THE LAST TIME I filled a news space, I told everyone how good Manny Pacquiao was despite his loss to Erik Morales.
Then quick as a jungle cat, the GenSan marvel went on to kayo journeyman Hector Velasquez after his bitter loss to the man they call El Terrible, who he faces in a rematch on Jan. 21 in Las Vegas.
The persistent query I get is whether the South Cotabato sensation has what it takes to beat the smart-punching Tijuana native.
In that meeting at Vegas’ MGM Grand, these macho super-featherweights served a delectable slugfest that enthralled fans — thus compelling promoters to bring them back for an obligatory encore.
Rid of his financial woes inflicted by his ex-bosses, Pacquiao could win his grudge match with his erstwhile tormentor provided his training isn’t marred by distractions — much like his training weeks leading to his showdown with Morales.
But Pacquiao has a lot to do yet.
Which means that only after three weeks of rigorous training will one get an indication as to how serious the two rivals are in their rubber bout.
Both are way off in their respective preparations at this stage.
You can bet though they’ll tear at each other’s throat once they square off for all the marbles — ‘ika nga — disdaining what purists call a probing round.
Indeed! No such thing as sizing up the opposition in the early going.
It is going to be a war with no favors sought save for the retention of the allowed rest period between rounds.
From the get-go, Pacquiao will launch an early raid on Morales’ defensive arsenal — no surprise at all since that’s his trademark. But the Mexican will be around for sure — obliging Pacman with his blockbusting counterfoils.
That scenario happened in their first well-received confrontation.
I’m not looking at a drastic change on how they’ll go about re-arranging each other’s physical attributes even with the added raise in their paychecks not to mention the hefty share both will be earning from their pay-per-view deals.
Neither will there be a slack on the savage pace both will employ once the opening gong sounds at the Connie and Mack Center.
Absolute ring mayhem will explode — with the winner and loser emerging overnight millionaires if not badly cut ring tycoons.
Remember the bloody slit Pacman suffered in the 5th round caused by a headbutt their first time out?
Keep in mind too that the stakes are stupendously high for this rematch with both parties bankrolling unheard of lucre.
Enough to fund a coup?
(Ed’s Note: Recah Trinidad skips writing to give way to this commentary. His Bare Eye column will resume on Wednesday)
