From the moment is was rumored, people said that a bout between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao was the type of showcase that was a crossover fight, one that would attract all kinds of mainstream attention. That theory has proved to be true as the American Mayweather and Filipino Pacquiao have captured the public’s attention and put boxing back into the spotlight in a way that hasn’t been seen for years.
When trying to get a feel for what a group of people, or even a nation itself, is feeling about a certain topic there are many ways to go about it. One of the best examples I have found is to simply go online and search the internet for forums and message boards alike. If one is to take this step and do some digging they will often find a community of voices, opinions, and varying personalities intertwined together, all leading to one collective voice.
About four years ago my passion for NBA basketball had taken me to the point where I found myself searching for a forum where I could reside and gather feedback from fellow fans across the globe. To this day I can’t recall how I found it, but somehow I stumbled upon the website Inside Hoops (www.InsideHoops.com) and became hooked. The main page featured news and rumors about each and every team in the league that was extremely beneficial but it was the website’s forum that really stood out.
I registered on the forums and spent most of my time in two designated boards, the ‘NBA Forum’ and ‘Off the Court Lounge’. While not one to always post at a frequent rate I always checked up on what everyone else was saying. I noticed instantly that the board was full of members from all walks of life, which can be expected, and that there was no stone unturned whether the topics were concerning the NBA or other aspects of life.
The ‘Off the Court Lounge’ has a different feel than the regular forum and it’s a good place to talk about anything in life, from women, personal issues, entertainment, and other news across the globe. I was always under the assumption to expect the unexpected when dealing with my fellow ISH cohorts but recently was taken back by just much passion and attention the members have given to the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather showdown.
A thread titled ‘Pacquiao-Mayweather Set for March 2010’ was started on December 1st and has since gone on to be one of the most hotly debated topics on the board, with 359 comments and 6,653 page views as this goes to print. Nestled between such threads as ‘Post a pic of yourself 6’ and ‘Why are the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer?’, the Pacquiao-Mayweather debate found inside the ISH forums has been noteworthy.
From the minute that rumors began surfacing that the fight looked to be a go for March, members starting weighing in with their opinions. This is how some of the early feeback looked…
(SoCalMike)… “I hope this happens, but I just don’t think Mayweather is in his prime anymore, so I think Pacquiao will win since he’s at the top of his game!”
(RedBlackAttack)… “As much as Floyd’s team and Arum despise each other, this fight is far too big not to happen. Now, maybe we can actually focus on the matchup and not the purse and how it should be divided.
I’m a big fan of both fighters. That said…
Give him a boxing lesson, Floyd.”
(Zan Tabak)… “The last big fight left in boxing…I’m looking forward to it.”
(halffttime)… “I got Pacquiao by decision or tko via stoppage.. trust me I understand how styles make fights and Mayweather’s style is perfect for going up against Pacquiao.. but I just have this gut feeling Pacquiao’s gonna pull it out.”
(Lebron23)… “Fight of the century.
Pacquiao and Roach should hire Timothy Bradley and Joan Guzman as his sparring partners because they can mimic Mayweather’s style.
Amir Khan, Jorge Linares, Rashad Holloway, Showtime Shawn Porter, Jose Luis Castillo, and Urbano Antillon were his sparring partners in the De La Hoya/Hatton/Cotto Fight.
But next year I think Freddie Roach is going to hire a slick, fast, athletic, and a Defensive-Minded boxer in preparation for the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight.”
(DonDadda59)… “I love how everyone is focused on how problematic Floyd’s style is for Pac but few consider that fact that Money has never faced a fighter like Pac. His southpaw stance alone presents a challenge, May struggled with Zab in the early going and like RBA said Corley (not even half the fighter Pac is) hurt him. Add his odd rhythm- moving in and out, side to side, and his head movement has increased tenfold. He throws multiple punches from weird angles and many of his opponents say they can’t see the punches coming because he’s so blindingly fast.”
