In the aftermath of Manny Pacquiao?s repeat win over Marco Antonio Barrera, preceded by his domination of another Mexican legend in Erik Morales, a horde of boxers are falling all over themselves to declare that they are the ones deserving as the next opponent of the Filipino boxing superstar.
Each one has utilized different strategies to call attention to what they claim are indisputable factors that should convince all and sundry that he is the one Pacquiao must fight.
They have dared, cajoled, threatened, and ridiculed the Super Featherweight ruler into taking them on, always trying to goad him into accepting a challenge or else be consigned to the history books as a coward.
All this of course is part of the song and dance number that boxers, their managers and promoters go through to try and get their wards the best (read: Financially rewarding) matches possible.
The truth is, these wannabes are all just salivating for the sure megabuck deal they would get if and when they get to face the Pacman.
Never mind if the possibilities are nil, or at best iffy, those that have thrown down the gauntlet will be happy to cash in on the Pacquiao bandwagon, and who knows, perhaps Manny?s perceived cavalier attitude towards the Spartan ways of a serious athlete might catch up with him. The possibility is just way too palatable to pass up.
To be sure, there are those who have earned the right as the next Pacquiao foe as any casual observer could easily deduce. The case of Juan Manuel Marquez for instance has been unresolved ever since that fateful May evening in Las Vegas circa 2004 when JMM was able to pull off a draw, literally rising from a sure loss and causing an unsettled debate that rages to this day as to who should have won the fight, or if indeed neither one did as the decision showed.
And there is another Juan (sorry, couldn?t resist it) – Diaz, a former welterweight who now fights in the lightweight division (135 lbs., Manny fights in the 130 class), who feels he fits the bill as the one Pacquiao needs to hurdle to validate his claim to pound-for-pound supremacy. He just pounded out a 9th round TKO win over his namesake Julio last weekend to annex his third championship belt in the division.
The Venezuelan knockout sensation Edwin Valero has long been training his sights at the big time via the Pacmobile. His record of 22 wins, all by KO, with 19 of them ending in the first round, no losses, and no draws certainly catches one?s attention. But Manny has pooh-poohed the quality of his opposition, even eschewing political correctness by branding them as mere “tricycle drivers.” However, Barrera just raised the stock of the Japan-based fighter by declaring Valero (his sparring partner) as the one capable of beating Pacquiao.
Morales himself, who also hired Valero as a spar mate, has been quoted as saying that the Venezuelan stands a chance with Pacquiao although he qualifies that he has to be able to take Manny out in the first three rounds, or else.
The list goes on? David Diaz, Joan Guzman, Humberto Soto, Rocky Juarez, some have even gone as far as raising the specter of a Floyd Mayweather fight, for crying out loud.
But obviously, the Pacman holds all the aces in this hand, and he would be well served if he plays it smart rather than going on impulse. So far, so good… he seems to be biding his time and letting everyone stew as they hang on to his every declaration on whom he wants to fight next.
Everyone is putting up a fighting stance but the reality is they?re just knocking on Pacquiao?s door hat in hand, hoping to be the anointed one. Visions of a seven figure purse (in American dollars, at that) will do that to the proudest of them all.
They might as well be Frank Sinatra, his signature fedora tilted to one side, tie askew, a Camel between fingers wailing.
Which one will the fountain bless Three coins in a fountain Through the ripples how they shineJust one wish will be granted One heart will wear a valentine
Make it mine, make it mine, make it mine!
