Perhaps the record began to skip or the catchy yet monotonousness melody of the all too familiar “24/7” intro music has found its place among yesterday’s news.
Change is good, or so we are told. HBO must have earned just enough sporting wampum to mold a usual short snippet and a glorified infomercial into an appetizing conglomerate. Not only were the boxing masses treated to “24/7”, but they as the benefactors to the side of fries that is “Road To Pacquiao-Bradley” as well.
We’re not always able to tell too much from the first episode of this telecommunication marvel. To be fair and beyond that perfectly frank, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. was right when he stated that his appearances on the show are “You Must Watch” TV. Otherwise, we are subjected to a rather drab and indolent storyline that has now been told one too many times.
Manny Pacquiao is the best boxer on the planet….or at least he’s up there among the best. The “Pac Man” is almost a surefire way to get the water cooler talk to escalate beyond the other sports. Most casual fans of this pastime which is sadly on the periphery of the gaming universe do not want to talk about him unless the conversation involves a certain Las Vegas resident. Fair enough.
Until then, Manny Pacquiao will face Timothy Bradley on June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and Floyd Mayweather, for the time being, will take a long pause and stretch in the Clark County Jail.
Photo: Manny Pacquiao vs Tim Bradley 24/7 promo
Manny would be a fool to overlook “Desert Storm” Tim, which is in all actuality beyond comprehension given his most recent performance versus Juan Manuel Marquez last November. Pacquiao stated in a recent conference call that multiple factors played into his less than typical exploits within the ring last fall. “The fight was hard but I also had some family problems. I am in shape now. We understand that Marquez was just a great opponent,” said the National Fist of the Philippines.
The initial airing of the first installment of “24/7” consisted mostly of fragments of Manny’s zeal from the pulpit and Bradley’s exposure as a disciplined tough guy who has a father earnestly living through him. “Big Ray” Bradley used a great bit of his time on camera to inform viewers that he has been training his son since Junior arrived in the delivery room and that his olfactory system has an inclination to detect a namby-pamby cream puff. Skip the vulgarity. Maybe he’s friends with Roy Jones, Sr. and Floyd Mayweather, Sr. on Facebook.
Heck, the results for the offspring of the previously mentioned gentlemen certainly hold their weight in plutonium but hold a handful of lithium in enhancing their own images……which can be argued as the reasons for the forceful methods imposed upon their sons. As long as it works…go with it. Just don’t forget to thank me when you win and keep it between us that you have succeeded where I failed or didn’t even try. To each his own in regards to Manny Pacquiao and his recent about-face to his wild and crazy days of the past. Maybe other people will follow suit and say goodbye to self destructive behavior. According to his trainer Hall of Fame elect Freddie Roach, the grand modification made to Manny’s lifestyle was a true blessing. No pun intended. “It’s been a great change. We don’t have him coming in tired anymore. No more nightlife. Just Bible study. He’s a one hundred percent better athlete without any distractions,” said Roach.
Photo: Reverend Pac?
Constantly throughout last week’s episode of “24/7”, there were times when perchance the one thing missing from your television screen was a flashing telephone number to call for your own personal revival. Once again and as stated before…go with whatever can make you a better person.
Manny’s wife Jinkee spoke briefly during the program about the closure of some of the Pac Man’s business ventures, most notably the pool halls and bars which bore his name. If there’s no pool, then there’s no beer and ultimately no women….as the reasoning flows per Miss Pac Man. Pacquiao himself, in addition to Roach and promoter Bob Arum all agree that the transformation has done wonders and will lead to victory on June 9. Splendid. That should make a lot of people very, very happy. However, try a little harder to come full circle on all fronts.
Photo: Manny’s wife, Jinkee Pacquiao, appears in various magazines
Philanthropy and a warm, caring heart. These are all attributes which Pacquiao possesses as a man and a human being.
He is revered in his home country and has stated on multiple occasions how public service and giving back will soon have his full attention. This is beyond commendable. However, there seems to be no call to surrender to another issue. A quick yet informative explanation is due.
Manny hasn’t lost a fight in over seven years and he’s so legendary that some even believe that he is undefeated. Prior to several of his fights over the last few years, his biggest endorser, Nike launches a new “Limited Edition” Manny Pacquiao sneaker and clothing line to commemorate his upcoming fight. The demand for a sweet new pair of Pac Man kicks at time reaches a fever pitch and they literally fly off the shelves. They show up on the secondary market and sell for much more than their original sale price. The latest edition dropped last Friday the 18th. No issues with that.
It’s capitalism.
