A reckless boxer could also be perfect? | Inquirer Sports
Bare Eye

A reckless boxer could also be perfect?

/ 01:23 AM April 19, 2015

BETWEEN the two main stars of Superfight 2015, it’s a lot easier to say something nice about Filipino national treasure Manny Pacquiao.

It’s a mismatch, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a no-show, when the contest comes to public acceptance.

It’s not surprising though why Mayweather has remained the favorite off the sportsbook windows around MGM Grand Las Vegas two weeks before the megabout.

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Mayweather is popularly perceived to be the more accomplished boxer.

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To repeat: If they are to subject this rivalry to a vote, it would be Pacquiao by a mile—if not a knockout—as far as solid legacy is concerned.

Of course, the savage bashing Mayweather has been receiving from the opposing camp should also be cited as behind the unpopularity of the unbeaten American boxing superstar.

However, it would be anything but a popularity contest out in the Nevada desert come May 2.

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Pacquiao would go out not just to fight, but to stage a coup.

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There promises to be a raging power grab.

In fact, trainer Freddie Roach has never missed to state Pacquiao would enter the ring with perfect weaponry.

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Roach has all the right in the world to sound excited, if at times frantic.

But his glowing claim of how Pacquiao would go out to wage a faultless battle has also resulted in a little puzzlement.

Here: After Mayweather called Pacquiao a reckless fighter who commits many mistakes, the Filipino boxing great came up with an amazing counter. Pacquiao said his recklessness has been the main ingredient behind his record eight-division world boxing titles.

That answer by Pacquiao to the Mayweather taunt would not merit a comment or explanation from Roach.

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So are Roach and Pacquiao in the process of concocting a new weapon, something like perfect recklessness?

Hard to tell, but if Roach allows this wild trait, lately branded by Pacquiao as necessary, it’s only for one reason:

It’s only with this brand of devil-may-care combat style that Mayweather, presumed by Roach to be now with aging legs, could be tossed out of his comfort zone, his fabled defensive cave.

Pacquiao would be at a great disadvantage if he allows the fight to slip into a calculated physical debate, or something of a fistic chess match.

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All told, the megabout has remained a toss-up out in Metro Manila streets, but with Pacquiao continuously drawing heavy wagers as the fight nears.

TAGS: boxer, Mayweather, Pacquiao, pacquiao vs mayweather column, Roach

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