No doubt about it, 2008 was the year of the Pacman. The Philippines’ Manny Pacquiao pulled off a trifecta of wins for the ages.
In fact, by winning bouts in three different weight classes, two of them for world titles, he brought back memories of boxing’s golden age.
Pacquiao’s impressive conquest of Oscar De La Hoya on Dec. 6 capped one of the best years a fighter could envision. Not since Henry Armstrong claimed three world titles 70 years ago have we seen the likes of the action-packed Filipino.
It would be a travesty of the highest caliber if Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) is not named unanimous fighter of the year.
He started the year by winning the WBC super featherweight title against Juan Manuel Marquez in February at 130 pounds. Moving up five pounds, he knocked out WBC lightweight titlist David Diaz in June.
He did not let any type of little-man syndrome enter into it as he went up two weight classes to 147 pounds to take care of De La Hoya, likely sending him into retirement.
In much simpler times, namely eight distinct world champions, Armstrong has the distinction of defeating featherweight (126 pounds) champ Petey Sarron in November 1937, welterweight champ Barney Ross and lightweight champ Lou Ambers in August 1938.
Armstrong must be smiling.
