The Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito bout is one of those contests that will bring in a lot of casual boxing fans, as well as sporting enthusiasts who aren’t too familiar with the world of professional prizefighting. In fact, it might bring in more casual fans than it will hardcore fans, who are a bit jaded at the encounter, rather than getting a chance to see a truly special bout such as Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather.
Regardless about what you may think of the contest, here’s a quick guide to Pacquiao vs. Margarito for those that are not too familiar with the world of boxing. Check out the list of the five things beginners should watch for in the Pacquiao vs. Margarito contest.
1. Manny Pacquiao’s Speed
Pacquiao has had an explosive rise to the top of the pound for pound rankings in boxing, and therefore, most casual fans associate him with power, and knockouts. But with Pacquiao, it’s not about raw power, it’s about speed and timing. He has lightning quick hands, and he also has darting foot and body movement, allowing him to come inside, unleash his own attack, and then escape danger. Pacquiao’s speed advantage should be staggering against Margarito, a pressure fighter never known to be fast.
2. Margarito’s Start to the FightADVERTISEMENT
The way that Margarito starts the bout will ultimately determine how the Pacquiao vs. Margarito results play out. He has been known to be a slow starter in the past, but won’t be able to get away with that against a fighter like Pacquiao. On the other hand, if he comes out strong and takes Pacquiao away from his game plan, pressuring him into the ropes and even landing a few big shots, he can swing the momentum in his favor for the rest of the evening.
3. Margarito’s Chin and Durability
The classic boxing axiom is that once a fighter has been knocked out, it’s always easier to get the job done the next time. Margarito got brutally stopped in his last major fight against Shane Mosley in January of 2009. Before that, it was thought that he had a great chin, and would never stop coming forward. How will Margarito’s chin be as he steps into the ring against Pacquiao, and when he starts getting tagged by hard shots, will he be able to keep on coming?
4. The Tactical Game Between Trainers
Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach is a well known tactician, and is one of the most respected boxing trainers in the world. He always gives Pacquiao a great game plan for how to approach his opponent. Margarito’s new trainer is Robert Garcia, who is much less well known, but has promised to exploit weaknesses in Pacquiao’s game. Which of these trainers will give their charge a leg up in the battle, and which one will have the tactical change mid-fight that can turn the tide when things aren’t going their way?
5. Size and Weight
Pacquiao has made his name going against bigger and stronger fighters, but likely none have been as big and strong as Margarito. Pacquiao stands 5’6.5″ with a 67″ inch reach, while Margarito is 5’11” with a 73″ reach. It’s also likely that on fight night, Margarito will weigh 10 to 15 pounds more than Pacquiao does, after rehydrating from the weigh-in. The size and weight disparity will be huge, but will it make Margarito that much slower, or will it make Pacquiao’s aggression less effective and powerful? The answer here may determine the outcome of the fight.
