LAS VEGAS ? Manny Pacquiao?s whirlwind style, while notoriously effective, makes the Filipino icon vulnerable.
Pacquiao fighting at a frenetic, devil-may-care pace inevitably leaves him open to counterpunches. For the camp of Jessie Vargas, successfully capitalizing on such disadvantage translates to creating chaos in Pacquiao?s mindset.
And for Vargas? trainer Dewey Cooper, this is one big dent in Pacquiao?s armor.
?He (Pacquiao) has losses. Every fighter who has losses has chinks in the armor,? the well-versed, dreadlocked Cooper told reporters in a roundtable discussion Thursday at Wynn Las Vegas (Friday in Manila).
?Pacquiao’s biggest [weakness]? I think his composure is something that we will be able to exploit,? he added.
Asked if he was specifically referring to Pacquiao?s fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. last year, Dewey answered to the affirmative. Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
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It can be recalled that Pacquiao was giving Mayweather a run for his money in the early rounds of their megabuck showdown until the slick American made adjustments starting the fourth round ? using his jab, counterpunching, clinching and movement.
This put Pacquiao out of his rhythm, with Mayweather establishing control and eventually winning.
Pacquiao, according to Dewey, is usually dead-set at achieving a goal ? usually knocking an opponent out ? that he is willing to do it at all costs.
Even at the expense of getting frequently tagged.
?He (Pacquiao) has one way of doing things. That’s what I meant about composure. He won’t relax and try to do something else,? said Cooper.
?He’s gonna try to make it happen,? he added.
Indeed, Pacquiao has a tendency for recklessness whenever his opponent manages to land a solid blow, often tapping his gloves in response.
Now, Vargas, who will stake his WBO welterweight champion on the line Saturday (Sunday in Manila), is out to put Pacquiao?s composure to the test.
?We are ready with ways of confusing him,? said Cooper.
