Greetings RSR readers. If you want to talk boxing then you came to the right place. In this week?s mailbag we have lots of Manny Pacquiao fans, a couple weirdos, and some passionate boxing fans.
Please email me if you would like your question to be featured in next week?s mailbag, but for now, enjoy reading the voices of the fans.
Pick Pacquiao Or Die
Frankly I am a bit less of your fan right now. I am quite disappointed that you choose Marquez over Pacman. You always refer to their first bout totally forgetting what had happened from then to now and how improved Pacman has become. And please the Marquez-Jaca fight is hardly comparable to Pacman-Solis fight. The Jaca fight was highly competitive while the Solis bout was not. I do hope the Pacquiao vs. Marquez fight pushes through. Expect some letters the day after.
-Jan Iriga
Jan,
Thank you for your email and your frankness. Allow me to respond to some of your points:
“I am quite disappointed that you choose Marquez over Pacman. “
I am looking at this fight without bias, without thinking of whom I might upset or disappoint. As a responsible journalist I have to do this. I cannot allow myself to be bullied by fans of certain fighters into a prediction that I do not believe in.
“You always refer to their first bout totally forgetting what had happened from then to now and how improved Pacman has become.”
I have not forgotten what Pacquiao has done since the Marquez fight. I agree that Manny has improved. But by how much? Has he improved enough so that he won’t get out-boxed again? Did he look so good because Morales was on the decline? These are all questions that you, I, or even Pacquiao do not know the answer to. We will not find out until after the rematch. Even though Manny has improved, Marquez is still the better technical boxer and has not lost much if anything since their first fight.
“I do hope the Pacquiao vs. Marquez fight pushes through. Expect some letters the day after.”
I hope that the fight happens too. Feel free to email and gloat if Manny wins. He very well may, I expect a close, competitive match like last time. I am going with Marquez though because there are too many question marks surrounding Pacquiao as I mentioned above.
Scott Baio Fan Club News
This is just a short note to let you know that there is an opening for the position of my fan club president. I have heard that you are my number one fan and I would like to give you the opportunity to pave the way for other “Baiofanatics”. All members of my fan club receive an autographed photo and a show-worn pair of Charles in Charge stone-washed jeans. You, as my president, will receive the honorary autographed pair of Hanes Briefs used during a jog on a summer day that was hotter than a Mogolian Gang Bang. I hope that you will consider the position and let all of your fans know your decision in your next mailbag.
-Chachi, Charles, or Scott
Mr. Charles in Charge Guy,
This may come as a shocking revelation but my goal in life is not to own a pair of your sweaty under shorts. Whoever says otherwise is a damn liar!
P4P King To Rule Them All
If ever a fight between today?s two best P4P fighter happens, at what weight or division do you think would be the best for this great and exciting fight to possibly unfold? Is there really a possibility and who do you think will win? Thanks Brian.
-Eddie
Eddie,
The chances of this fight, which of course is Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, are slim. They are separated by multiple weight classes so unless they are desperate for another big name challenger (which they are not) then do not expect this one to come off. They would have to fight at a catch weight, probably around 138 or so. I like Floyd in that fight because not only is he naturally bigger, but his defensive boxing skills would give Pacquiao fits.
Pick On Someone Your Own Size
Hi Brian. It has always been assumed that boxers in the heavier divisions, simply because of their size, punch harder, and for the same reason, can take a harder punch. That is why we caution a naturally smaller built fighter from straying too far north of his ideal fighting weight. And it is said of those who lose in fights at a higher weight level that, either the sting of their punches were not carried over to the higher division or they were not able to take the punches of the heavier fighters. Sounds logical. Aside from logic, do you know if this has been scientifically validated? If it is, maybe we can temper the dreams of many of a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight. Thanks,
-Al
Al,
Scientifically validated? Respected research scientists keep their distance from boxing. And that is okay with me. Scientists have more important things to worry about than boxing, such as finding a cure for cancer and figuring out how to clone three legged chickens. But it makes sense that a heavier fighter hits harder than a smaller one. A simple law of physics says that Force = (Mass)(Acceleration), so all things equal, someone with more mass will have more force to his punches.
I agree with your take on Pacquiao vs. Mayweather. That fight is unnecessary and would not prove much (unless Pacquiao is able to pull of a miraculous and unlikely upset). Mayweather is able to move up in weight with success because he is so good at defense that he rarely gets hit, so the heavier punches have less effect. Someone like Pacquiao might have less success because he likes to trade punches with his opponents.
