In today?s edition of Ask The Editor (ATE), we have a mixed bag addressing a number of issues including Manny Pacquiao?s greatness, a possible Ricky Hatton-Amir Khan match and the knockout punching power of Edwin Valero. One reader suggests the replacement of Sugar Ray Robinson at the top of the all-time boxing rankings, we discuss Floyd Mayweather Jr-Juan Manuel Marquez and more.
Name : Patrick McKenzie Country : Iraq Your Question : It seems most of your readers and writers have jumped on the Manny Pacquiao train after his destruction of Ricky Hatton, stating they?d now favor him to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. And why not? After Hatton got stopped by Mayweather, he rebounded with a real strong showing, weathering the battering the monster-sized, strongman, Juan Lazcano delivered. Then Hatton challenged the ?Little Hands of Sandstone? (Recall Paulie?s impressive prior beat-down victory over Ndou), one-punch KO artist, Paulie Malignaggi. I mean if you wanted to test out Ricky?s chin (and post-defeat mentality ? e.g. how Trinidad, Hamed & RJJ came roaring right back following their KO defeats), after he got floored by Mayweather, Juan and Paulie were the gorillas to do it! And let?s not forget about Pacquiao?s victory over the Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya. Prior to the fight, Oscar looked to be in stellar shape, like a comet crash landing, coming in well under the 147-pound limit. And if you needing any more convincing about Oscar?s physical prowess that night, when the scales showed he had barely re-hydrated any extra pounds before climbing into the ring, you knew right then he was in the best shape of his life! Am I being harsh about Pacquiao?s recent accomplishments? Perhaps a little, but I think some perspective is in order. Yes, Manny came into both bouts in terrific shape, had an excellent game plan he executed to perfection and won in spectacular fashion. But I think it?s safe to assume Floyd won?t be weight-drained like a castaway floating around at sea for a month, and he won?t run in with his face throwing punches wider than an 8-lane expressway – I don?t ever recall Hatton fighting that undisciplined/sloppy. A long-time reader now currently residing in Iraq,
CLIVE BERNATH ANSWERS: Hi Patrick. I too do not want to take anything away from Manny?s wins over De La Hoya and Hatton. He was in superb shape and coach Freddie Roach plotted the game plan to perfection, of which Manny executed perfectly. But I have to say, I thought both Oscar and Ricky were not only severely weight drained, but completely misjudged the weight making process. And I do agree that Mayweather will be a completely different proposition than Oscar and Ricky.
GREG JUCKETT ANSWERS: Patrick, no doubt there is a lot of ?pro-Pacquiao? banter being thrown around these days and for good reason?Pac-Man has been awesome of late, but I agree with you that no one should suddenly think that Manny should be considered a clear favorite over the great Floyd Mayweather Jr. The thing that makes this potential match-up so exciting is that Pac-Man will make Mayweather fight three minutes a round and that should lead to some fireworks!
PAUL UPHAM ANSWERS: The Pac-Man express is on its third lap of the stadium and I am all aboard! I?m not going to back-peddle now. Hatton was in his prime and Pacquiao destroyed him. All credit to Manny. It was a great win. The winner of Mayweather-Marquez must face Pacquiao and if they don?t, we have to ask why not?
MICHAEL NORBY ANSWERS: Clever Sarcasm 101 from Patrick here. I love it. You need to be a special fighter to have a chance at beating Pacquiao and the two men who will face each other next month (Mayweather and Marquez) are special fighters. The winner of that contest has a great shot at ending Pac-Man?s ten fight unbeaten streak, but the incredible mix of speed, intelligence and ferocity that Pacquiao brings makes him a slight favorite in my eyes.
Name : Maximiliano Herrera Country : Costa Rica Your Question : The amazing Pac-Man gave an amazing surprise and shut our mouths again: once again, against all forecasts, he destroyed a much bigger man. A former flyweight champion knocking out in that way a strong guy like Hatton is something maybe never seen in history of boxing. I am so happy Pretty Boy is coming back from retirement to show us he is the best fighter of history of boxing ever…., but Manny doesn?t agree with that. So, we can expect Floyd beating Marquez (but, do not underestimate Marquez!) and then, maybe towards the end of the year, the fight, the real fight of the century, the fight which will determine the best fighter of history of boxing and replace Sugar Ray Robinson in the Olympus: Floyd Mayweather against Manny Pacquiao. I think we should stop living in the past: of course there have been stunning champions with amazing careers, but the real best of the best will be later this year: Pretty Boy and Pac-Man will offer us the most amazing, awaited and thrilling fight this great sport has ever lived. I will wait for the announcement and buy a ticket in Las Vegas for the first time in my life, but it will be unforgettable and an honour to be part of this.
