There’s a reason, way back in the day, that guys such as Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao were deemed prizefighters.
We often forget it but if what I think just happened did happen, then we’ve got a reminder of this proper nomenclature from Pacman.
I’ve been saying all along that commerce would overcome personalities, that the jumbo jackpot would massage bruised egos and that Floyd-Manny will occur on Nov. 13 in Las Vegas.
So, with the deal on Mayweather’s otherwise empty plate and just awaiting his thumbs up and official signature, here’s what this pundit really thinks about the whole ball of wax:
1. Pacman capitulated for the right reasons. One, he wants to test his skill, it’s his highly competitive nature, against the unbeaten Mayweather. Reasons Two through Forty Million is the massive amount of money.
2. Pacquiao NEEDS the money. Sure, failed presidential candidate Manny Villar, a billionaire sort, funded 60-70 of Pacman’s victorious Congressional campaign but the Pinoy Idol still had to go into his pocket for the landslide result.
3. Some think Pacman has a gambling problem. If that’s true, then so does Mayweather. They both love to wager on NBA games and Mayweather also bets pro football. Pacquiao’s casino game of choice is said to be poker and he plays, whether in Manila or in Los Angeles, the high stakes kind. Even rich guys who gamble every day of the week have to replenish their coffers. Does Manny really have a gambling addiction? I’d say not really but it could be an image problem vis a vis his political career.
I know that is LA_based boxing guy-dentist Ed de la Vega in background but it’s anyone’s guess as to who the two PRIZEFIGHTERS are (Pacland, where else, is the source)
4. I think Pacman told Mike Koncz who told Bob Arum to finally give in to Mayweather’s drug test demands and to letting Mayweather get the bigger share of the promotional pie. The “cover story” that saves face for Manny is that both teams will give us the illusion that everything is divided 50-50. Don’t fall for that poppycock because the American guy is getting the (MGM) lion’s share.
5. I’m convinced Manny would have some trouble getting up for Margarito or a second Cotto fight. Coming on the heels of the sad effort by Clottey, Pacman wanted the ultimate challenge which might lift him to a pinnacle which no critic can deny him. I mean, if he beats Mayweather, he is Fighter Of The Century, is he not?
6. Only possible reasons L’il Floyd could be a l’il hesitant are for tax reasons, meaning he might prefer to take the big income flow next year, or because he would be a tad uncomfortable without the voice of (jailbound?) Uncle Roger in the gym and in his corner on fight night. To me, these are picayune items and I think Mayweather will sign any minute now for Nov. 13. Don’t forget, in his super ego, Pacquiao is a cakewalk opponent. Easy work for $40 million, do sign here where it says SIGN HERE?
7. Some gung ho Pacmaniacs may rip Arum and Koncz for “letting Manny cave in” to the imperious Mayweather. I don’t because at the end of the day, they do work for Pacquiao and can’t substitute their position or strategy for the end goal Manny desires. Manny wanted Floyd and now I think he’s got him. 8. Pacquiao’s place in ring history is secure. He in his absolute prime and Mayweather, who turns 34 in February, is a step or two slower than he used to be. Either man can win The Fight, and that’s what they should label it like Ali-Frazier I in 1971, but the public wants it now, not deferred. I just hope Mayweather is not hearing impaired but he did tell MTV he “can’t avoid Pacquiao questions” so I don’t view that as a worry.
I think it’s on…like popcorn!
But it’s only on because Prizefighter Manny moved the cheese when they least expected it.
