The episode at the gym of the The Venetian yesterday where former Pacquiao conditioning coach Alex Ariza kicked Freddie Roach only underscores how important the fight on Sunday will be for both fighters.
With just three sleep nights (tatlong tulog na lang) to go, each camp will try to get each other under their skin.
What may have started as a gamesmanship is now turning personal.
Yesterday?s big media feast is likely to serve as aperitif to the actual fight, one that may be a sleeper more than anybody else could imagine.
I have already anticipated what Brandon Rios will bring to the table when he goes up against our very own Mann Pacquiao.
So let?s predict how Pacquiao will bring the fight to Rios.
Pacquiao’s right hook throw by a southpaw is a potent weapon.Pic by Edwin Espejo
Over the years, one evolution of Pacquiao as a boxer that may have escaped others is that he has turned into a complete fighter. His boxing skills are underrated ? overshadowed by the incredible power he was able to carry as he climbed in weight. His defense is little appreciated because of his tremendous offensive arsenal.
Success prior to his disastrous 2012 campaign may have doused some of the fire in him but any boxing expert worth his salt will agree, Pacquiao is now a different ?animal? than he was when fighting at the flyweight class.
Strategy-wise, Rios is no longer stranger to Pacquiao. The American is a younger copycat of Antonio Margarito who Pacquiao disfigured so badly he repeatedly ?begged? the referee to stop the fight.
Unfortunately, that fight also likely took away some of his instincts as a great finisher.
The Rios fight, as everybody in Team Pacquiao now agrees, is a make or break for the Filipino boxing hero.
So it is imperative for him to reignite the hunger and the fire that made him the toast of boxing this millennium.
Sorry, Pacquiao will not rush like a bull. Pacquiao will boob and weave, throw jabs and circle Rios as he studies his opponent.
He will show great lateral movement and will probe the defense of Rios.
Once he gets to read the American, Pacquiao will test his power just to get the feel of what it is like to fight again after that shock knockout defeat to Juan Manuel Marquez.
And when he overcomes that fear factor, it will be Pacquiao laying the ambush on Rios.
Methinks Pacquiao?s right hand, a hook or a looping cross, will do the damage.
Towards the 3rd and 4th round, Pacquiao will oblige Rios into some exchanges and that is when the fight gets interesting.
Oh, wasn?t his training in General Santos City sealed off from the press?
Well, Manny and bosom buddy were perfecting some old tricks in boxing.
Look for it.
I won?t tell you, lest I be accused of treason. After the fight, I promise.
