THE MANNY Pacquiao-Brandon Rios fight was not a Philippines-Korea basketball game where Filipinos would storm ahead and then the Koreans would find some miracle to beat us in the end.
If you felt tense at the start and all the way to the end despite the phenomenal performance and unanimous decision victory of Pacquiao, it was quite understandable. Having been frustrated by Korea countless times in basketball until that sterling performance by Gilas-Pilipinas last August, you know that miracles in sports can happen. You knew that Pacquiao was ahead against Juan Manuel Marquez until that solitary second left in Round 6 when the Mexican connected with the shot that changed their rivalry.
But no such surprise would happen. Pacquiao so dominated Rios with precise straights and left hooks throughout the 12 rounds. He eluded Rios repeatedly with evasive tactics that left the American-Mexican with no real target to hit. Pacquiao had turned Rios into a tuckered out brawler who had nothing left, even a miracle similar to Marquez’s knockout shot last year.
There was no need for a knockout win to seal the deal. The boxing clinic was enough. Rios, the brawler, was looking for a tussle that never came while Pacquiao the veteran warrior simply cut up his foe.
Your anxiety though was also not unfounded because of the endless questions about Pacquiao’s age, capabilities and desire. For now at least, it’s clear Pacquiao is back in the game and he clearly displayed his ability to adjust and plan for his fights. He trained extremely hard and, having done so in General Santos City, clearly gave him a chance to go home at night. Nothing like home cooking and one’s own bed to help prepare for a major battle.
Freddie Roach and Pacquiao’s game plan was followed to the letter, except perhaps for the knockout wish. The defensive moves and sudden offensive explosions were a marvel to watch. Pacquiao also took away that feint of his before he would unleash a left hook, a gap that Marquez capitalized on in creating his sensational win.
Where will this now take Pacquiao? Like most sports winners, they will relish this victory first. And when we are all not around, Pacquiao and his handlers will most likely discuss at least three major options: Marquez, Timothy Bradley and the slippery Floyd Mayweather Jr. Though his hunger has not waned, Pacquiao and his team will come to terms with the realities of his age, the quality of the opposition and of course, the money.
We are all in for the final stretch of a journey that will not be matched for a long time by any other Filipino athlete. Let’s relish where Pacquiao will take us just as he has taken us to places we have never been before.