How will you remember the PacMan when he is gone? Will it be for his taking on all contenders even up to three weight classes above him? Will it be for incredible handspeed, deceptive handspeed, and brilliant knockout record?
Maybe you remember Manny as I do.. arguably the greatest 140 pound fighter of all time right next to Floyd Mayweather, a man who will have his name laced in gold when he is inducted to the Boxing Hall of Fame. Unrivaled speed and precision were Manny's strengths in his prime, and he could fell the best in division within 10 rounds. Manny is one of the greatest action fighters of all time and he is also one of the most merciful. In some fights you can see Manny giving into allowing his opponent to rest because of how much punishment he is dishing out.
An excellent example of this is against Margarito and more recently against Chris Algieri. Manny had both men pummelled, dropped, and nearly destroyed by the 10th round.. but he always let them back into the fight unecessarily. Manny at heart is a good man, and his prime goal in life now is to set the Phillipines up for a bright future. I have heard that Manny is not necessarily the greatest public official due to his fame and inability to attend crucial meetings throughout the year, but his influence remains a strong point with the people.. and that is truly what matters.
Pacquiao won't be remembered for his immaculate record, but he will be remembered as the legend who feared no man.. and who feared no loss. He took his knockouts and robberies like a man, and each time out he had the intention to return even stronger. The wars with Juan Manuel, finishing a prime Miguel Cotto, getting vengeance for the people against Margarito, the clinics he put on new aged champions and contenders in Timothy Bradley and Jessie Vargas... what else must a man do to become mythic?!
Manny is the epitome of legend, and if you don't believe me, go watch tape. If you want to learn about this man's heart, watch his wars with Morales and Marquez.. you'll be happy you did.
Comments