If we?re being honest about Manny Pacquiao?s November 5 bout against Jessie Vargas, we?d have to admit that the Filipino icon is in a lose-lose situation. If Manny wins, he?ll only be doing what?s expected of him since he?s such an overwhelming favorite coming into the contest. If he loses, though, the game is over and permanent retirement is the only option for an embarrassed ex-icon.
Underdog Vargas, however, can rest assured that whatever happens this fall, he?ll come out as a winner. Even if he gets beaten up and dominated by Pacquiao?as most expect?he?ll walk away with a career high payday and a significant boost in publicity for his future boxing endeavors. There?s no pressure on the once-defeated WB welterweight title holder and, because of that, the 27-year-old can talk freely, dream freely, and fight with a certain sense of looseness. Vargas? words certainly suggest that he knows he?s playing with the house?s money in this contest.
?I am going to show that I am the best in the welterweight division, and who better to show it against than Manny Pacquiao? I am not just all talk. I am going to show it with my punches, and you will see it on November 5th. Tune in and see it,? Vargas recently told Boxingscene. ?All the people who doubt me, I will prove you wrong come November 5th. Boxing commentators and analysts ? all of you guys ? I will shut you up on November 5th. No matter what I have to do, I am coming out with that victory.?
Conversely, Pacquiao better be very aware of the pitfalls built into this ?soft touch? of his. Anything short of absolute brilliance on November 5 will be seen as a miserable loss. Anything less than a knockout win or total dominance will be reported as a failure. Pacquiao, the brand, will be diminished greatly after the Vargas bout in almost any scenario unless something truly spectacular happens. That?s just the price to be expected for choosing an opponent like Vargas when so many other outstanding challenges are to be found within the same weight range.
Just being honest here, but chances are very good that Pacquiao still walks right through Vargas on November 5. There?s just too much of a disparity in talent and experience between the two combatants. But the stage has been set for a huge letdown when it comes to Pacquiao?s comeback career trajectory?and he only has himself to blame.
