During a recent visit to a local boxing gym I was asked by students what I thought were some of Manny Pacquiao’s best fighting techniques. I have had the pleasure of watching Pacquiao and Roach training behind closed doors several times and it’s interesting to see what Pacquiao and Roach practice and then bring to the ring. There are many techniques Manny uses, both in mind and might. Here are just a few of my answers to the questions.
Over the Mountain??.
When faced with a jab, Pacquiao will slip his head just inside of the punch and throws a hook over top, connecting with the opponents? head. A risky move because his opponent is usually left with a clear opening to throw a shot to his head. You need speed to pull this one off. If you don?t knock his block off with the punch you can follow up with a cross or move out of position and reset.
Block it soft and counter hard??.
The first few rounds are commonly known as the ?feeling rounds?. While Manny always goes all out for action to please his fans he too needs to feel out his opponents early.
While his opposite is throwing their own feeler jabs, Pacquiao will tap block the punch and counter with a harder stiff, fast jab. That usually kicks the action up a notch and either confuses the opponent, scares them or just alerts them that the champion means business.
The Superman-ny ??
Pacquiao?s compact size and speed allows him to attack his opponents with a leaping style punch which virtually lifts him off the canvas. This technique tends to take especially taller fighters off guard. Manny will look for an opportunity to catch his opponent while his back leg is loose, then lunges a punch upward. This is a dangerous move as it takes you off balance, however it can be a masterpiece if executed perfectly.
Vertical Uprising??.
The vertical jab is a hybrid mix of a jab and a long styled uppercut. With his thumb facing the ceiling this punch comes low and raises to break threw the opponents hands nicely and sets up a good opportunity for a close combination.
Triangle
Another technique that is effective for many against taller opponents. Pacquiao puts his fist on his forehead and positions his elbows at his opponent. This defense makes it nearly impossible for his opponent to penetrate a jab or cross to his face. While it leaves him open for hooks and body punches, Manny usually will refer back to that stiff-hard jab or body shot to connect points.
Controlled Chaos??.
While you may see a lot of amateurs throwing a overhand punch it?s most likely out of lack of experience and training that results in a reckless roundhouse style punch.
When constructed properly, the overhand is a strong punch that should be hidden by your head. Pacquiao likes to disguised this punch by looking down as if he is getting a seconds rest, then twist?s his body which makes the punch look as if it?s coming from behind him. The result of this looping punch will land like a hook over his opponents guard.
