whose goal is to take away his throne. Some might say that I’m speaking too soon, as Pacquiao is still yet to reach his prime. Nevertheless, wouldn’t it be great if he mastered the necessary skills earlier than later? Go figure…
"PACMAN" OUTBOXES BOXER IN LARIOS!
In his latest ring appearance, Pacquiao showcased his highly underrated boxing abilities by outfoxing former world champion Oscar “Chololo” Larios (56-5-1, 36 KOs) in twelve rounds. Except for only a scary moment in the third round, Pacquiao totally dominated Larios from pillar to post, earning him nods from boxing pundits around the globe and fortifying his stature as a multi-faceted pugilist. As Pacquiao and Morales once again engage to close their trilogy this November 18, is it a very far-fetched idea that the Pacman is going to outdo El Terrible in his own game? Or just lump him up.
YOUNG FILIPINO “BOXERS” PAR EXCELLENCE
Speaking of boxing skills, I can’t help but mention Philippines’ rising stars who excel in this department, both in the professional and amateur ranks. Names like Z “The Dream” Gorres (24-1-1, 12 KOs), former WBC flyweight champion Malcolm “Eagle Eye” Tuñacao (20-1-3, 14 KOs), and Diosdado “Prince” Gabi (27-3-1, 19 KOs) stand out in the professional scene, while guys like Joan Tipon, Harry Tañamor, and Violito Payla head the very talented amateur core. These are the kind of pugs who rely on technique to frustrate and neutralize power… guys who use their brains more than brawn.
Z’S DREAM COULD BECOME A REALITY!
Gorres, the reigning Orient & Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super flyweight champion, is one of the two ALA boys to first ink a promotional deal with Golden Boy Promotions, the other being super bantamweight sensation Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista (20-0-0, 15 KOs). Z’s solitary loss happened the night he was suffering a toothache and was obviously not in fighting condition. He was however quick to recover from that minor debacle, not losing since, piling up twelve wins highlighted by five knockouts, earning him lofty standings in various world sanctioning bodies. If plans don’t miscarry, “The Dream” is setting his sight on the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super flyweight belt currently held by Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel (32-2-1, 24 KOs) before the year ends or early next year. For the time being, according to a reliable source, Z is going to defend his OPBF super featherweight belt against a still-to-be-determined opponent on the 20th of this month in front of his hometown fans in Mandaue City, Cebu.
This article is the final episode of a three-part special.
MANNY PACQUIAO USED TO BE A “BOXER”!
Tagbilaran City, RP-Contrary to popular notion, Filipino boxing icon and pride of General Santos City Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (42-3-2, 33 KOs) used to win most of his bouts by out-boxing and out-pointing his foes early in his career. As a teenage boxing sensation, he had blinding speed, coupled with tremendous footwork and boxing skills way beyond his years. It was however two fights after Rustico Torrecampo, the lone Filipino to stop the “Pacman,” put a dent on Pacquiao’s previously immaculate record, when Manny discovered and started to maximize the power in his left hand. He then went on to rack up twelve successive victories, eleven of which did not last the distance, en route to snatching his first world championship belt from erstwhile champion, Chatchai Sasakul (56-3-0, 36 KOs) of Thailand, exactly thirteen days before his 20th birthday.
GOT "TOO" USED TO USING ONLY LEFT HAND
Pacquiao continued his left-hand-happy ways, adding another world championship belt to his waist by dethroning IBF super bantamweight champion Lehlohonolo Ledwaba (36-5-1, 23 KOs), and later on subduing future Hall-of-Famer Marco Antonio Barrera (63-4-0, 42 KOs) in eleven rounds of humiliation that “Pacman” inflicted on the “Baby-faced Assassin.” Technique finally caught up with him when he sustained an injury to his favorite fist after scoring three first-round knockdowns on Juan Manuel Marquez (45-3-1, 34 KOs). The bout ended in a draw, with Marquez counterpunching his way to retaining his WBA and IBF featherweight belts. Prior to his first encounter with Erik “El Terrible” Morales (48-4-0, 34 KOs), veteran trainer Freddie Roach worked with his prizefighter to develop a wicked punch using the right hand that they called "Manila Ice." Owing to the nasty cut suffered by Pacquiao in the fifth round of their first fight, it was, however, only in their second bout when that savage right hook was used effectively and efficiently.
WILL MANNY SHIFT BACK TO BOXING?
While it can’t be denied that Pacman’s incredibly exciting devil-may-care attitude atop the ring earned him tremendous fan following, it has also however made some boxing critics judge him as a one-dimensional fighter, especially after the draw with Marquez and the unanimous decision loss to Morales. Considering the fact that father time will one day catch up to him, or any fighter for that matter, no matter how fast or strong he may be, developing one’s boxing skills is necessary to keep pace with the younger, stronger, and faster generations whose goal is to take away his throne. Some might say that I’m speaking too soon, as Pacquiao is still yet to reach his prime. Nevertheless, wouldn’t it be great if he mastered the necessary skills earlier than later? Go figure…
"PACMAN" OUTBOXES BOXER IN LARIOS!
In his latest ring appearance, Pacquiao showcased his highly underrated boxing abilities by outfoxing former world champion Oscar “Chololo” Larios (56-5-1, 36 KOs) in twelve rounds. Except for only a scary moment in the third round, Pacquiao totally dominated Larios from pillar to post, earning him nods from boxing pundits around the globe and fortifying his stature as a multi-faceted pugilist. As Pacquiao and Morales once again engage to close their trilogy this November 18, is it a very far-fetched idea that the Pacman is going to outdo El Terrible in his own game? Or just lump him up.
YOUNG FILIPINO “BOXERS” PAR EXCELLENCE
Speaking of boxing skills, I can’t help but mention Philippines’ rising stars who excel in this department, both in the professional and amateur ranks. Names like Z “The Dream” Gorres (24-1-1, 12 KOs), former WBC flyweight champion Malcolm “Eagle Eye” Tuñacao (20-1-3, 14 KOs), and Diosdado “Prince” Gabi (27-3-1, 19 KOs) stand out in the professional scene, while guys like Joan Tipon, Harry Tañamor, and Violito Payla head the very talented amateur core. These are the kind of pugs who rely on technique to frustrate and neutralize power… guys who use their brains more than brawn.
Z’S DREAM COULD BECOME A REALITY!
Gorres, the reigning Orient & Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) super flyweight champion, is one of the two ALA boys to first ink a promotional deal with Golden Boy Promotions, the other being super bantamweight sensation Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista (20-0-0, 15 KOs). Z’s solitary loss happened the night he was suffering a toothache and was obviously not in fighting condition. He was however quick to recover from that minor debacle, not losing since, piling up twelve wins highlighted by five knockouts, earning him lofty standings in various world sanctioning bodies. If plans don’t miscarry, “The Dream” is setting his sight on the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super flyweight belt currently held by Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel (32-2-1, 24 KOs) before the year ends or early next year. For the time being, according to a reliable source, Z is going to defend his OPBF super featherweight belt against a still-to-be-determined opponent on the 20th of this month in front of his hometown fans in Mandaue City, Cebu.
This article is the final episode of a three-part special.
posted by Reylan | 1:27 PM
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