MANNY Pacquiao’s next fight, most likely against a robust punching machine, no longer promises to be purely a clash of grit and offensive styles.
The camp of world light welterweight crownholder Mike Alvarado announced they would opt for more than just size and strength.
Alvarado, conqueror of former world champion Brandon Rios, would be made to balance his awesome offensive with a degree of elusiveness, his handlers bared.
This could mean Alvarado would not be caught waging a mindless firefight all night long.
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Nothing has so far been heard from Pacquiao, who’s involved in a breathless offensive trying to firm up a budding political dynasty.
But whether Pacquiao returns to action in October, or November as recently suggested by promoter Bob Arum, it would help for the Pacman to undergo a serious engine check.
Why? Not a few Pacquiao watchers had honestly wondered if his shameful fall last December was purely a result of Juan Manuel Marquez’s instant superiority.
There were those who suspected Pacquiao’s shocking fold-up could’ve also been a result slippage.
Nothing funny there because, like it or not, Pacquiao is just a few steps to the perilous stage—the Dreaded 35th Year—in fighter’s career when the years start to visibly take over.
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Meanwhile, boxing expert Hermie Rivera, has sent several intriguing lines under the title “Kolumn Komedy Corner.”
Laugh or cry, depending on where you stand in the strength-sapping summer solstice:
1. Marquez chooses Bradley instead of Pacquiao for next fight—Lance Pugmire, L.A. Times.
2. Bradley best option for me—JMM, Philboxing.
3. MP, JMM, Awfully quiet—Alex Goberman
4. Pacman may have to settle for Rios—Ronnie Nathanielsz, Manila Standard.
5. Pacquiao remains a cash cow despite losses—Philboxing
6. Pacquiao offers $6 million to Bradley—Nick Giongco, Bulletin
7. Pacquiao return fight set Oct. 13 in Macau—Abac Cordero, Star
8)Pacman return fight set Sept. 14 in Macau§Abac Cordero Star
9) Pacquiao in for severe test vs Alvarado—Philboxing
10) (My Pet, para may kasangga si Gringo sa Kongreso regarding bill on power-enhancing druggers): Party List nominates retired Cebuano boxer for Congress—Cebu Daily News.
Finally, Bob Arum tells Greg Bishop , N.Y. Times: I have seen the future of boxing—China not America.