He poses real danger, but there’s only one man who can beat Manny Pacquiao.
His name is Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines.
Not Pacquiao the congressman from Sarangani in Mindanao.
Not Pacquiao the combo star.
Not Pacquiao the basketball addict.
In fact, based on latest exclusive info from Texas, Manny Pacquiao, the boxing superhero also known as the Pacific Storm, has visibly prevailed over these three other Pacquiaos—the politician, the aspiring singing star, the basketball fanatic.
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It’s like this. Despite repeated assurances that Pacquiao was totally ready for his mega duel with Antonio Margarito, bothersome info filtered in from inside Team Pacquiao over the weekend before they left for the fight site in Arlington, Texas.
The reliable text message bared Pacquiao was still working to gain sufficient stamina:
“Kaya kahit Linggo, humahapit ng takbo, sana makuha bago (ang) laban (The reason he had to jog on Sunday, a rest day, is to regain his stamina before fight day.)”
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For the record, Pacquiao also worked on the road in Los Angeles the morning of their departure for Texas on Monday.
It was also reported that, although ground-level running would’ve sufficed, Pacquiao assaulted the Griffith Heights around Hollywood.
In the process, the Pinoy boxing icon tried to register his best time.
It was unclear whether or not Pacquiao still did road work on his first day in Texas.
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But yesterday, the Inquirer received happy info that Pacquiao has, thank God, visibly gained the desired stamina.
“Maaliwalas na ang mukha kanina sa public preview (He was bubbly, aglow during the public preview),” noted our informant.
In all his previous big fights, it was common for Pacquiao to gain full speed and power simultaneously with perfect stamina.
If he had to work extra long and hard this time, it could only be blamed on the distractions caused by Pacquiao the politician, the singing star, the basketball fanatic and assorted side concerns.
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Anyway, looking forward to Sunday’s big bout in Texas, it could be said that only Pacquiao can beat Pacquiao.
Not Margarito the tall, terribly slow former two-time world champ.
Not Margarito the reformed slugger who will come in taller and bigger than Pacquiao.
No, not even Margarito who vows to utilize his jab and superior build and power to upset Pacquiao and all his adoring countrymen.
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Of course, there was another Margarito who could’ve tripped the Pacman, but that one, called by the eminent Michael Marley as Marga Cheato, has been banished, banned in California and Nevada, and will definitely not be seen using illegal wraps in his gloves on Sunday.
“They are not on even plain. Manny is too good, skilful and fast,” says lawyer-sportsman Rudy Salud.
At the same time, Salud notes that Margarito has visibly slid and has clearly lost confidence in his punches since being caught with the illegal hand wraps before his fight with Shane Mosley.
All told, it should be Pacquiao either by early stoppage or decision.
Of course, there could be an upset.
But only if a different Pacquiao steps into the ring in Texas on Sunday.