Pacquiao/Elorde Connection
Brian, in the mid 70’s one of our great fighters Gabriel Flash Elorde, who reigned for 7 years as world Jr. Lighweight World Champion challenged defending champion Carlos 0rtiz twice in the Lightweight division, 135 lbs. The results twice was Ortiz by knockout over Elorde in the 14th round, both times in the same rounds. In your opinion if Manny Pacman Pacquiao would do the same as Elorde and challenged Juan Diaz, could Manny be defeated as in the fate of Elorde. What do you think?
-Eddieboy
Eddieboy,
Absolutely that is a possibility. As the last emailer said, moving up in weight is difficult and sometimes a boxer is many times less effective just a few weight divisions higher. I think Diaz would outpoint Manny in their fight instead of knocking him out. Diaz would present an extremely tough challenge to Manny, especially with his weight advantage.
Vic Darchinyan?s Comeback
Vic Darchinyan vs. Federico Catubay! Can you smell another upset to be scored by a Filipino?
-Begot
Begot,
Sorry to disappoint but I don?t see an upset in this situation. Catubay is not on the same level as Nonito Donaire, or Darchinyan for that matter. I am eager to see Vic make a comeback because he is an exciting presence in the division.
Who Can Beat Manny Pacquiao?
Hi Brian, I always read your mailbag, your one of a kind I always admire your love for boxing. Do you any idea who can beat the Pacquiao? If so, why? And who is your top 5 p4p list? Thanks…mabuhay… -Troy Hi Brian, who would you suggest is the best one that Manny should fight, wherein he may find it very difficult even if he has the speed, counterpunching ability and the power? Do you think there is somebody at 130 better than him? Thanks and more power.
-Jeremy
Troy and Jeremy,
Pacquiao is the best 130 pound fighter in the world. He has done enough to earn that distinction. So there are not may fighters close to Manny?s weight class who I would favor against Pacman, but there are a few who would put up a very good effort and potentially pull of the upset. One of them is Juan Manual Marquez, who I think has about a 50/50 shot or better to outbox Manny. He has fantastic boxing skills and would be supremely motivated in a rematch. Another who could possibly defeat Pacquiao is Joan Guzman, who is as tough and rugged as they come. Guzman has a unique kind of slick, inside fighting skills that Manny has not been exposed to so there is no telling how he would react. After the Barrera fight Manny should fight Marquez. That is the best fight out there for him. I am currently writing a column of my pound for pound list so look for that to be posted on RSR soon.
The Valero Factor Valero is now working with Barrera. What do you think Valero can contribute to Barrera regarding his match with Manny Pacquiao and how would predict the outcome of Pacquiao vs. MAB? -Zi
Zi, In sparring sessions, Valero is going to give Barrera youth, aggression, energy, and power. This will help him get into good shape and help him prepare for the dynamic offense of Manny Pacquiao. Having Valero in camp will help, but I do not think that it will be enough for Barrera to defeat Pacquiao. Pacquiao will take a few rounds to get started but he has too much determination to be denied against the veteran Barrera. I see Manny winning by TKO in the later rounds.
Weighing Some Prospects
Brian, what do you think of the following prospects?
Andre Berto Jesse Felciano Dimitry Salita Yuri Foreman Bald Bart from the old video archive game.
-Jay
Jay,
Andre Berto had a scare against Cosme Rivera, but that appeared to be a one-off incident. He needs to work on his fundamentals and make sure that he keeps his hubris in check if he wants to avoid trips to the canvas again. I still consider Berto to be one of the top prospects in boxing. He is an explosive fighter with a combination of speed and power. I can envision a scenario where Berto becomes one of the elite fighters in boxing, but more likely he has a career that mirrors Zab Judah.
I?m glad that you included Jesse Feliciano. He does not have the glossy record but that is because he has fought some very good opposition, much better than anyone else that you mentioned (except Bald Bart). Feliciano is a rough, inside fighter who loves to exchange and put pressure on his opponent. Though he may never amount to more than a gatekeeper of the welterweight division, Jesse will be a good test for anyone. Look for him to give Kermit Cintron a battle in November.
Dimitry Salita has failed to impress me. He probably should not be undefeated as his record suggests after struggling mightily against journeymen. Dimitry might be able to win an alphabet soup belt some day (which is not hard to do anymore), but he will never be talked about in pound for pound discussions.
Yuri Foreman will give some people trouble because he has an awkward style but he is no world-beater either. His lack of punching power and sparse action in his fights will make it hard to Foreman to amass a large following. Hopefully Yuri is able to be more entertaining in the future. His biggest fight, against Anthony Thompson, did not win him any fans.
