MANILA, Philippines ? No one is giving credit to Manny Pacquiao for his victory over Juan Manuel Marquez.
True, it might be close, it might be controversial, it might require another encounter ? but, heck, a win is a win.
In the annals of boxing, controversial results abound. They’re not exactly unique. Countless boxers over generations and across all weight categories have shouted “Robbery!” But none of them could do a thing to reverse the judges? decision, which is almost always 100 percent final.
Think of our amateur boxers. Their losses abroad were always attributed to their being cheated. “We were robbed!” are the words most often used. And they were the same words used by Marquez.
The only recourse for an aggrieved boxer is to seek a rematch. In most cases, such a demand is granted. In fact, the wheels are already in motion to give Marquez another crack at the Filipino idol ? even if their fight contract says a rematch would be a sure thing only if it was Pacquiao that lost the fight.
To say that Pacquiao escaped defeat with a touch of Houdini ? in other words, magically ? will remain a contentious issue for years to come. The world has gotten so used to Pacquiao pummeling his adversaries on his way to victory that a close win like this one leaves even avid fans perplexed and dissatisfied.
They can?t believe their idol is mortal! How could he be slow? How could he not get Marquez to go down and stay down? Where were his feet? Where was his speed?
And now a small but loud segment of the boxing world is starting to dismiss Pacquiao. He’s reached his peak, they say. It’s all downhill from here, they say.
I disagree.
All that naysaying is exaggerated.
I believe the guy has plenty left in his tank. He is 32; Marquez is 38.
In fact, I see Pacquiao’s victory over Marquez as probably one of Pacquiao’s greatest. Even with the attendant controversy, it is one of his shining moments.
Not in terms of tactics or strategy, but in terms of character and will. Even dragged down by the mental and psychological burdens he was carrying during the fight, he acquitted himself on that ring.
The guy defies description.
Put yourself in the shoes of the man.
He is the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, sought after by book authors, international TV shows, and local media. He is a legitimate congressman. He is an entertainer with a regular show in a big network. He is a television host.
He is a concert artist. He is an aggressive businessman. He is a top product endorser. He attends wakes. He serves as godfather in hundreds of weddings and baptisms. He parts with his own money to give to the neediest of his constituents.