(Tarik One)… “Wow you guys haven’t watched Floyd at all, he always backs up southpaws with both hands up high (except maybe Judah). I thought Manny should have used a lot more movement against Cotto, but he wanted to prove a point, but regardless Pacquiao can be backed up relatively easily because he moves in and out, he isn’t a guy who just comes forward, but if you can get him consistently moving back thats where he isn’t as good. The fight against Hatton doesn’t count because obviously a heavy hitter with speed would pick Hatton apart because he’s so open when he comes in.
The problem is when you watch the Marquez fight Manny wasn’t the offensively killer he was in later fights, and thats because Marquez didn’t let him. Marquez was able to control the ring and even was more success leading in with the cross than Pacquiao was. Now put Mayweather in Marquez’s shoes, a guy who blatantly showed he’s bigger, faster, and stronger and better than Marquez, and Manny won’t be able to get started.
The best way to beat a Ferrari in a race is to never let the key go into the ignition, and Mayweather wouldn’t let Manny find his rhythm. Floyd will come forward behind a high guard, and he will land right hand after right hand, and Manny will occasionally flurry, but Mayweather will either stand there and block the majority of them or move back quickly and stay out of Manny’s range, then he will go right back to walking Manny down.”
Later word hit regarding the now infamous Olympic style drug testing fiasco and that only further built up the reaction and opinion expressed by the ISH community. This is what everyone was initially saying…
(DonDadda59)… “And the funny thing is, Pacquiao’s side agreed to blood tests at the time of the press conference (2 months before the fight) and right after the fight as well as urine samples at any time they are requested. They just don’t want blood drawn during training, just before a megafight which makes perfect sense.
First it was complaints about weight and glove size, then Schaefer cancels the trip to Dallas hours before they were set to go, few days ago Zab Judah says Floyd is complaining about money and walking away (after a $25 mil guarantee before extras), now this. Seems like they’re trying REAL hard to avoid this from happening.”
(sunsfan1357)… “Blame has to go on Pac’s camp too.
Quote: Two weeks ago, Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, told ESPN.com that their side had no problem with Olympic style testing.
“I have no problem with the testing whatsoever,” Roach said then. “They can do whatever kind of drug testing they want. They’re scared of Manny and scared of his power. He’ll pass any test in the world.”
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/box…ory?id=4766171
Can’t blame the Mayweather camp for insisting on testing that Pac’s trainer said they would have no problem doing.”
(RedBlackAttack)… “It’s called head games… Gamesmanship.
It appears to be working. They’ve got Freddie Roach responding to the inquiries.
Floyd is not walking away from this fight. That may be what his handlers are saying, but I’ve been telling you from the very start that this fight is happening. You didn’t believe that it would ever be this close to being done. Now, you believe it is going to fall through at the last possible minute.
Listen to me for once on this matter… The fight is happening. There is still a little posturing going on, which happens when you have massive egos butting heads, but there is way too much money on the line to derail this matchup. The money is agreed to (and generous to Pac, imo). The gloves are agreed to (again… Pac won that side of it). The weight is agreed to (Pac’s request to be at 147).
So, basically, Floyd has conceded every other issue. The only thing that he is asking is that Pac take a blood test the day of the fight. I don’t think it is a ridiculous request, especially considering every other contingency has gone the way of Pac.
I’m just saying… The suspicion is out there. Why not kill all of it by just agreeing to the simple blood test that BOTH men would be taking? Why not at least TRY to negotiate, instead of saying that you will only take a test A MONTH before the fight? The amount of blood that he would lose during testing would be regenerated in a few hours.
I don’t think Pac is juicing, but he is making himself look suspicious, here.”
(raiderfan19)… “This is hilarious. If Manny refuses to agree to this, then yes it is purely on him and to be honest there’s not really a way to argue its not. If Floyd was asking for Manny and only Manny to be tested, Manny’s team would have a point, but Floyd would be subject to the same test. There are so many ways to beat urine tests its just unreal, and there are really easy ways to beat tests when you know they are coming which is the entire point of doing this kind of testing.
