What is Pacquiao’s Ultimate Edge?

October 24, 2009, by Reylan Loberternos, Sportales.com

“Everybody’s got a game plan until they get hit.” – Iron Mike Tyson.

Tungod, Inabanga, Bohol – Filipino pride and the world’s best fighter pound-for-pound Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) is gunning for his 50th professional victory, win an unprecedented 7th world title in as many weight divisions, and further his claim at the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) recognition, just weeks from now. His worthy adversary, Miguel Angel “Junito” Cotto (34-1-0, 27 KOs) of Puerto Rico only hopes to retain his WBO welterweight title and thwart Pacquiao’s oozing rise to boxing immortality, especially at his expense. The historic Pacquiao-Cotto showdown takes place on November 14 (November 15 Philippine time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Early in his career, Pacquiao was widely regarded as a one-dimensional fighter, who overly relied on his offense. Right now, Pacquiao has undoubtedly mastered every aspect known to the sport. Throughout his career, he has had the benefit of having lightning-quick reflexes, the stamina of a horse, and hammer-strong fists that his previous opponents had to endure and overcome. They all tried, but much more often than not, they failed.

All these imposing advantages, in one way or another, respectively form an integral part of the complete fighting machine that Pacquiao currently is. The scary part is that many boxing pundits even think that he’s still yet to reach his full potential.

Some pugs have a competitive edge in size, reach or both during fight night. Others rely much on either their speed or power, while only a handful of boxers possess both. Pacquiao, for his part, might not have had an advantage in size and reach in majority of his fights, but he has most certainly so enjoyed a considerable edge in both speed and power all throughout his entire boxing career.

But a question still lingers and remains unanswered: What is Pacquiao’s ultimate advantage? Is it his speed… his power… his conditioning… or is it something else? The great heavyweight “Iron” Mike Tyson once said, “Everybody’s got a game plan until they get hit.” That basically suggests power – in boxing, it essentially just means the ability to hurt one’s opponent. Sure thing it does apply to Pacquiao, too.

On the other hand, one item still remains largely undervalued in terms of providing him with the ultimate advantage over his opponents and that is the fact that Pacquiao enjoys a considerable psychological edge! While other boxers have to wait for the sound of the opening bell to gain the lead in a boxing match, Pacquiao’s offensive often starts even before he laces his gloves. He knows no fear whoever he shares the squared circle with, while his foes succumb to the bludgeoning pressure of his reputation. Nothing beats that… not even his speed and power.

Comments are highly appreciated. You can write them below or send them to reylanloberternos@yahoo.com.ph

***************************************

Manny Pacquiao

(Image is at http://www.sports.nfo.ph/gallery/profiles/manny-pacquiao/)

Custom Search