Bald Bart is a can?t miss prospect. He puts a hurting on all of the other prospects on the list without breaking a sweat!
Pacquiao vs. Katsidis In the Future?
Thanks for answering my questions Brian! You really know everything! I think your right, maybe he could test the 135, see if he can take the punches of Katsidis. How would you like that fight? Bet it would be fireworks. If he cannot take the punches of a 135 fighter then he can go back to 130. Do you like that? Lastly I would like Manny to fight all the champions in the 130-weight class so that we would know if he really has what it takes to be the best. In that division, looking forward to your p4p. More power to your mailbag.
-Benjie M. Tiu
Benjie,
Thank you for the compliment but I wouldn?t say that I know everything! Then again maybe I would? Anyway, regarding Manny, yes I think a fight between him and Michael Katsidis would be dynamite. I like your suggestion about him cleaning out the super featherweight division before venturing north though.
The Return of Special Delivery Jones!
Sorry Brian “The Brain” Wilbur. I?ve been out for a week or so stylin’ and profilin’ like only SD Jones can do. Remember when I fought King Kong Bundy in Wrestlemania? Ah that fat person…yeah, he beat me, but he jumped me.
So, Vince’s son is a midget? Yeah, a little guy. Back in my day, WWF ruled because of guys like me and Iron Mike Sharp, not to mention Barry Horowitz and Kamala. Did you know that Kamala and I were lovers?
But this is a boxing site, right? So what about a boxing question. Christy Byrd vs. that Russian dude for the right to challenge what?s-his-face. Who wins and should they be warned of an avalanche? I wish somebody warned me back in 1984 before that damn Bundy got me.
Love you with all my hard,
-SD Jones
SD Jones,
Funny you ask, because I actually did know that you and Kamala were lovers.
Your boxing question is phrased perfectly. I know that many people feel the same way that you do in that the heavyweight division is full of a bunch of Russian no names and what?s-his-faces. The ?Russian dude? that Byrd is set to fight is Alexander Povetkin. Povetkin is an Olympic Gold Medalist who could be the closest thing to a heavyweight savior that we have seen in a long while. I like Povetkin to out-maneuver Byrd and win a decision in that fight.
The winner will fight the winner of another IBF Eliminator: Eddie Chambers vs. Calvin Brock. The winner of that four person tournament will get a shot at IBF Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko, or ?what?s-his-face? as you know him.
A Pacquiao Question Not From a Filipino!
Hi Brian! How are you today?? First, my apologies if in any way I say something incorrect because my English is very bad. I would like to mention something to all Filipinos boxing fan about the Marquez/Pacquiao situation. Many keep on saying that Marquez is this or that because he didn’t take the rematch with Manny. Actually they should be glad he didn’t because if Marquez took it for sure he would have defeated Manny as Morales did. At that time Manny was a one dimensional fighter and Marquez could easily win that fight, even Barrera if he got the rematch as soon as possible he could do the same. Manny learned to be a better fighter when he lost to Morales, if he didn’t he may still be the same fighter he was before his lost, correct me if I am wrong or if you agree with me. God bless you and to all boxing fans (BTW I am a Mexican and this is my first time I post something).
-Carlos
Carlos,
Editing your email did hurt my brain a bit but I thank you for writing in and I appreciate your effort in overcoming the language barrier. I agree with you on some of your opinions. Pacquiao did become a better fighter because of the loss to Morales. Marquez probably would have won had they had an immediate rematch. The last few rounds of the first fight Marquez had formed a puzzle that was frustrating Manny. Pacquiao is more dynamic now but Marquez still presents a very stiff challenge.
I am not ?sure? of a Marquez win like you though. Also, I don?t believe that Barrera would have defeated Pacquiao either. That is a tough stylistic matchup for him. Overall you were on point so thank you for writing in and coming to the defense of Marquez since my mailbag tends to be very pro-Pacquiao as you can see.
Rivera Is A Live Underdog
Brian, so does Jose Antonio Rivera really have a shot against Santos? Let’s see if you can be biased here since he works with you.
-Jay Sterling
Jay,
I will refrain from making a prediction since Jose is a writer for RSR and there is a conflict of interest. But I will say that if you are not even giving ?El Gallo? small chance against Daniel Santos then you are either underestimating Rivera or overestimating Santos. Rivera will attempt to score the upset October 6th on the undercard of Sam Peter vs. Oleg Maskaev.
Thanks for reading everyone. I hope everyone has a great week. See you next time! Make sure that you get in all of your questions and comments in because I look forward to answering them. Until then, have a great week!
