The Examiner has requested that all of their boxing writers vote for who they believe to be the year end award winner in several categories. Once all the votes are tabulated, the results will be released.
In a series of articles, I will present my votes to the public and the first award I will look at is called the Give ‘Em What They Want (G.E.W.T.W) Award. The honor goes to the boxer who gave the sport’s fans what they want – fight, after fight, after fight…
For 2009, there is only one fighter I could nominate – living legend Manny Pacquiao.
As the Filipino climbed into the welterweight class this year, he targeted no patsies. In dismantling Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto, he notched victories against to of the best fighters in the world.
What was most impressive is the manner in which Pacquiao dispatched of both men. Hatton was the victim of a brutal second round knockout produced by a short left hook which is still ingrained in the mind of many spectators who have witnessed it. I personally will never forget Hatton laying motionless on the canvas.
If some were doubtful about Pacquiao’s ability to replicate an impressive victory against Cotto, and I was one of the doubting Toms, boy were we wrong. On November 14, Miguel Cotto – a legitimate welterweight – felt the furry of Pacman over twelve long rounds before finally losing to technical knockout
For several years now, when Pacquiao enters the ring he gives fans everything within his fighting soul to provide entertainment. Sure a victory might come by way of decision, but like a prime Mike Tyson, Pacquiao is looking to end things via knock-out.
Due to his ability to produce the best action within a sport which is based on controlled violence, Manny Pacquiao is my 2009 G.E.W.T.W. nominee.
