He’s a Hall of Fame manager and trainer, respected around the entire boxing world. He is also one of the top TV ring analysts when he works behind the HBO Sports mike. And Emanuel Steward has issued a stern warning to all those who have been struck by Pacmania.
Enjoy it while you can, Manny Pacquiao fans. Steward sees Pacman’s zenith being short-lived. By the ‘Goldfather’ from Detroit’s fabled Kronk Gym’s careful calculations, the just turned age 28 Filipino superstar will be washed up within two years. Washed up and maybe washed out of boxing.
“He is so incredibly exciting,” Steward told me. “He is going to make a lot of money, no doubt about that. He is always exciting and he will leave his legacy in the ring. He is making his mark. But it’s his face-first style that will shorten his boxing career.
“That type of fighter, well, they seldom go past age 30. That type of guy does not age well. So, while Manny is so damned explosive in there, I give him 24 months before the intensity starts fading for him. I give him about that, about two more years on top of the heap, then he will start sliding down.
And yet the Kronkster labels himself a Pacquiao fan.
“Look, I’m a fight fan too,” Steward said. “I love watching this guy go to war but eventually you pay a price for that. With Manny, every round of every fight is a war. And that makes for a short-term career. But I truly love watching him and announcing his fights. I just can’t see him being around very long.”
That’s the ‘Goldfather,’ maker of champions, said. What do you say out there in Pacland?
