Greatness is not measured by the number of wins one accumulates, but rather by the number as well as the quality of challenges one has faced, conquered, and the manner at which one has done that. That, indeed, is the true measure of greatness.
Tungod, Inabanga, Bohol – In the previous piece, we discussed two of probably the most significant blemishes in Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao’s boxing resume – the loss to Morales and the draw to Marquez. They were significant in the sense that the Pinoy pride was already barging into world prominence when these bouts came about. Here, while we eagerly await Pacquiao’s next ring assignment, let’s spend a few moments to address the remaining two losses and a draw that have somehow dampened, although minutely especially in the eye of the well-informed, the world’s greatest active pugilist’s legendary record. For consistency’s sake, just like the first edition, we will continue our discussions in chronological order. Read more in Sports ? Top 10 Fantasy Football Tips Do Guns Make Martial Arts Obsolete? ?
Let’s kick off with the draw against perhaps the dirtiest fighter Pacquiao has ever shared the squared circle with – the late Agapito Sanchez of the Dominican Republic. Sanchez did just about everything prohibited in the rule book during that bout. He was deducted on two occasions for low blows. However, he wasn’t penalized for the headbutt that caused a huge cut on Pacquiao’s right upper eyelid in the 2nd round and then another one in the 6th that worsened it and eventually put the fight to an ignominious halt. They were ruled as unintentional in nature. It also didn’t help that Sanchez, albeit listed as a southpaw by boxrec, fought using the orthodox stance. Thus, a clash of heads was not a remote possibility, especially when both pugs refused to back down and both wanting to impose his will on his opponent.
Nevertheless, Pacquiao still fought gallantly, not minding the blood oozing down like sweat. A lot of people might disagree with me on this one, but he was, however, in my opinion, fighting someone who seemed to be faster and technically better. This is indeed a rarity considering Pacquiao’s already incredible speed. Sanchez also had a sound strategy circling Pacquiao towards his right, thereby avoiding his foe’s vaunted left. Pacquiao, on the other hand, went left-hand happy, missing his target more often than not. Sure Pacquiao could have or should have won via disqualification, but sans the dirty tactics in most stretches of that bout, Pacquiao was apparently overpowered, outhustled and was beaten to the punch on several occasions. If you have doubts, a video clip of that bout is provided herewith for your ready reference. You be the judge. Oh before I forget, it might also be interesting to note that Pacquiao’s bosom buddy Buboy Fernandez wasn’t among the seconds who assisted him during that bout. That highly anticipated super bantamweight unification showdown ended in a technical draw with scores of 55-57, 56-56, and 58-54 that left fans obviously disappointed.
So far, we have discussed three fights that could have gone Pacquiao’s way. These encounters, though having contrasting results, have something in common – Pacquiao had no trouble making weight. The remaining two discussions will feature Pacquiao as a physically growing teenage boxing sensation.
This brings us to probably the only fight where Pacquiao fought weight-drained and therefore, not in fighting condition –the loss to Medgoen Singsurat. The Pinoy firebomb was at the peak of his growth years, unable to beat the required 112-lb weight limit and in the process, lost his first world championship belt even before he could lace up his gloves. Pacquiao was literally dead meat the moment he stepped inside the squared circle, eventually losing via knockout in the 3rd canto.
Now, we seal our discussions with probably the most sensational of all Pacquiao’s losses and draws combined – the loss to compatriot Rustico Torrecampo. Like the fight with Singsurat, Pacquiao was also unable to make weight for this light flyweight showdown… but unlike the failed championship defense in Thailand, Pacquiao was still fresh and dangerous when this bout took place. The problem, however, was that Pacquiao was mandated to use heavier gloves than what he’s used to wearing. Pacquiao, the fighter that he is and probably not wanting to lose the prize money, still took the challenge and even gave a good account of himself before he went careless. In the 3rd inning, Torrecampo caught Pacquiao with a perfect punch to the chin that cut the night short for the General Santos native. That punch was so devastating that it even penetrated Pacquiao’s breadbasket. It wasn’t a body punch that knocked Pacquiao out cold. Several scribes have reported it to be a body punch, but quite apparently, it wasn’t. If it were, Pacquiao’s eyes would not have crossed after absorbing that mighty blow.
Boxing nowadays has somewhat established a culture that extols unblemished records as if they were the ultimate measure for greatness. We have the promoters and broadcasting networks to blame for this… and maybe some gloved athletes as well. Boy Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is probably the epitome of such kind. Winning is pleasing and gratifying… but winning isn’t everything. Greatness is not measured by the number of wins one accumulates, but rather by the number as well as the quality of challenges one has faced, conquered, and the manner at which one has done that. That, indeed, is the true measure of greatness.
This is the 2nd installment of a two-part special.To read the first edition just click the link provided below:
The Truth Behind Manny Pacquiao’s Losses and Draws (Part 1)
Hereunder are articles written by the same byline:
Mayweather: Untried, Unproven and Untested at Welterweight!
Z “The Dream” Gorres and the Story that was Almost Never Told
Why Marquez Makes a Whole Lot More Sense Than Mayweather!
The Analogy: Pacquiao is to LeBron as to Mayweather is to Kobe as to Robinson is to Jordan
Two Pinoys Own the G.O.A.T Distinction: Will Manny Pacquiao Make it Triple B?
Seven, It Must Feel Like Heaven!
Pacquiao-Cotto: Let’s Keep It Real!
The Science Behind a Punch
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