Bob Arum could’ve given Manny Pacquiao a second advice, but the veteran promoter kept calm after being assured there was nothing to worry.
Arum cautioned Pacquiao against possible brain injury as he continues to fight full time at 40.
Of course, Pacquiao’s next assignment is not a particularly amazing warrior. Keith Thurman, 30, is not the sort of fire-breathing terror who could readily blaze and explode given the chance. He’s slow, overcautious.
Arum was trying to explain that boxers of Pacquiao’s age and beaten nature would always be at risk fighting somebody stronger and younger.
God is on his side, Pacquiao assured, adding that he would be climbing the ring against Thurman in Las Vegas on July 20 superbly and perfectly prepared.
Pacquiao has also been quoted that Thurman is the biggest test of his career.
The only eight-division world boxing champion had faced more ferocious demonic foes before.
But Pacquiao takes Thurman as a very special assignment because, he said, he wants to beat an unbeaten champ now that he’s 40. Thurman is 29-0, with 22 KOs.
What has truly pissed off Pacquiao was the manner Thurman had bragged that he would CRUCIFY the fearless fighting senator.
Strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune said he has not seen Pacquiao this upset in a long time.
Pacquiao exploded after Thurman vowed to crush and retire him.
“He’s not happy,” Fortune exclaimed.
The fiery verbal exchange has indeed fueled interest in the defining WBA world welterweight championship between the “regular” and the “super” champion.
Anyway, if Arum be allowed to give a follow-up advice, the veteran promoter who helped guide Pacquiao to full superstardom, would certainly tell Pacquiao to be in full control of himself. Always.
Why? Because nobody would be happier than Thurman if Pacquiao boxes with anger and resorts to an old reckless style.
The way he had sounded, Pacquiao is bound to jump in and do it kamikaze style in trying to stop Thurman.
His conditioning coach would not hide this wild plot.
Arum could also remind that, in fighting past his productive years, Pacquiao could end up facing the specter of “too many fights, in too many rings, in too many nights.”
Arum had warned about thinning cranium.
But hasn’t Pacquiao, tested and truly battle-scarred, reached that worn-out point when self-control and patience tend to fall apart?
Pacquiao must take care not to fall into an old trap.