Kelly Pavlik’s thrilling knockout win over Jermain Taylor last weekend was incredible yet there is another superb clash lined up for this Sunday (Thai time) which could be just as good. Filipino hotshot Manny Pacquiao tackles Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera at super-featherweight in Las Vegas in a fight that pits a reckless knockout artist against a seasoned master with superior boxing skills.
The fight will be shown live on TrueVisions channel 67 and is free to Gold and Platinum package subscribers.
Just as Pavlik had to climb off the floor in the second round before stopping WBC middleweight champion Taylor in the seventh when he was behind on the scorecards, the chances are that someone could be dropped in this one too and still end up winning.
Both can punch and although Pacquiao has the better chin he is also more open to being hit.
When the pair met four years ago ‘Pacman’ triumphed over the Mexican with an 11th round stoppage but there are several new factors to consider that may change the outcome this time.
Some claim Pacquiao hasn’t trained with his usual intensity and that he may underestimate Barrera because of the previous victory.
It’s fair to say that Barrera is on the downside of a superb career but he still poses a massive threat to anyone who isn’t fully prepared.
He has adjusted his style over the years and has become more of an intelligent punch picker, which could be the way to dissect Pacquiao’s wild attacks.
Barrera also boxes extremely well off the back foot and launches scathing combinations when opponents try to get into range.
The Filipino has brute force on his side but looked ungainly against Jorge Solis last time out before securing a knockout in the eighth round.
The big question is if Barrera can hold him off for the full 12 rounds while piling up the points.
The Mexican managed it against ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed in April 2001 but has been in so many hard fights since that his punch resistance and workrate are open to question.
My heart wants Barrera to win this fight but my head believes Pacquiao will triumph again, possibly even earlier than last time.
When Pavlik stunned Taylor in the seventh round last weekend it reminded of the fifth round of Barrera v Erik Morales in February 2000.
Barrera was hurt badly but roared back with such defiance that his legendary status was secured in those three minutes.
It was right up there with the first round of Marvin Hagler v Thomas Hearns or the 10th round of Riddick Bowe v Evander Holyfield.
But an image that weighs heavily on my mind is that of Morales getting blitzed in three rounds by Pacquiao last November.
All of Morales’ hard fights caught up with him that night and Barrera has been in similar wars.
Pavlik’s dazzling comeback was no doubt due to his fire of being the challenger in his first world title fight but Barrera has been here many times before and his desire could be tested when Pacquiao starts to pour it on.
Thankfully there isn’t long to wait to find out for real.
Thailand’s Pornsawan Porpramook froze in the spotlight a little last Sunday when he was outpointed by Filipino Donnie Nietes in Cebu City for the vacant WBO strawweight title.
It probably didn’t help that Nietes looked so powerful on the night and had Pornsawan all over the place in the opening sessions. He even knocked him down in the fourth round.
One of my colleagues remarked the next day that Nietes looked like a ‘little Pacquiao’ which perfectly summed up his presence in the ring.
Filipino boxers are thriving at the moment but Barrera could seriously burst the bubble this weekend. Don’t miss it.