CLIVE BERNATH ANSWERS: Nice to hear from our Costa Rican friends Maximiliano. Yes, I can?t wait for Mayweather Jr vs. Pacquiao.
GREG JUCKETT ANSWERS: Maximiliano, boxing would be in much better shape if there were more fans who share your enthusiasm. You are spot on regarding the historical significance of a Mayweather-Pacquiao bout, should it come to fruition. I don?t know about the winner replacing Sugar Ray Robinson as the greatest of all-time, but you?re allowed to have an opinion which makes such arguments fun.
PAUL UPHAM ANSWERS: Sorry, Sugar Ray Robinson 173-19-6 (108) is not going to be replaced atop my all-time pound for pound rankings anytime soon. Pacquiao-Mayweather is a great fight. Can?t wait to see it. But I?m leaving the six time undisputed world champion in two weight classes at No.1 for now.
MICHAEL NORBY ANSWERS: I?m not underestimating Marquez either, Maximiliano. The Mexican could very well spring a surprise next month and set up a mouth-watering third match with Pacquiao later in the year. Of course, most people will be pulling for Mayweather but, if JMM does succeed, what an amazing consolation prize that would be for boxing fans.
Name : Garry Ohare Country : United Kingdom Your Question : Just your opinion on a Hatton vs. Khan fight guys. I personally think Amir Khan?s speed and all around boxing skills would give the Ricky Hatton of today nightmares, if Khan boxed a sensible fight like vs. Barrera. I believe it would be an easy fight for Khan, also any true Ricky Hatton fans should want Ricky to go and enjoy his retirement and not fight on. Also what is your opinion on how the fight between Mayweather and Marquez will go? I think its a harder fight for Mayweather than people are expecting, Marquez is a clever fighter who will not go rushing in like Ricky Hatton did vs. Floyd, he will be smart and is a complete fighter and if Mayweather is not at his usual brilliance it could be a difficult night for the Pretty Boy, taking into account that Floyd has been retired for nearly 18 months and may not be 100%, Juan Manuel Marquez is a dangerous fighter to be jumping straight back in with at around 140 pounds apart from the Pac-Man.
CLIVE BERNATH ANSWERS: Garry, I agree, if Khan boxes the way he did against Barrera against the Hatton that fought Pacquiao, he wins. But a peak Hatton I feel would have walked through the improved Khan of today. Let?s not forget, though, we have not seen Khan at his peak yet. And yes, I feel Marquez will prove a tough fight for Mayweather. Though, I do see Mayweather squeaking past him in much the same way he beat Jose Luis Castillo in the first fight.
GREG JUCKETT ANSWERS: Garry, I think if Khan executes a smart game plan, he beats Hatton, but should that fight end up taking place, a lot of pride will be on the line and in the heat battle, Khan may get careless and get nailed on the chin?and Khan doesn?t have a great chin. As far as Mayweather-Marquez goes, I envision a very dull fight between two counter punchers. Mayweather wins by decision.
PAUL UPHAM ANSWERS: Let?s not forget that Pacquiao is a great of boxing. Khan is not at that level yet. I like Hatton over Khan still. I?m not convinced that Khan was going to beat Barrera without the cut occurring. I like that Marquez is going to make Mayweather fight for twelve rounds. That makes the fight interesting for me. Let?s see what Mayweather has got now after his break.
MICHAEL NORBY ANSWERS: Hatton and Khan win big if this fight is made, Garry. A sold out British football stadium and a massive payday is pretty much guaranteed and both guys will fancy their chances. It?s difficult to say who would have the edge. Hatton seems to have faded and Khan?s speed would pose problems, but Amir has many question marks hanging over his head that the win over Barrera did not fully answer. Marquez vs. Mayweather is another extremely interesting contest ? its not clear how effective JMM will be at 140lbs but if he can make that transition seamlessly then Mayweather could be in a spot of trouble.
Name : Thomas Peak Country : United Kingdom Your Question : Hi guys, I would firstly like to offer my condolences to the family of Greg Page, it has been said many times that he was a member of a very underrated and very talented generation of heavyweights and I am sure he will be sorely missed by all boxing fans. My next point is the proposed upcoming WBC lightweight world title fight between Edwin Valero and Breidis Prescott. Prescott essentially chased Amir Khan out of the lightweight division and has smashed apart anybody who has dared face him, Edwin Valero is this generations Julian Jackson (albeit a smaller version) and this could be the fight of the decade. I do hope that it does go ahead (in other words that Valero can get sanctioned wherever they choose to hold it) as for a winner, I just cannot pick one. And just one negative dig before I sign off. How many seconds do you think it would take any of these six fighters (Manny, Hatton, Mayweather, Valero, Prescott or Marquez) to destroy Amir Khan? He isn?t in their league and I?m flabbergasted that he has a ?world title? shot sanctioned by the WBA no less in the same or neighbouring division to these warriors! It brings a shame on boxing which the WBA should not be proud of.
