One could argue that any one of three boxers could lay claim to be named SecondsOut Fighter of the Year. After all, who could argue with Joe Calzaghe?s points wins over Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr or indeed Hopkins?s impressive victory over the previously undefeated Kelly Pavlik?
In any given year Hopkins? incredible age defying performance in taming Ohio tough guy Pavlik or Calzaghe?s back to back victories against two modern day ring legends would have been enough to give them the nod. But then there are great fighters and there is Manny Pacquiao.
The Filipino pocket power house was of course already an established ppv superstar, having beaten Mexican greats Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera over a two year period. But in 2008 impressive wins over old rival Juan Manuel Marquez(pts 12), David Diaz(tko 9) and Oscar De La Hoya-deservedly elevated him to the top of the pound for pound list. Ok one could argue had Floyd Mayweather Jr not retired; Manny would still be at No.2 but this reporter believes Pacquiao?s total annihilation of De La Hoya- justifiably qualifies him as P4P No.1
What makes Pacquiao?s performances in 2008 all the more remarkable is he managed to raise his game on each occasion. Having fought to a very tough draw against Mexican rival Marquez in 2004, Pacquiao knew he would have to produce a career best performance and that he did when grinding out a close 12 round split decision to claim the WBC super-featherweight crown.
SecondsOut is boxing on YouTube Following the Marquez fight Pacquiao decided to relinquish his 130lbs title in favour of challenging David Diaz for his WBC lightweight crown. There were some experts that thought going up to 135lbs may prove a little too much for the smaller framed Pacquiao. That theory was completely dismissed pretty much from the opening bell when Pacquiao professionally and systematically broke down the game but outgunned Diaz inside nine rounds.
Then on course came the Filipino legend?s finest hour-the complete domination of Oscar De La Hoya. Again many experts felt that by Pacquiao moving up the weights yet again could prove his downfall. It is one thing a super-featherweight moving up to lightweight but to jump two more divisions to 147lbs almost defied logic. Again no one need be concerned; Pacquiao yet again combined lightening fast hands, excellent balance and sustained pressure to break down and all but finish the career of a once great fighter.
2008 saw Pacquiao finally last to rest the challenge of Marquez, he successfully moved up in weight to become a four weight champion and round off the year by defying the odds to crush a much bigger Oscar De La Hoya.
Mamy Pacquiao is SecondsOut?s Fighter of the Year for 2008.
