WHEN MANNY Pacquiao left for the United States nearly a month ago, the guy was practically a lonely figure. No one bade him goodbye, no one wished him luck.
Who would? He was up against an “assasin,” a baby-faced one, but an assasin nevertheless. Like James Bond, Marco Antonio Barrera’s reputation had preceded him. In 57 fights, 40 opponents hit the canvas. Pacquiao had No. 41 written all over him.
But sports being what it is, upsets do happen, more so in boxing where the underdog can beat the overdog. In front of a screaming audience thirsting for his blood, Pacquiao rocked the boxing world and caused Mexico to practically declare a state of mourning. Barrera was TKOd and the Filipino was hailed as a new boxing sensation.
