MANILA, Philippines — Item no. 1: Manny Pacquiao will be bigger and heavier when he enters the ring for his next big fight in Las Vegas.
Item No. 2: Pacquiao is going for an early knockout, as announced by Freddie Roach, his longtime trainer.
Item No. 3: Pacquiao himself knows doing this is easier said than done.
Now for the details:
Pacquiao, 29, will be trying for a cold-blooded stoppage against a masterful boxer who hasn?t ever been stopped in his colorful career.
OK, Juan Manuel Marquez, 34, the reigning World Boxing Council 130-lb. king (48-3-1, 35 KOs), had been knocked down before.
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But, unlike Pacquiao, the wily Mexican never stayed down there long.
Marquez has never been counted out.
Pacquiao? Well, his ring record shows he suffered at least two knockout defeats — against countryman Rustico Torrecampo and Medgoen 3-K Battery of Thailand.
In fact, there are jaded ringsiders who readily swear Pacquiao could?ve suffered at least two more KO losses if not for the timely assistance of very patriotic Filipino referees.
But that?s another story.
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What has become clear is that Pacquiao?s next big outing against Marquez won?t be easy as Las Vegas oddsmakers have made it appear.
Based on the latest sports book tally, a Pacquiao defeat would take the semblance of an anomaly.
For example, a $100 bet on Marquez would pay $260.
There?s still a full month before the big bout. This means odds could be expected to soar in favor of the Pacman, based on the prevailing appetite of betting fans.
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Those are indeed overwhelming numbers which could mean all Pacquiao needs to do on March 15 is show up for his Las Vegas assignment.
These same numbers suggest there won?t be a duel, but rather a feast, a Pacquiao punching picnic, if you please.
Now, before the gullible Pinoy sports fan gets carried away, he must be told that, objectively, Marquez could prove doubly tough than he was in May 2004.
Vegas bookmakers have not acknowledged it, but Marquez also promises to be Pacquiao?s toughest assignment to date.
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All they?ve got to do is go to people who know the exact capabilities and also followed the respective careers of both fighters.
Why, for example, has Pacquiao?s former business manager, Rod Nazario, been advising the Pacman against going up in a rematch against Marquez?
Answer: Because it has become evident Marquez owns the inborn gifts that could readily offset Pacquiao?s vaunted speed and strength.
Pacquiao may be a sensational slasher bristling with courage, but Marquez is also the kind of warrior who doesn?t blink in the blaze of battle.
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Pacquiao has the sensational aura, tremendous reputation and popularity.
Marquez, however, has the quiet skills and greatness that have caused him to be successfully avoided by the likes of Erik Morales, one-time Pacquiao conqueror.
Pacquiao, indeed, could be bigger than life.
But, contrary to what the sports book odds continue to suggest, Marquez, close to invisible, would be anything but a statue come fight night.
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In fact, Marquez, after having been floored three times in the first fight, should be more elusive this time out.
Yes, Pacquiao will definitely be heavier and stronger.
But, coming in bigger, he could also be slower, a lot easier to hit.
In fact, it?s this heavy self-importance and boundless personal worth which could render Pacquiao predictable, an easy, willing target.
