FORGET THE 2008 ?POUND-FOR-POUND? LIST
Pittsburgh, PA- Watching Bernard Hopkins in the ring Saturday night after Manny Pacquiao?s dismantling of Oscar De La Hoya, I couldn?t help but think of similarities between the Philadelphian and the Filipino. It?s not just that they were the only two men to stop De La Hoya, or that they both possess freakish physical attributes, but more so that they are rapidly ascending upwards in the sport?s annals with surprising, historic victories over their favored foes. Above all, their performances made me consider less where they stand in today?s rankings than their place next to, say, Marvin Hagler and Julio Cesar Chavez.
HE?S NO HAMMERIN? HANK, BUT WHO IS?
First thing?s first, Pacquiao?s accomplishments this year do not match or near those of Henry Armstrong?s (149-21-10, 101 KOs) in 1937-38, when he won the featherweight world title, followed by a simultaneous campaign as the lightweight (135 lb.) and welterweight king within a year, back when a when a world champ was a world champ (cue Archie and Edith Bunker). On one hand, he won a controversial decision for the 130 pound championship against Juan Manuel Marquez, followed by wins over a lightweight (David Diaz) and welterweight who don?t belong in their divisions? top fives. On the other, he still won all three fights in three classes in one calendar year, a physical and athletic achievement few have ever matched. Pacquiao appears to be in the midst of immortal boxing achievement.
KNOW ENOUGH TO ASK SOMEONE ELSE
In the past five years, Pacquiao (48-3-2., 36 KOs) has now gone 6-1-1 against surefire Hall of Famers De La Hoya, Marquez, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera. For former Ring Magazine Editor and current Sho Box commentator Steve Farhood, who will call this Saturday?s Kendall Holt 140 pound title defense, ?What (Saturday?s win) did for me was firmly separate Pacquiao from the three Mexicans with whom he?s most often compared: Marquez (49-4-1, 36 KOs), Morales (48-6, 34 KOs) and Barrera (64-6, 43 KOs).? Steve added: ?Of recent vintage, it’s now fair to place Pacquiao with Chavez (107-6-2, 86 KOs), Pernell Whitaker (40-4-1. 17 KOs), and Floyd Mayweather. One thing he’s done that the others didn’t have to do: He’s gotten much better while at the championship-level. And for that, Freddie Roach deserves most of the credit.?
SPEAKING OF THE ?PRETTY BOY?
After Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs) enjoys the most loyal and vociferous national following, transforming their potential 2009 showdown into more than a megafight; it would become an international event. Nevertheless, my thoughts were not on the ?Hit Man? after Pacquiao?s landmark performance, as the Brit could not keep pace with the fighter that entered the ring Saturday night. Instead, the Pac Man?s historic showing may have accomplished the one thing (in addition to money) to lure ?Pretty Boy? Mayweather (39-0, 25 KOs) from retirement ? it could get boxing people suggesting there?s somebody better out there. Even if it doesn?t, as Farhood said, ?Pacquiao has established himself as an all-time great.?
MY DE LA HOYA RANT
While Pac Man had me thinking of B Hop, Oscar (39-6, 30 KOs) reminded me of Roy Jones, Jr. last month. Neither have legs anymore, and a disconnect seems apparent between their brains and their fists, as they cannot get their punches of. Yes, I picked De La Hoya by TKO, and Pacquiao?s thorough domination surprised me as much as anyone (though I got a little nervous about my prediction when I saw Pac Man at the weigh-in). But, I maintain that the bout was a farce ? from Oscar?s standpoint, he tried to pick on a smaller man in order to secure a prime Hall of Fame name on his resume. The plan just backfired?. Nevertheless, two reasons might compel De La Hoya to return for a fight or two: his emphasis on his image as an all-time great, which suffered another major blow, and two possible opponents still out there. Don?t be shocked if rumors swirl of a third ?Sugar Shane? Mosley fight in 2009, especially after the recent reports of Mosley?s EPO usage before their second fight; or Oscar could be called out by Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., who might be emboldened to challenge the Golden Boy at 154 pounds to avenge his father?s defeats.
