WILL MARCO BE EATEN ALIVE BY PAC?
Los Angeles, CA- It?s remarkable to see how much Filipino superstar Manny ?Pacman? Pacquiao (44-3, 35 KOs) has developed since bursting on the scene in America after hammering the favored IBF super bantamweight champion (122 lbs.) Lehlo Ledwaba (36-6, 23 KOs) in 2001. After destroying Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera (63-5,42 KOs) at 126 two years later there was no doubt that a new star was born, not just in boxing but also in his homeland of the Philippines. Saturday?s rematch between Marco Antonio Barrera and Manny Pacquiao on HBO PPV displays what has almost become the norm in the sport today; a heavy interest in the fighters from the smaller weight classes.
REMAKE OF FIRST FIGHT, OR A NEW SCRIPT?
Critics believe this should be an easier fight for Pacquiao this time since he had his way with Barrera the first go around. Currently it appears Pacquiao has all the pressure on him, as Barrera did the first time. ?Pacman? was a relative unknown to a lot of the boxing public the first time he stepped in the ring with Barrera, today he exhibits the burden of currently being one of the hottest fighters in the world!
MARCO WANTS TO BOX MANNY?
Many feel it?s wise for Barrera to sit back and box the Filipino, but Manny has improved his technique immensely. One has to wonder if the increased fame has him distracted as boxing doesn?t seem to be his only priority. He recently signed an acting deal with a TV network in the Philippines, ran for congress, and is the country?s most visible figure. Can he be as hungry as he was the first time they fought?
MARCO HAS WON MONEY & BELTS
Barrera has had a very successful career financially and one must wonder if there is any ?fire? left in his pugilistic belly? ?The Baby Faced Assassin? is one of the most clever, skilled and determined fighters of this generation. Even the best fighters though meet their match. He will be four years older, possibly wiser, but clearly not as sharp as he was for the first encounter. Is Pacquiao the wrong opponent for him at this stage?
MARCO IS 33 GOING ON 65!
Barrera?s age of 33 is a curse for boxers, especially professionals that fight under 135 pounds. Add to that the fact that Barrera started his career at the tender age of sixteen. Basically he?s been in the fight game half of his life. The moneys in the bank already and one must question the desire. The real question here is does one even dare question the desire and tenacity of Manny Pacquiao?
BOTH EXPECTED TO BE BATTLE READY
Distractions or not expect both performers to be in the best condition possible at this stage in their careers. Barrera will perform how older fighters are supposed to, at a slower pace. He will have to use his mind and basically time his opponent to get his shots in. Manny is without a doubt the most exciting fighter today as well as a popular choice for pound for pound best in the sport. With the obvious advantages that the Filipino has in hand speed, youth, and the mental edge from dominating the first contest, Barrera will need more than the acquired knowledge and experience to beat Manny, he?ll need a miracle!
