So many times in boxing, there is much more at stake than simply another notch in the win column. A fighter is often fighting more than just the man in front of him. He fights for his reputation, to secure a title shot, to erase a previous loss, and in many cases, he fights for his country. Appropriately enough, fighters come braced to take on such responsibilities.
Saturday night (June 9th) at Madison Square Garden will be an intense one for Humberto Soto and Bobby Pacquiao who will compete in front of an energized crowd primed for the main event featuring Zab Judah and Miguel Cotto. Each man is aware of the high stakes as well as the risks at hand, which could bring out the best in both men or make them fumble the ball at a critical stage. Soto’s struggle against obscurity could be conquered with a jaw-dropping KO on HBO, as a win over Bobby would clear the path for him to challenge WBC junior lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez.
For Bobby Pacquiao, the first step to a sought-after spotlight of his own, away from his brother Manny, is a win over his formidable opponent on Saturday night.
Soto has yet to land the big fight in which he thought he earned after besting, the then undefeated, Rocky Juarez in a 2005 upset. Instead it was Juarez who found himself in the ring with future hall of famer, Marco Antonio Barrera only two fights later. These two bouts for Juarez, leading to his match with Barrera, were victories over Reynaldo Hurtado, coming off four consecutive knockout losses, as well as a virtually unknown fighter with only twelve contests and nine wins to his name, Backlin Medrano. In an example of bitter irony, Soto is undefeated since July of 2002. In addition, following his victory over Juarez, Soto has strung four knockout wins together against opponents with a combined record of 115-15-4.
So why wasn’t Soto, now 27, the one to challenge Barrera? Could it be because Jr. Lightweights named Marquez, Barrera, Morales, and Pacquiao have already so clearly defined themselves as owning in full the top tier of their division? Or could it be that, since losing to Kevin Kelley five years ago he’s become a polished operator to be avoided? With Barrera and Morales seemingly in the final stages of their careers, and Marquez not far behind, it may be time for newer, younger blood to challenge for a spot on that top tier. For Soto, a victory over Pacquiao, even if his first name is Bobby, promises to be a reassuring start.
A younger brother often finds himself in the shadow of his elder. The Pacquiao family is no different. Although there is no shame in looking up to his older brother, Bobby, 26, must still cope to the fact that his sibling is not only a “pound-for-pounder,” but also a king among men in their home country of the Philippines. In addition, fans have not yet been convinced on Bobby’s talent, in large part because of his recent resume. Bobby is coming off a disappointing disqualification loss to Hector Velazquez in November of last year – a fight in which he was leading on two of the judges’ scorecards, and only behind one point on the third at the time of the stoppage. He’d already been deducted two points, one in the third round and one in the fifth, for repeated low blows. Referee Kenny Bayless ended the bout in the final seconds of round eleven due to the Filipino’s inability to keep his punches above ground.
Clearly, a disappointing night for Pacquiao, as in addition, he dealt with the embarrassment of coming in to the fight weighing three pounds over the super featherweight limit of 130-pounds. In his two bouts previous, Pacquiao scored a solid fourth round knockout of the respected, though aged, Kevin Kelley (who holds Soto’s last blemish as a professional), as well as a split decision win, albeit disputed, over Carlos Hernandez. Although stellar results on paper, the asterisks next to these wins haven’t helped him find his own niche as a fighter.
With questions surrounding his temperament and professionalism, there are doubts that Bobby will be able to deal with severe pressure and a lethal opponent who is already being groomed for the next level. Despite his power and poise, Soto isn’t perfect – the Mexican was twice deducted against Juarez for rabbit punches, making the fight too close for comfort despite appearing in control. And he does present an upright target. But the suspicion is that the only Pacquiao able to trouble him is one called Manny.
