Casual talk via HOLLYWOOD, California – “Seriously, he is one of the greatest human beings in the world,” says John Shahidi, an ardent follower of Floyd Mayweather, Jr. For Manny Pacquiao fans, he is the “best chicken” you could ever find in the world market today.
But, don’t forget that out there in the Philippines where cockfighting is “almost a national sport”, one of the best cockfighters are those of Gavilan Hatch-Kelso bloodlines especially crossed with Tartar, a rare eaglelike black slasher. At least, that’s what the Negrenses (of Negros Island) can offer: sleek and widely known great counter-slashers. Negros island has been regarded as having the best of breeders for game fowls in the Philippines. And for clever entrants to derbies, they rather select their own winning entries based on styles, height, power, birthsigns on their respective scales and most of all each cock must be ranging three to five years old, to be sure of their distinctive fatal powershots and better and well-timed reflexes.
Meanwhile, it’s been more than three years now since the boxing circle heard stories of Mayweather, Jr. versus Pacquiao. And Mayweather, Jr., a pure pugilist in the sweet science, can just be one of a far-more skillful counter-puncher who can give Pacquiao a lot of troubles. Imagine, Pacquiao fans call Mayweather, Jr. a “chicken” for allegedly unwilling to fight Pacquiao? They might just be right.
But, Mayweather, Jr. would dance the fight out in a gandmasterlike intelligence. It won’t be easy, nonetheless, for Pacquiao to chase the great “Joy” (birthname: Floyd Joy Mayweather, Jr.) of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Pacquiao cannot just beat an effective counter-puncher with excellent hand speed and footwork, much to stronger mounting defenses. And surely, just like a Gavilan Hatch-Kelso crossed with Tartar slasher and unlike Sugar Shane Mosley who ran away from Pacquiao’s unrelenting onslaught, Mayweather, Jr. would rather run backwards with better-cutting, effective counter-punching ability.
Sure, the best season would just come. Mayweather, Jr. cannot let 2012 pass without a fight with Pacquiao or he might just belong to the list of aging fighters who obviously are past their prime, like Oscar De la Hoya, Sugar Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, David Diaz and even Juan Manuel Marquez who will turn 38 on August 23. Unlike these fighters, except Marquez, Mayweather, Jr. won’t just be standing in front of Pacquiao. Speed, power and intelligence would be distinctive.
Mayweather, Jr.’s fight against Victor Ortiz this September 17 would be the best precursor as tune-up for his quest to ambiguate’s Pacquiao’s glory.
Mayweather, Jr., who will turn 35 on February 24, may have the best counter-challenge and flush-counters against Pacquiao in 2012.
Or, else, he may not have a fair chance to win over Pacquiao past his prime.
Meet me via Facebook: Granville Tolo-Hayag Vergara-Ampong
