If you can bring yourself to believe anything that comes out of the two-sided mouth of Manny Pacquiao, he has decided to stay within the confines of the super featherweight weight limit. The reason for Pacquiao?s commitment to the featherweight division?
Venezuelan Edwin Valero.
?For that reason I might stay in the 130 pound division, so he (Valero) can prove he can beat me,? said Pacquiao in an article run by ABC-CBN.
Though Pacquiao seems to have verbally accepted Valero?s challenge, one can only take Manny?s words with a grain of salt. Pacquiao is a free spirit who runs at the mouth and his promoters Top Rank and Golden Boy will surely have the final say in who the Filipino fights next.
Likeliest winner in the latest edition of Manny Pacquiao’s Next Opponent Sweepstakes is Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez. Fans and experts have been calling for a rematch since the end of the 12th round from their 2004 classic draw. Unfortunately for those craving to see Pacquiao vs. Marquez II, Ricardo ?Rocky? Juarez stands in the way.
Written off as a sure loser for his November 3rd bout with Marquez, I estimate Rocky as a game opponent and could prove to be a spoiler. If Juarez dumps a fly in Pacquiao-Marquez soup, the situation becomes more and more interesting in relation to the General Santos standout.
Already with numerous suitors, a Juarez victory further solidifies the challenges of such figures as Joan Guzman, the previously mentioned Valero, Humberto Soto, Jorge Barrios and Juarez himself.
While the choice to stay at 130 could produce several entertaining match-ups, Pacquiao?s decision to stay is a two-edged sword.
There were several reports of Pacquiao struggling to make weight last week for his rematch against Barrera. During the weigh-in I noted that Pacquiao looked glossy-eyed and spaced out from the physical drain he put himself through to make the contracted limited. Abusing his body in that manner to fight Marquez or Valero is a dangerous proposition.
On the flip side, a move to lightweight could prove to be disastrous. Remember, Pacquiao did not debut as a super featherweight, featherweight, or junior featherweight. The Filipino icon baptized himself into boxing at 107 pounds, in the junior flyweight division.
I can only speculate whether that Manny?s struggle with weight is due to the natural maturation of his body as he ages or the effect of lackadaisical training. Training in the Philippines, which he did for this last fight, is ripe with distractions. Only Manny and his closest confidants could tell us if it is aging or partying which has effected Pacquiao’s struggles with weight.
A move to lightweight would have proven to be a dangerous maneuver, being littered with lethal characters for a man who has traveled seven divisions up from his first weight class. The fact that Manny is making a name for himself as a super featherweight is impressive in itself!
Take for example, Juan Diaz, recognized as one of the top lightweights in the world. Juan debuted at 142 pounds, the welterweight division. Though on the chubby side and having slimed down a tad, Diaz is naturally a bigger man than Manny Pacquiao. All things equal, the bigger man tends to win.
What about David Diaz, the man Pacquiao recently picked as the opponent he wanted next? (Note: Another reason why Pacquiao?s word cannot be taken too seriously. Yesterday it was David Diaz, today is is Edwin Valero, tomorrow it will be Ricky Hatton) David Diaz also debuted at 142 pounds and is a bigger man.
My argument is not that Manny Pacquiao?s skills are lesser than these lightweights. Pacquiao is naturally smaller than the men at lightweight, pulling out victories against top lightweights will become a difficult task.
Too small to be significant at lightweight and possibly too big to make the featherweight limitations. Interesting scenario, to say the least. I suggest we all sit back and enjoy watching The Manny Pacquiao Circus play-out.
Imagine if Manny were not around, who would be we be talking about? Samuel Peters fall from heavyweight grace against Jameel Mcline? A potentially exciting fight between Juan and Julio Diaz marred by stale personalities?
One thing is for sure, Pacquiao keeps the news cycle popping!
