By Lorne Scoggins, 8CountNews.com
As the world of boxing turns, those who follow the sport closely await the announcement of the fight that has repeatedly been referred to as “the fight the world wants to see”. If all the speculation accompanied by the occasional hint from those who are perceived to be “in the loop” is correct, the two pugilists who are regarded the very best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport will square off on November 13.
Who will come out on top if the fight does indeed push through?
Sensible Pacquiao fans hope that their guy's extreme aggressiveness, quickness and punch volume will press
Mayweather
hard enough to eventually penetrate his superior defense. Pacquiao worshipers, or “Pacnuts”, assert that there is no possible way that “Chicken Fraud Gayweather”, can beat their self-proclaimed god. No way, no how, never.
Some Pacquiao fans insist that the fight will never happen because Mayweather will duck Pacquiao. One must wonder if that's wishful thinking on their part, at least in some cases. If he does indeed duck Pacquiao, that will be another article for another day. It's evident from Pacquiao's public statements that he definitely wants the fight.
Sensible Mayweather fans hope that their guy's defensive shell, footwork and agility will protect him from Pacquiao's famous flurries, and that his speed and timing will allow him to pick Pacquiao apart one punch at a time as he continually catches him coming in. “Floydiots” say that the “one-dimensional, Pacroid” has fought a bunch of over-the-hill punching bags and that Mayweather will undoubtedly expose the “overrated” and “undeserving” Fighter of the Decade. After all, (they say), he's been knocked out before, therefore... (I don't really understand the relevancy of that point since he was an underdeveloped kid when he was knocked out.)
Let's face it, everybody has a prediction, including yours truly, but none of us know for sure how this thing will turn out. That's exactly why it's such an intriguing fight.
41 times a fighter has stepped through the ropes thinking he had the recipe to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. Pressure is the key, some thought. As they applied the pressure, Mayweather figured them out and adjusted, often making them look as though they didn't belong in the same ring with him. Virtually every boxer and trainer I've spoken to on the subject picks Mayweather to win.
Manny Pacquiao has embarrassed his share of opponents too. He has been underestimated perhaps more than any fighter in recent history. He's beaten boxers, punchers and brawlers. He has an uncanny ability to rise to the occasion and take everyone by surprise. He has one of the most unorthodox styles in boxing and he's a master at landing out-of-nowhere punches from every conceivable angle.
No matter what happens, it is almost a sure thing that somebody will win and somebody will lose. Draws are relatively rare in boxing.
What will the “Pacnuts” say if Pacquiao loses? What excuses will they have. One thing is for certain; they'll have excuses. Ridiculous ones, no doubt.
What if Pacquiao pulls off the upset? What will the “Floydiot's” say? How will they react if their undefeated hero gets an 'L' on his record, and what if that 'L' comes by way of the despised “Pacroid”? How will Floyd himself react?
There's been way too much talk. It's time for some action. Both of these fighters are great, but one of them is greater than the other. On that night, the one who wins will be the greater of the two. That's the truth. The truth is not relative to my opinion, your opinion, or anybody else's opinion. The truth does not care if you happen to worship one fighter and despise the other. The truth is just the truth, that's all.
Send comments and questions to lscoggins@8countnews.com
Source:
8countnews.com
The Associated Press
"John is the toughest fighter I've faced so far," Chavez said. "He kept the pressure on and really pushed me farther than I've been to this point in my career. But I knew coming in that he was going to be challenging, and I was happy to walk away with the victory."
