There's no denying that when Filipino sensation Manny Pacquiao fights, it's a mega-event that people want to watch. With the lack of other major superstars in the sport, he's essentially become the only show in town, garnering the attention of major celebrities who flock to the famed Wild Card Boxing Club in hopes of seeing him up close and personal. Since the retirement of Oscar De La Hoya and the inactivity of Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao has become the face of boxing, entertaining fans with each and every action-packed bout he's in. Still, for some reason, despite his success, there are those who are reluctant to give him the success he deserves. With that being said, let's take a look at some of the pros and cons surrounding Manny Pacquiao at this stage of his career.
THE PROS
- He fights!
While his recent choice of opponents has come under severe public criticism, at least you can count on Pacquiao to step into the ring a couple of times per year, unlike other supposed superstars of boxing. On a fighter's resume, perhaps just as crucial as the quality of competition is the fact that a fighter is actually fighting. Love or hate his current opposition, Pacquiao is giving the fans a fight, and with his upcoming bout being previewed on national television, he continues to bring much needed attention to the sport. - When he fights, he fights!
You'd be hard-pressed to find a Pacquiao fight that wasn't action-packed. Regardless of the lackluster degree of challenges in his recent bouts, the fight itself is anything but that as the Filipino phenom prepares for each fight as if it's the biggest one of his career. Always in shape and ready to go, Pacquiao never underestimates his opponents and reflects a true discipline to the sport by taking each challenge seriously. From the opening to final bell, Pacquiao fights every minute of every round and is never afraid of mixing it up, even if he's well ahead on the scorecards; a definite fan friendly approach. - As a human being, Manny Pacquiao is top-notch.
Growing up in seemingly unconquerable poverty, Pacquiao has conquered. From selling stolen cigarettes to survive on the streets of General Santos City to being elected as a Congressman of the Philippines, Pacquiao is the epitome of America's beloved "bootstrap theory" by defying the odds on his own accord. Furthermore, in his perseverance, he hasn't forgotten his community as he funds numerous charities and always seems to give a helping hand to those that need it. He's a true champion of his people.
- His competition.
Shane Mosley, who at one point was "too good of a fighter" at 140, has suddenly become an acceptable opponent at 147 for his upcoming May 7th bout. Go figure. In fact, none of his last five opponents were coming off significant wins or anywhere near a high point in their respective careers. It seems that Team Pacquiao is building a legacy off the names of fading superstars rather than taking on top fighters in their prime. I'd just like to see a fight without controversial catchweights, lackluster opponents, or fighters recovering from a devastating loss. Instead, have Pacquiao contest in a fight that he could potentially lose. - His fans.
Not to be confused with boxing fans that appreciate his style, this is addressed to the delusional bandwagoners that have already anointed The Pacman as "The Greatest Fighter of All Time" without actually knowing anything about some of the true greatest fighters of all time. It's happened to all the greats of our era. The Roy Jones Jr. diehards, the Trinidad fanatics, and now the Pacquiao followers have all overblown their hero's accomplishments and given more credit than is actually due. It's unfortunate that fans can actually work against the likability of a good fighter, but when you've been following the sport for the sake of the sport and suddenly hear someone raving about a fighter being better than Muhammad Ali or Sugar Ray Robinson when they've never actually seen an Ali or Robinson fight, it just gets annoying. - As a boxer, Manny Pacquiao's resume is starting to disappoint.
Not to say he hasn't done anything in the ring, but rather, he could have done more. Nobody can really knock his featherweight career, but his recent choice of opponents have cast a shadow on his former accomplishments. For once, I just wish Pacquiao would take a firm stand on who he would like to face in the ring rather than let his promoter dictate the direction of his career. With the fame and attention he's received, he could have created his own legacy to be remembered by, perhaps even breaking the ironclad grip that promoters and networks hold over the sport, but unfortunately, he seems content with letting his handlers run the show, giving no opinion of his own. Let's hope we can see something meaningful after May 7th because his last few opponents have simply been a means to increase his bank account.