Boxing Scribe Vivek Wallace brings his Left-Hook Lounge mailbag to FightHype.com, answering questions for fans and giving his own unique perspective on all the latest current events in boxing. This week, check out his response to fans as they discuss this past Saturday’s controversial outcome to Pacquiao vs. Marquez III, what would happen in a showdown between Pacquiao and Mayweather, and much more.
Edward H. (Reseda, CA): I saw your FaceBook post about the Pacquiao fight on Saturday night and I think you were spot on, but I would like you to elaborate more on your statement regarding how you feel Arum has “sacrificed Pacquiao’s reputation”.
Vivek W.: My point in that particular statement was that I think for the first time, in unequivocal fashion, fight fans on both sides of the aisle were able to see a clear reality that said more than anything they’ve witnessed before. The performance Marquez put on gave even the most hardcore Pacquiao fans evidence which clearly supports deeply seated, yet rarely spoken business reasons on why Pacquiao hasn’t been allowed to step in the ring with Mayweather; and for Mayweather fans, the performance supported the very position many of them have had for quite some time.
My reason for saying that Arum has somewhat “sacrificed the reputation of Pacquiao” is because although I have my own questions regarding Pacquiao’s recent feats in the sport, the one element that unequivocally removes all doubt is the fact that there’s now a clear and concise understanding of precisely how difficult it is for Pacquiao to face a fighter who possess the inherent danger a pure boxer like Mayweather would. For a few years now we’ve chewed the fat on this steroid controversy and never quite understood how a man who has tattoos could be afraid of needles, or how such a “humble, God fearing” man with such a pure image could possibly cheat.
