Tungod, Inabanga, Bohol? A little over a month from now, boxing?s hottest commodity Manny ?Pacman? Pacquiao of the Philippines will try to improve his already very imposing resume, as he faces another giant in Antonio ?Loaded Hands? Margarito of Mexico in the most anticipated boxing showdown left for 2010. Pacquiao hopes to break his own record of seven world championships in seven different weight divisions. Margarito, on the other hand, wishes to snatch the WBC junior middleweight title ? an extremely huge, yet utterly undeserved opportunity. Nevertheless, these two fighters? fighting styles almost assures fight fans of an explosive and non-stop action. Between them are a jaw-dropping 65 knockouts in 89 career victories. Count the fact that both pugs have been stopped at least once before and one ought to expect a very exciting display of pugilistic treat. This highly anticipated boxing spectacle has KNOCKOUT written all over it.
But before we get carried away with all the hype, let?s first try to weigh the possibilities. Hereunder are three of them ranked according to inferred probability. I admonish my beloved readers, especially the scientifically inclined, that there were no statistical considerations when this list was formulated. You may later on voice out your own opinions on which among these three is most probable.
1. Pacquiao TOTALLY dominates Margarito from pillar to post! This possibility includes a knockout victory or an easy decision for Pacquiao. The Pinoy firebomb?s punches will come in volumes and the Mexican?s heavy hands will mean nothing if they don?t land. Pacquiao?s speed is second to none in the business, whereas Margarito lack of it could prove to be a major chink in his armor when he faces arguably the sport?s pound for pound most dangerous fighter. To read more about this probability, you may go to the following article I wrote several weeks ago: Probability 1
2. Margarito tags Pacquiao with a LUCKY punch that Pacquiao manages to survive. Even without the illegal handwraps, Margarito?s fists are still among the more fearsome few in the business. Pacquiao?s constant movement and cat-quick reflexes may prove to be a very difficult puzzle to solve for his Mexican counterpart, but as they sometimes say, ?it?s better lucky than good.? Margarito could very well hurt Pacquiao with one perfect punch to the chin and make him lose his senses for a moment or to the gut and make him lose his breath for an instant. Pacquiao could suffer a knockdown. Noting his granite chin and superb conditioning, Pacquiao is expected to just shrug it off and exact immediate revenge, winning via decision or make a ?fight of the year? out of it by knocking Margarito out for a dramatic comeback.
3. Margarito drills Pacquiao with a PERFECT punch for a knockout victory! This is perhaps the most dreaded concern that Team Pacquiao and the Pinoy?s throng of supporters have. Anything?s possible and it isn?t without historical basis. Pacquiao has been knocked out before? twice, to be exact. (Read The Truth Behind Manny Pacquiao?s Losses and Draws). It would have even been thrice if not for referee Padilla?s infamous taking-a-lifetime count when Pacquiao was decked by Nedal Hussein? but that?s another story of course. The primary point here is that Pacquiao is also human and by being human, he is also vulnerable. Margarito is arguably the biggest and most dangerous he?s faced, thus far. The Mexican Tornado climbs the ring with the sole intention of hurting the Pacman and he probably doesn?t even care if he gets hurt doing or at least trying to do so. Make no mistake about it? he is definitely capable to do so!
The very reason that bouts still have to be fought regardless of the odds is because of the possibilities. Just like in quantum mechanics, nobody can absolutely predict the future. All we can best come up with are the probabilities. Perhaps, that?s what makes boxing exciting, don?t you think?
Comments are highly appreciated. You may write them below or send them to [email protected] me on twitter reylan_l
