BY NOW, you must have read about Manny Pacquiao?s intention or inclination to move back down the junior welterweight division.
It would seem surprising to see Manny fighting 140-pound opponents considering that we have seen him match-up and do quite well against leviathans like Antonio Margarito.
Not at all, really. Remember that Manny came up all the way from the junior flyweight division.
Part of his success has been his timely transitions from one weight class to another which allowed him to carry his power and speed, while at the same time avoid that perennial problem of boxers failing to make weight because they have outgrown their divisions.
So who?s lying in wait if the Pacman descends? Here?s the hootenanny of dance-partners.
LIST. Undefeated Danny Garcia is the resident bully of the bunch. Carrying a record of 29-0, with 17 KOs, Garcia also brings an action- packed arsenal into the equation.
In his last fight, the bull-strong Garcia eviscerated Rod Salka in two rounds. He also owns wins over Lucas Matthysse (via UD)-another major player in this division, and a fourth-round stoppage win over the popular Amir Khan.
Though he carries tremendous power in that right hand, Garcia?s best trait is his ring generalship and overall poise. He has been out-boxed by the likes of Kendall Holt and an ancient Erik Morales, but he doesn?t panic and always finds a way to win.
Still, he?s too slow for a speed merchant like Manny and I see the latter out-boxing him and winning via unanimous decision.
Matthysse (36-3, 34KOs) is another credible opponent and just like his compatriot Marcos Maidana, brings a fan-friendly take-no-prisoners approach to a fight. Defense isn?t his strong suit but he has serious power in both fists.
Fighting Mannny would probably be entertaining and Matthysse?s power can be a serious threat at any stage in the fight, especially since the Argentinian also has the stamina to last until the championship rounds.
But again, Manny?s speed will be the difference and will lead to a violent knockout in the late stages of the fight.
Ruslan Provodnikov?s name has cropped up recently, and I would not be surprised if this match-up materializes. Since the hard-banging Russian is also allied with Top Rank, it would be easy to put together this bout.
Plus, he has sparred with Manny before and a little inside knowledge could be of tremendous help if and when he actually faces off with Manny in a title fight.
Provodnikov (24-3, 17KOs) is the most dangerous puncher in this division, and Manny should very well be wary of his power, but he is too slow and Manny can box his ears off for 12 rounds.
His foot speed is also not up to par and the disparity can be illustrated in how they fared against a common opponent–Chris Algieri.
Provodnikov lost a close decision, despite hurting and knocking down Algieri twice because he allowed the latter to dictate the pace and catch up on the cards.
He was just too slow to do anything otherwise.
On the other hand, Manny was faster than Algieri and dominated him in a mismatch that produced six knockdowns.
Lamont Peterson (33-2, 17KOs) also deserves to be in the mix despite losing to Matthysse via TKO in Round 3 back in 2013. His workmanlike approach makes him a constant threat in a closely fought match.
VERBATIM.?This is my return after getting beat by Manny Pacquiao. I learned not to beat myself in the ring and not be someone that I am not in there.? –Tim Bradley who is facing Diego Chaves on Dec. 13 (www.boxing.com)
LAST ROUND. It?s on Ampog Mangubat who celebrates her birthday this week. Cheers!
