Subject: Should Morales Again Move Up?
If Erik Morales decides to go up to lightweight (135 lbs.), whom do you think Manny Pacquiao should be fighting? If he decides to stay at 130 lbs. (super feather), again whom should he fight? If Manny goes back to featherweight (126 lbs., the same question applies?
Mark Anthony Grejaldo Iloilo City, Philippines
Dear Mark,
It’s more than likely that after his re-match with Pacquiao, assuming both win their fights this September 10th, Erik Morales will move up to lightweight and attempt to win a fourth title in as many weight classes. Other than Marco Antonio Barrera, there isn’t really any other fighter Pacquiao should face at 130. The ideal situation is for Pacquiao to handle his business with Morales and Barrera at 130. Then go back down to 126 and fight guys like Rocky Juarez or future contenders like Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero.
Subject: Is Manny Too Small To Fight At 130?
What is the future of Manny Pacquiao in the 130lb. division? Aside from Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera, who among the super feathers would give Manny fits?
Thanks Yekskcire
Dear Yek,
In terms of size, Pacquiao would be at a disadvantage against any other super featherweight. It would be a difficult fight for Pacquiao against any of the champions at 130, purely based on the size factor. Two guys in particular would make real tough, but exciting fights against the “Pac-Man”. One is Jorge Barrios, the WBO kingpin, and the other is Robbie Peden, the IBF’s boss. Both are rugged brawlers, who use their strengths on the inside to punish their opponents for 12 rounds, or less!
Subject: Pacquiao On The Way Down?
You have been with Manny a lot of times before fights. Did you notice something different in his actions or in his attitude the days leading to his fight against Morales? Did he lose a lot of sleep and became moody? There is a period of anyone’s career, experts call a peak or plateau. Do you think Manny is in this stage now, or is he in a slide down?
Mr. Box Office
Dear Mr. Box Office,
I arrived at MGM hotel the Friday before the fight. I only saw Pacquiao twice the day of the fight in his hotel room and I was present in the locker room as he prepared for his fight. The only difference I saw, compared to other fights, were that there were too many people in Pacquiao’s room. Also, normally Rod Nazario would stay in the room across, or next to Pacquiao. So the visitors can stay in Nazario’s room and not really disturb Manny. For the Morales fight, Nazario stayed in a totally different floor. It’s difficult to estimate where Pacquiao is in his career, since he’s achieved so much at only 26. We’ll get a better picture this September in Pacquiao’s comeback fight.
Subject: Pacquiao, is he finished?
So you think it’s a fact or fiction that Pacquiao doesn’t have the genuine hunger of conquering and destroying the way he are used to do before the Marco Antonio Barrera fight, since he already achieved his primary goal?
Thanks a lot.
Rbm115
Dear Rbm115,
It’s fiction to believe that Pacquiao lost his hungry to destroy. He has just fought better fighters and moved up to bigger weight classes. If Pacquiao stayed at 122, he’d still be champion, dominating that division. But Pacquiao has taken chances, some have paid off and some have not.
Subject: Future Filipino Champs?
Who has the best chance, in your opinion, to become a worldwide boxing superstar among these upcoming young Filipino boxers?
Randy Suico
Rodel Mayol
Rey Bautista
Also, please state the top five Asian boxers today in any weight class.
Thanks!
Sunny of Quezon City
I think Rey Bautista has star potential because he’s so young, 19, and he has the experienced management ready to take “Boom Boom” to the top. Watching one of Rodel Mayol’s fights, I see great things from the strawweight (105 lbs). He has great footwork and lands accurate blows. However, it’s difficult for any strawweight to gain “superstar” status because the very lower weight classes do not get any attention. With Randy Suico, he’s in a deep division, with a lot of firepower. He’s positioned himself well within the WBC rankings and is line for a title in the future. I do still hope that Gerry Penalosa can get moving on his comeback. The Top five Asian boxer are (in no particular order): Manny Pacquiao, In Jin Chi, Pongsaklek Wonjongkam, Katsunari Takayama, and Ratanachai Sor Vorapin.
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