Pacquiao vs Mayweather AKA Chavez-Whitaker II? -- 8CountNews

By Cyrille Panadero, 8CountNews.com

While the world eagerly anticipates a clash between two of the world’s best fighters, the possible outcomes of that fight continues to run rampant in the minds of sports fans everywhere. Since Mayweather’s return to the squared circle and Pacquiao’s destruction of then WBO Welterweight Champion, Miguel Cotto, the two have been unavoidably linked together like white on rice, or Antonio Margarito and plaster. They have been the discussion of every boxing scribe, every sports fan, the topic of news articles and sports headlines – and that’s not an exaggeration, not even close. What makes the fight so appealing is the uncertainty of the bout. With past Mayweather or Pacquiao fights it wasn’t hard to bet in favour of either men, but this time it’s split down the middle. First of all, will the fight ever be made official? Who will prevail at the end of the night? Will Pacquiao’s aggression, punch output and the hopes and prayers of an entire nation prevail? Or will Mayweather’s slick defence and super human reflexes once again prove too much? Many have their opinions and takes on what may happen, but until we hear the opening bell and witness the two touch gloves one last time at the centre of the ring before dancing off to the rhythm of the sweet science we will never know.

Picture 65,000 screaming fans, 60,000 of them proudly cheering on their national hero. The atmosphere inside the Texas stadium is intense, as one fighter will finally emerge as the rightful undisputed bearer of boxing’s pound for pound throne. One fighter is riding one of boxing’s greatest winning streaks and is known for his relentless assaults and punching power. The other is a skilled boxer who is well regarded as one of boxing’s most talented defenders. No, this isn’t a drug induced vision of the Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight, but an event that occured September 10th, 1993 between Julio Cesar Chavez and Pernell Whitaker. Regarded as one of the best fights of the decade, it is also the closest depiction of what may occur when Pacquiao and Mayweather finally meet. While Pacquiao has developed his arsenal since his rematch with Marquez, he and Chavez both fight a fan friendly style. Whitaker on the other hand, other than being a southpaw, is the closest resemblance to Floyd Mayweather in terms of defensive ability, ring IQ and quickness you will find. Both fighters are separated by a two year age difference (similar to Pacquiao and Mayewather) and at the time of the fight, both were at the peak of their careers.

The bout began with Chavez coming out fast, putting constant pressure on Whitaker, making him unable to find his rhythm. Chavez decisively won the early rounds with his work rate alone; however, Whitaker eventually began to draw the fight to a pace he could comfortably worked at. While Chavez continued to stalk Whitaker, he would see himself continuously walking into Whitaker jabs and straight lefts followed by a clinch. Whitaker also did something no one has been able to do in Chavez’ career up to that point: beat him at his own inside game. Whitaker’s sharp punching accuracy as Chavez walked in made it hard for Chavez to stay competitive. However, he continued dictating the pace and forcing the action on Whitaker who had no choice but to run and clinch all night.

What makes the Whitaker-Chavez fight so intriguing when comparing the potential Pac-Floyd mega clash is the fighters’ similarities. Chances are, Pacquiao will be coming forward and forcing the fight on Mayweather. Also, it is more than likely that Mayweather will use his foot speed and defensive tactics to try and get Pacquiao out of position before unleashing short combinations followed by a clinch. With that being said, while the fighters emulate each other in several ways, it doesn’t change the fact they still remain different. Although it is sacrilegious for me to say this due to my Filipino heritage, I do believe that Mayweather’s punching accuracy combined with Pacquiao’s holes defensively will lead to a Mayweather victory when they collide. But who knows, maybe Pacquiao can prove me wrong like he did the night he battered De La Hoya into premature retirement. And though I lean toward a Floyd decision, nothing would make me happier than to witness Manny’s control the tempo and carry Floyd into unchartered waters we haven’t witnessed since Floyd’s first encounter with Jose Castillo. Or perhaps we may even see a draw which would undoubtedly draw higher revenue and demands than the first fight. Will the aggressor vs the defensive wiz pan out into a Chavez-Whitaker part II? Or will the bible prophecies of the New Testament come into fruition and reveal that earth’s villain will finally be defeated? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

Source: 8countnews.com