Tungod, Inabanga, Bohol ? Mexican Antonio ?Loaded Hands? Margarito is arguably in the best fighting shape of his career. On the other hand, celebrated boxing trainer Freddie Roach has branded their preparation as the worst training camp they?ve ever had. It seems like Team Margarito has almost everything to be excited about. Pound for pound king Manny ?Pacman? Pacquiao of the Philippines is apparently behind schedule and is cramming to get himself ready for his toughest assignment to date. Observations by, or shall we say confessions from, Team Pacquiao members have also indicated that the effect of adding a few more pounds to Pacquiao?s lightweight frame has somehow reached the threshold of significance. When the opponent is bigger and heavier, it is important to build more muscles and increase muscle mass to make one less susceptible and vulnerable. This is true in all sports disciplines that involve physical contact. However, doing so has a corresponding adverse effect on another essential aspect of an athlete ? speed. That?s the reason why in general, smaller people are faster and more agile than their bigger counterparts.
PACQUIAO MAY BE AN EXCEPTION, BUT?
The Pinoy firebomb will need every bit of speed and reflex to avoid Margarito?s expectedly unforgiving onslaught and to execute his own offense with deadly precision and accuracy. Pacquiao?s first order of business come fight night should be to avoid an early exchange. More than ever, the man better known as the ?Pacman? or ?Mexicutioner? needs to be patient and calculating in his attack. His speed and timing will be very crucial, especially in the early goings of the fight.
MARGARITO WILL DEFINITELY WISH FOR A BRAWL!
Looking back at the Margarito-Cotto tussle, the ?Tijuana Tornado? was relentless. He took Cotto?s best shots. Cotto hit Margarito with punches that would have brought other fighters down and out. He didn?t care if he got hit so many times for as long as he was able to dish out his own barrage of punches, pinning the erstwhile undefeated Puerto Rican to the ropes where he wanted the fight to take place. Cotto felt he could win in a brawl against Margarito, especially considering the fact that the ?Boricuan Bomber? has inflicted considerable damage to his opponent in the earlier rounds. That proved to be a huge mistake and a very costly decision. Margarito hurt Cotto more than Cotto could hurt Margarito and the rest is history.
SUPREME TEST FOR PACQUIAO?S DEFENSE!
There is probably no better way to gauge Pacquiao?s defensive skills than this scheduled faceoff with Margarito. Pacquiao?s defense will be tested to the hilt against a fighter who knows nothing but offense. Margarito will come straight at Pacquiao in full force and no hesitation. We?ve heard a lot about Margarito?s come forward fighting style as a perfect fit for Pacquiao, but come to think of it? it as well comes with a great deal of risk and danger. It still remains to be known whether Pacquiao is durable enough to take Margarito?s best shots or whether Margarito is tough enough to withstand Pacquiao?s extraordinary volume of punches or not. Margarito knows that his best chance is to make a brawl out of it and take his chances. Pacquiao should also know better than allow it to happen. But then again, Pacquiao is fighter. He loves exchanges and also finds satisfaction in getting hit. If you are a Pacquiao fan and are still in the denial of this reality, try to remember any of his previous fights where he didn?t get hit.