CLIVE BERNATH ANSWERS: Hi Thomas. I do think the winners of the boxers you mention should fight each other, yes. Let?s be honest here, we need these fights. Most of our boxing superstars are approaching 40, so yes, we need new blood to fill those boots. As far as Khan getting a world title is concerned, you have to understand this is a business. I know it?s not right, but as I always say to anyone that?s bored enough to listen to me. You get what you get in this world, not what you deserve. I know the fight fell through in the end but can you honestly tell me David Haye deserved a crack at Wladimir Klitschko?
GREG JUCKETT ANSWERS: Thomas, Greg Page had a lot of talent?it?s a shame he couldn?t have enjoyed more glory and big paydays in his prime. Valero-Prescott should be terrific if it happens. Khan may indeed not belong in the group you compare him to, but let?s see what happens?the guy is 22 years old.
PAUL UPHAM ANSWERS: Nicely said about Greg Page. Very kind of you Thomas. As for Edwin Valero, I just want to see more of him! Give me more and more. What a vicious KO puncher. Amir Khan is improving, but he needs a few more steps to get to the elite level still.
MICHAEL NORBY ANSWERS: I?ve seen Prescott struggle before the Khan fight, Thomas. He didn?t look too impressive against Richard Abril just three months before he demolished the Englishman?s pottery. In saying that, Prescott will soon get his payday, but I don?t think he?d get too far against Valero. I share your thoughts on the tragic death of Greg Page at the young age of 50.
Name : Barnaby Chesterman Country : Italy Your Question : What can you guys tell me about Tavoris Cloud? Is this guy a star in the making? I understand he?s unbeaten and at the back end of last year became the first man to stop Julio Cesar Gonzalez – no mean feat given the Mexican went all the way against Jones Jr and beat both Michalczewski and Glen Johnson.
CLIVE BERNATH ANSWERS: Barnaby, Tavoris Cloud has not fought anyone of note apart from Gonzalez, who had not won a fight since November 2006. Yes the result looks good on paper, but the fact Chad Dawson would rather give up his IBF title rather than face Cloud says it all. Apparently U.S were just not interested. He could turn out to be a good fighter and beat Clinton Woods to claim the vacant IBF title but I don?t think this will answer your question.
GREG JUCKETT ANSWERS: Barnaby, I haven?t had the opportunity to see Cloud in action yet, but matchmaker Eric Bottjer tells me he?s a very talented boxer-puncher. I know he?s been an attraction in Chicago for a couple of years now and has reached mandatory status for Chad Dawson?s soon-to-be vacant IBF 175 lbs belt, so I assume we?ll get to see him in a high-profile bout soon against Clinton Woods.
MICHAEL NORBY ANSWERS: I like Cloud, Barnaby and he definitely has the makings of a star in the light heavyweight division. He not only stopped Gonzalez, he thumped him for ten rounds before the referee jumped in and saved the Mexican. That was last summer, though, and, after Chad Dawson elected against defending his IBF 175 title against the Floridian, Cloud now must face Clinton Woods later in the year. That?s a long lay-off for such a young career so we?ll see what happens.
Name : Brendan O?Connor Country : United Kingdom Your Question : I just have a quick question for you today. With all the talk nowadays about P4P ratings, how good could Cuban amateur legend Mario Kindelan have been as a pro boxer? Would he have crashed the ratings? I personally think he mastered the sweet science and would have stood alongside Mayweather no problem. Oh, and two fights that make me think boxing is on the up after over-protecting fighters I believe was hurting the sport – Edwin Valero vs. Breidis Prescott, and Junior Witter vs. Paul McLosky. Great match-ups I hope will happen
PAUL UPHAM ANSWERS: Mario Kindel?n was an Olympic Gold medallist in 2000 and 2004 and a world amateur champion in 1999, 2001 and 2003. I don?t think it is any stretch to say he would have won a world title belt. Harder to say how far he could have gone up the P4P ratings. I?d watch Valero against anyone!
MICHAEL NORBY ANSWERS: I imagine that Kindel?n would have been a terrific professional, Brendan but we?ll never know. I?m glad that you recognize Paul McCloskey as a boxer you would like to see more of. He doesn?t look like a fighter but he?s fast, crafty, hard to hit and I think the Irish southpaw can go far at 140lbs. I like the way his career is progressing and, if he beats Souleymane M?Baye for the European title next month, then it?s quite possible you?ll see him fight the likes of Witter in the near future.
