Despite being somewhat of a mythical match-up between an MMA champion and a boxing world champion, a potential event pitting Manny Pacquiao against Conor McGregor is currently being discussed quite a bit.
Although most boxing fans recognize the massive disparity in levels of ring IQ and experience within the squared circle, fans of the octagon aren’t so convinced that their favorite Irishman can’t dethrone the current Super WBA Welterweight champion in a boxing match.
To get a somewhat neutral perspective on the much talked about match-up, a fight trainer who currently teaches the finer points of MMA, kickboxing and pugilism recently chimed in on the reality of such a pairing.
“I like what Conor’s been doing lately,” stated MMA and boxing trainer Dewey Cooper to ‘Little Giant Boxing’ last week. “It seems that he’s started taking accountability and responsibility for his actions. I like what he’s been saying in his most interviews about not drinking for 4 or 5 months, and really focusing in on training and living a more simple and positive lifestyle.”
“Conor has ability, and he’s a wonderful mixed martial artist. But there’s no way he’s going to get into the ring with a vicious puncher who has an off-rhythm style like Manny Pacquiao…you can’t beat him unless you’re a high-class, world champion level boxer.”
The 45-year-old former cruiserweight boxer, understands how long it takes to learn the “sweet science”, as well as the time it takes to understand and develop the nuances of kickboxing and mixed martial arts.
“The Black Kobra” would never encourage any boxing novice to enter a ring with a prizefighter who possesses world-class skills and experience…even one as well-conditioned and athletic as Conor McGregor.
Cooper believes the outcome would be brutal and glaringly one-sided…especially against boxing’s only eight-division world champion.
“Everyone thinks that because he’s a senator and a devout Christian that he’s not a beast anymore. I think that’s the wrong guy for Conor to be barking up his tree.”
“Manny Pacquiao is a monster. You saw that when he dropped Thurman in the first round. If he gets on Conor and hurts him, he’s going to finish him early. Pacquiao doesn’t play around.”
In his most recent effort within the professional ring, the Filipino legend not only defeated the formerly undefeated and much younger reigning titleholder, Keith “One Time” Thurman, but dropped and stunned the 31-year-old puncher within the first three minutes of action. At age 41, Manny Pacquiao proved that he still can compete at the highest level of the sport and deserves to mentioned among the all-time greats of boxing.
“Keith Thurman is an excellent boxing champion, and he didn’t have what it takes to beat Manny. There is no way anyone in mixed martial arts could get in there with Manny Pacquiao right now and give him a run for his money.”
Dewey Cooper has personal experience going head to head with the “Pac-Monster” and understands fully what the iconic southpaw brings to the squared circle.
