The big 3 0. This Wednesday, December 17th, current pound for pound kingpin Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (48-3-2 36KO) will celebrate his thirtieth birthday. The big 3 0, however, can mean something else entirely too. In 2008, this is how Manny fared in his three fights spanning across the super featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight divisions. Now I would love nothing more than to reiterate the fact that this man started campaigning at a measly 106 pounds but I’m thinking every fighter and avid boxing fan knows that by now, especially the “Golden Boy”. Imagine the internal battles De La Hoya must be facing after receiving such a spectacularly one-sided beating earlier this month. A showing like that against a legendary fighter like Oscar is a great ending to a fabulous 2008. Modern or throwback, young or old, Mexican or Filipino, whoever you may be and whatever your style, you have to hand it to the Pacman. He is indeed deserving of the title Fighter of the Year.
Pacquiao lands a right to the face of Marquez during their first match May 2004 (above). Ironically, of the three cross-division foes the Pacman faced this year, I saw only one name that could really threaten his bid for best fighter in the world. That foe was Juan Manuel Marquez. Their 2004 draw was viewed as both a miraculous comeback for Marquez after having been chopped and dropped thrice in the opening round and a horrid finish by Pacquiao, respectively, depending on who you discussed it with that is. But regardless of how you or I saw it, the scorecards were the root of the drama. This fight, technically, should have gone to Pacquiao by split decision had Burt Clements scored the bout correctly. This controversial draw led to a much needed March rematch. The outcome? Identical (had Clements scored the third knockdown in the first fight that is). After 12 rounds of boxing this past March, the cards read 115-112, 114-113, 112-115 for Pacquiao by split decision.
Now compare this to their May 2004 fight which was computed to a draw, 115-110, 113-113 (Clements), 110-115. This is just screaming trilogy. Even though the convincing win has yet to peer out of the shadows for these two, having started 2008 with a win against Marquez and finishing 2007 by beating Barrera is impressive. Then to add a David Diaz late round knockout to steal the lightweight title, well that was absolutely stunning. This was the introductory fight that added Manny’s name to a long list of heavy hitters outside of his usual featherweight and super featherweight career dwelling. It also launched his “Homicide Hank” Armstrong-like run, who’s birthday is also in December and only five days earlier than Pacquiao’s, on the 12th. And to outdo only himself, Pacquiao presented a show stopper via late round destruction of boxing’s golden egg to cap it all off and seal the deal. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a shutout on FOY ballots.
The Pacman is no stranger to a top-notch billing such as fighter of the year. He was the consensus 2006 winner after, yet, another 3-0 showing which included two splendid knockouts of future hall of famer “El Terrible”, himself, Erik Morales. 2009 will help to prove the Pacman’s status amongst greatest fighters of this era while 2008 has cemented his legacy as the best fighter this year. Who knows, maybe the current and preceding pound for pound kings can finally settle the claim to best fighter on the planet, pound for pound of course. And don’t be surprised if the winner of that clash takes home next year’s FOY award.
