Most of the boxing fans know that yours truly is a big Manny Pacquiao fan. I know the man, shared a meal with the man, laughed with him, and have interviewed him many times over the years. I must say, he’s the best thing that has happened to boxing in many years. With all of that said, I must confess….I’m not happy with the choice of opponent this time around.
Who knows what may or may not have been said behind the scenes, but I think Manny should have put his foot down with Arum and demanded a more fan friendly, more worthy opponent than Shane Mosley. This is no knock at Shane Mosley. Shane is a 1st ballot hall of fame fighter who’s made his mark in boxing, but he’s had his time. Shane’s last few fights tell the story of a guy who just does not have it anymore. He was smashed by Mayweather and fought to a draw Vs. Sergio Mora. Again, I’m not knocking Mosley, and my dude Sergio Mora is a heck of a fighter but come on, Pacquiao should have demanded a Marquez rematch or a fight Vs. Sergio Martinez.
I spoke with Freddie Roach a few days ago and he mentioned Marcos Maidana as a possible future opponent for Pacquiao. Heck, I wish Maidana was the opponent now, not in the future. Pacquiao has smashed his recent opponents and I for one am tired of seeing one sided beat-downs. Floyd Mayweather for whatever reason has ducked Pacquiao, and now with his mounting legal problems it looks further and further away from happening. The fans deserve to see the sports most iconic figure fight a more risky opponent.
Pacquiao certainly is not scared to fight anyone. I don’t put all of the blame on Manny, I target Bob Arum as well. Arum at this point in his life should think about less easy money and more great fights. The sport is getting its head kicked in by the UFC right now, and it desperately needs for the best to fight the best.
Maybe Mosley will surprise us all and give Manny a worthy battle in the ring. I certainly hope so, because watching Manny just carve up another opponent doesn’t provide much excitement anymore.