Also to whomever mentioned Phil and Lebron, Lebron has already been subjected to this kind of testing(as has Kobe) when they were on team USA.”
(jaydacris)… “doesn’t sound too outrageous to me…for 25 million, I think one can subject himself to a needle which would take a miniscule amount of blood
the Nevada athletic commission is very lax already, they only care about hep b/c and hiv, and a blood test for these things are done once a year (license lasts a year), also they do random testing only if they think necessary (defeats the purpose of random)
A great fighter like Manny’s Achilles is a simple needle shot? damn…”
(GOBB)… “Either Pacman has something to hide which could tarnish his legacy or his team feels this is just ridiculous and insulting. How many boxers in the history of the sport have given blood 48hrs before a bout? Floyd’s camp is playing it smart by now having this shadow of doubt/suspicion if a showdown doesn’t go…down. Even outside the ring Floyd is tactical.”
(SCREWstonRockets)… “Sounds like mind games to throw Pac off his game. I don’t think they are scared, but I think they feel the need to get any extra advantage against Pacman. They seem very surprised at what Pac did to Cotto. I’d understand if the state boxing commission requested this, but this is all from Team Money. Since when did they start running things? The Nevada State Boxing Commission feels insulted as they have stated their testing is state of the art.”
(plowking)… “Manny should man up and take the blood test. It’s hardly a ridiculous request.”
(johndeeregreen)… “I just want to know what performance enhancing drug can be detected a week before the fight but not immediately afterwards.
As for the blood test thing, all of you are overlooking the point. Physically it will do nothing to either man, of that I’m sure. By the accounts of those in Pacquiao’s camp, however, it is a mental obstacle. I’ve never boxed before, but I can tell you in any sport you’re playing, if you THINK you’re weaker – you are. Don’t sleep on the mental aspect of anything. Your mind is a powerful thing. If Pacquiao genuinely believes that having blood drawn the day of the fight will affect his performance, rest assured, it will.”
(imagine)… “Is there really an illegal substance that can be taken in training so close to the fight that will not show up in any urine or blood test right after the fight? If there is, why don’t all boxers use it?”
(RandomBalla55)… “I would completely agree that this would be ludicrous if it was only Manny who would be subjected to these Olympic-style drug tests.
However, if Floyd is undergoing the same tests as well, then nobody is benefiting. All it is to make sure that, in an event of this magnitude, that there’s no reasonable doubt that everyone is clean.
I’m not saying that Pac is guilty, but it does look bad. Floyd undergoes the exact same tests and there’s no advantage to anyone. If you’ve got nothing to hide, why not?”
(bdreason)… “I assume everyone is on PED’s unless proven otherwise. Every athlete, in every major sport should be required to take random drug tests year around.
Even after drug tests I’m skeptical… because many of the tests don’t include screening for HGH, the most popular PED in the world right now.
I personally know amateur athletes (MMA) who use HGH, and love it. It truly is an amazing drug. I’ve actually considered using it myself, even though I’m not an amateur or professional athlete. Many non-athletes who take HGH call it “the fountain of youth”.
Anyway, I’m off topic. This sounds more like hype for the fight than a legit problem. Manny will take the tests, and the fight will happen. My money is on PBF by decision.”
(The GM)… “Pacquiao has a “pre-game” ritual why change it for some punk that is obviously scared that he’s gonna get knocked out and doesn’t want that 1 L on his record. This is obviously mind games by Mayweather, he’s such a bia and deserves no respect. Pac said he would take blood test just not when Floyd wants them, how convenient how Floyd just brings this up right b4 everything is gonna get finalized, smells like ***** to me. Pac has a phobia to needles, everyone has a phobia to something so i don’t know why people on here make such a big deal of it. He has a routine and he wants to stick to it, should he change it to bow down to Floyd like he wants? no. Floyd is scared cause he saw what Pac did to Cotto and if this fight doesn’t happened it will only further damage Mayweather’s legacy, period.”
(Undisputed)… “There’s a lot of PED’s that are undetectable.
