How close can Pacquiao come to a worthy foe?
There’s no problem with Manny Pacquiao, who says he’s willing to fight anybody—just make sure the opponent is a boxer.
His last two opponents visibly did not fill the qualities Pacquiao seeks in a ring foe.
Lucas Matthysse, totally faded, was a shaky overstaying patsy.
Adrien Broner, overqualified bum, was a certified bluffer/comedian.
Whether or not Pacquiao makes it at ringside in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday, he should have a full view of a potential next foe.
Both Errol Spence and Mikey Garcia should more than fill Pacquiao’s requirements for a full-fledged warrior.
Mainstream boxing aficionados are on their toes for the Spence-Garcia clash, which has been assured to spark and explode into a spectacle.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao should content himself with the fact that Floyd Mayweather Jr. has slid fully out of contention as a worthy next opponent.
The undefeated American boxing superstar, 50-0, cannot fit into the mold of a noble boxer.
It would be a great waste of time chasing after Mayweather, who these past years has slyly avoided real ring wars, while masquerading as a fearless fighter and pocketing millions in purses from cheap, sordid exhibition appearances.
How close will Pacquiao come to a quality warrior?
Garcia, smaller, is the big underdog; as he jumps two divisions up for the great challenge.
Garcia, pundits claim, fights in a potentially dangerous bout he’s been expected to lose.
Spence will have to overwork his guts to fit honorably into a full-scale war Garcia, with his courage and craft, could spin magic.
Sunday’s world welterweight championship promises to be a very memorable classic.
