Yes We Can! Yes We Can!
I?m not echoing Obama now. I?m saying applying the donkey party?s war cry, or should I now say victory cry, to boxing and specifically to 2008.
We can named Supa Joe Calzaghe, the stinging Sardinian from Newbridge, Wales, as Fighter of the Year?unless and until Manny Pacquiao shocks the world on Dec. 6 by playing a victorious David whose slingshot fells Goliath De La Hoya.
And Yes We Can also to gift wrapping and sending by UPS overnight delivery the Trainer of the Year Award to the Cardiff area for Joe C. Wales? trainer-father, Enzo, unless and until Coach Freddie Roach pilots Pacman to one of the boxing?s biggest upsets since Buster Douglas busted Mike Tyson in Tokyo.
I must say Yes We Can?t though to voices who want to anoint Calslappy as the mythical wordl?s best pound four pound fighter, thus dislodging Megamanny from that prestigious perch?unless and until Da Pacman completely collapses and is wholly noncompetitive against Oscar.
Even if such a Pinoy Idol disaster happens, my inclination would be to say Pacman still rules the roost as he is fighting Dolla Hoya, who is a helluva lot younger than Joe foes Bernard Hopkins (nearly 44) and the discombobulated Roy Jones (39). So, even a first round bangout by Oscar, does not cause a vacancy in the P4P leadership slot.
Only an announced return to battle by Floyd Joy Mayweather can bump Pacman from his lofty position.
It?s been a fantastic ride this year for Calzaghe with dominant victories over both BHop and RJJ with the Hopkins triumph enhanced by The Executioner bouncing back to humiliate young Kelly Pavlik in much the same manner Joe did to Mr. Jones Saturday night in the Garden.
If you?re a Calzaghe backer, part of the singing, beer-swilling Welsh Dragonaire Army, then you?re hoping Dec. 6 turns into a night of infamy for Pacman and Roach.
If you?re sworn to Manny?s Worldwide Batallion, it?s the opposite.
I bet Oscar did not know he?s was going to be so influential in determining who the Fighter of the Year and the Trainer of of the Year for 2008 will be.
Get the annual honors ready. Polish up the trophies for both awards.
But, until the wee hours of Dec. 6, leave the names of the winners blank.
Outstanding Fighter for 2008 will either be Joe or Manny.
Outstanding Trainer for 2008 will either be Enzo or Freddie.
It?s war, Wales against the Philippines.
No one walks with the awards until the final shots are fired in Las Vegas.