Pac needs to take the tests. I can understand the concern of Mayweather and his camp, I know I would be concerned also. I have a feeling Pacquiao will be busted for using PED’s. I don’t care how many arguments from fanboys that I hear, I just see it coming.”
(Lebron23)… “Pacquiao should take the blood test after the fight
Mayweather wants to see a physically and mentally weak Manny Pacquiao inside the boxing ring.
If he is found to be on steroids Pacman doesn’t get the money and the recognition of beating Mayweather.
The Nevada State Commission should suspend him.
Why did Money May not ask the same thing for his 40 other opponents?
Pac should only accept an Olympic Style drug testing after their bout. I want to see both boxers at full strength on March 13, 2009.”
(oh the horror)… “This is all very annoying. Whatever happened to the day when a boxer wanted to whip anyone’s ass that was willing to fight him? Was there ever an era like that? When the best fighters always fought the other best fighters without all of these politics being involved? This sh*t here is just tiresome.”
Tiresome indeed, but such is often the case in the world of boxing. What we want or expect doesn’t always come to fruition and the Pacquiao-Mayweather saga has been excruciating and frustrating on many accounts. In closing the forum members voiced their opinions just recently as to whether or not the bout would eventually come off…
(jaydacris)… “I’m getting kinda worried… this really needs to be inked up by years end
its almost like they’re both accepting the fight wont happen, and both camps are trying to save face for reasons why the fight didn’t happen
boxing needs a governing body, an overseeing eye does nothing (athletic commissions) when u leave decisions up to egomaniac greedy promoters/fighters this is the **** u end up with
both fighters need this fight, if it doesn’t happen, their next fights wont matter cuz it’ll just be overshadowed by why THIS fight didn’t happen”
(DeuceWallaces)… “Good to see Pac get called out. Shouldn’t be any reason he wouldn’t agree to any drug testing no matter how strict. You’d want to clear your name right? Been THE topic of talk radio here all week.
Pac is hiding something. Scared of getting caught. He just needs to agree to Olympic testing and everything is cool. They’re not defaming him, they’re asking for intense testing, because the guy got dropped by two chumps and now he takes a pounding like Rocky while laughing it off and climbing weight classes like no one we’ve seen before.”
(DonDadda59)… “Thing is though, Pac already agreed to do blood tests- 3 of them in 2 months w/ unlimited urine tests, went as far as to allow testing 5 days before the fight (in addition to immediately after the fight), AND is willing to throw $10 million at Money if he fails any sort of test… but the Mayweather’s don’t think that’s enough… what does that tell you? It’d be one thing if he said ‘No tests period’, he just doesn’t feel comfortable getting blood drawn the day before the fight, and the USADA won’t guarantee that won’t happen since they want random testing and have no cap on time/amounts of tests, so Arum suggested they use the same agencies that test NFL and NBA players, you know pro athletes. Still not good enough. Because obviously, Dr. Mayweather Sr. knows Pac is on that new ‘subblamence’ that only stays in your system 4 days or less than a month and can’t be detected the night of the fight when it’s supposed to be taking effect.
Anyway, Mayweathers got their wish- they used this ‘negotiation period’ for the free publicity for their ‘World Tour’ plan and the fight that was never going to happen is off. Arum is starting negotiations with Paulie Malignaggi (ironic ) to fight Pac in March to fill the void.
I wonder how the Mayweather brigade will respond once the Matthew Hatton fight is announced. ‘Oh, it’s just a tuneup… he’ll fight a real welter soon, just wait and see’. Dude has been playing you guys like a harp for years”
(krazy19)… “Forcing Pacquiao to have to undergo random tests like these are absolutely insulting to him and the sport of boxing. In this country, the burden of proof is on the prosecutor and not on the defendant. Pacquiao has passed every test he’s taken in his life and Arum has said Pac would take the same tests that NBA and MLB players undergo.
