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Whenever we talk about Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, we seem to focus only the many differences between the world’s two best pugilists.
Today, I am changing the discussion.
Let the flame wars rage on on the Internet comment boards, Flomos on one side and the so-called Pacroids on the other (there is another nickname for Manny fans but I find it incredibly distasteful), as I don’t think Gandhi could bring peace to many of those fans who became fanatics.
Today, my theme is that I doubt that Pacman and Money May really have any kind of dislike, let alone hatred between them.
Instead. both should be grateful that the other is his contemporary. I mean, how angry can you get at someone who is going to be your dance partner, whether it’s in November or early in 2011, with a possible $100 million jackpot to divvy up.
Secondly, there are many ways in which the mouthy Mayweather and the humble Pacquiao are similar.
Despite their obvious differences, Michael Marley contends that Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather have much in common beyond their youth and wealthy status (AP Photo)
For example:
WHAT MAYWATHER, PACQUIAO HAVE IN COMMON:
1. They are both young, both on the south side of 35, and in prime of their lives.
2. They are both incredibly wealthy.
3. They both pay major respect to their mothers. And both are dedicated to their children, four for Manny and four for L’il Floyd.
4. They both love NBA basketball and both like to shoot hoops although, based on anecdotal evidence, I’d say Manny puts in more time on the court. (The whole Mayweather family seems to spend plenty of time in court but that’s another story.) Wouldn’t you love to see them play one one one?
5. Floyd and Manny are both serious gamblers especially when it comes to betting pro sports although it seems like the American is more focused on the NFL while Pacman prefers the NBA for his daily wagering.
6. They both love music. Mayweather is entrenched in the rap world, even has his own musical management company. Pacquiao has graduated from karaoke to the the Jimmy Kimmel show and paid concerts. Pacman plays the guitar and signs, I guess Money raps about money and how rich he is. Pacquaio knows the difference between Charice and Lady Gaga but I’m not sure Mayweather does. On the other hand, I doubt Manny can differentiate between the Three Six Mafia and NWA. Pacman may think NWA stands for Northwest Air Lines but I’m sure his own ?LA Mafia? clique could clue him in.
7. Both will be first time eligible locks for the International Boxing Hall Of Fame and can you imagine the crowd in Canastota if they were enshrined the same day?
8 .They both show a religious sensibility although Pacquiao comes across as more of a churchgoer. Mayweather is no ?Jesus freak? but you hear him praising God from time to time.
9 .They train with equal intensity and dedication although it must be noted that, if he does not have a bout scheduled and he isn’t Master Freddie Roach’s command and control, Manny will pound a few San Mig Lights while shooting eight or nine hours of billiards. Mayweather, by contrast, seems to rarely miss a day at his gym. Perhaps When no fight is on the boards, it’s billiards, sabong (cockfighting) and basketball filling Pacman’s time, although his new Congressional duties will flip that script.
10. Mayweather was long promoter by Bob Arum until he broke away from Top Rank. Pacquiao went through a few promoters before he signed up with Top Rank but it seems he will finish his career with Arum’s company. Don’t think that Oscar de la Hoya does not spend part of every day wondering why both Manny and Floyd are not promoted by his outfit.
11. Boxing ran in the family blood. Floyd Sr., and Uncle Roger were accomplished pros, Roger a world champion, and Pacquiao has an uncle who was a fighter in the Philippines. If I’m not mistaken, the uncle is on his mother’s side of the family.
So the differences are many but so are their similarities.
Perhaps some of the haters on both sides should educate themselves.
You did not have to hate Muhammad Ali to be a Joe Frazier fan.
Or vice versa.
Really.