Pacquiao’s camp had already agreed to the Olympic style of testing but the fight only became in jeopardy when Floyd’s camp asked for RANDOM testing throughout training. It’s understandable that Pacquiao wouldn’t subject himself to that kind of treatment.”
(Undisputed)… “I’m pretty confident Pacquiao-Mayweather will happen. It makes too much sense for both sides.
I would love to see Mayweather fight Mosley, but I don’t see Floyd doing that until he gets beat. I’m not even interested in seeing Pacquiao destroy Foreman, Malignaggi, or even Bradley. He will dismantle those guys just as easily as he dismantled Cotto and pretty much everyone else. If Cotto couldn’t hurt him, don’t try to tell me watching him fight any of those guys would be entertaining. Fighting Berto or Mosley would have my attention, but those guys aren’t at the top.
Same with Mayweather, there’s no one out there that would make him more money than this fight. This is the guy who calls himself “Money” after all. This is just both sides playing some serious hardball. It has to happen.”
(Eldrunk247)… “I’m a Pac fan but the man punches people in the face for a living. He lives in a place where you need 60 armed bodyguards. What’s a little blood? He should have nothing to hide and nothing to fear. Nobody likes needles but if he really wanted to fight Mayweather he should step up to the plate and make it happen.”
(Halffttime)… “not surprised at all. I was actually expecting something like this to happen.. any excuse to keep the fight from happening. I am surprised though that RBP is still defending Mayweather. you can’t put this one on Pacquiao. the man agreed to the random drug testing you guys asked for, there is no way you can blame him for refusing to take blood tests five days prior to the fight. do they really think shooting up roids days within the fight would make that much of a difference? I THINK IT’S CLEAR BY NOW MAYWEATHER IS TRYING TO AVOID PACQUIAO. a month ago Mayweather was calling out Pacquiao and saying if Pacquiao did want to fight him, he would say so himself and not leave the decision up to his handlers. so what does Pacquiao do? he agrees to the fight.. and guess what!?!? Mayweather’s in the same predicament now Pacquiao was in before. if he does truly want to step into the ring with the champ, all he has to do is disregard these silly nonsense BS his people are trying to push, and sign the fukking contract.
Will he do it? “money” will decide. it’s all about money with Mayweather.”
(D-nugz)… “It’s not about taking the same test, it’s the fact that you have Olympic testing and it’s been stated that 7 tests will be done. The problem is the fact that it is so close to fight night 48hrs.
I’m no Pac fan but a boxing fan. I knew this was going to happen PBF was always going to duck the fight and make some excuse or ridiculous request. The fact that the Mayweathers are making accusations based on no evidence is absolutely ridiculous. Pacman has past all tests from his career what does Mayweather have to change the rules on how testing is done.
He knew Pacman wouldn’t agree to the testing and it was a reason for him not to fight Pacman. Everything was set all agreements had been met until this. Disappointing for boxing.
But you never know this could be all part of the hype.”
(RedBlackAttack)… “You are wrong. I am a fan of Mayweather, but not an unreasonable one. I’ve criticized him in the past, although it is difficult on this forum being that 99-percent of posters despise him and, anytime he does something questionable, it will be echoed from the high mountains. I didn’t think it was right that he came in over the catch-weight limit against Marquez (although I am vehemently against catch-weights).
I also know that Mayweather and his team can be excessive and often ridiculous in negotiating a fight. The funny thing, is I have been saying that throughout this thread. I’ve also been saying that, if the fight doesn’t come off, I will put blame on both parties, because I don’t believe this is a valid excuse for either Pac or PBF to call it off.”
I must say, pretty impressive stuff coming from an NBA forum. I understand that several members are also probably fans of other sports besides professional basketball but I never expected this kind of reaction from the ISH community regarding the fight. Whether Pacquiao-Mayweather does transpire or whether it becomes just a footnote in both men’s careers under the heading ‘What could have been’, this specific thread showcases the exact magnitude of the bout. This isn’t just a ‘classic boxing match’ or a ‘super fight’, this is the fight of all fights as far as everyone is concerned.
Mainstream mania indeed.
