Saturday, December 5, 2009

Pacquiao vs Mayweather: what's not to like about it?

It's two forces that were eventually going to collide sooner or later. The negotiations are currently taking place that if successful will match up the two best fighters on the earth. The undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr vs the pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao. There is bad blood between the camps, and that bad blood crosses over into the world of boxing fans as well. The Manny Pacquiao fans make no bones about it, they think Mayweather is a coward, a fighter that has selectively cherry picked smaller opponents throughout his career. They feel as if he's a paper champion, and in some eyes, they don't feel he's even worthy enough to fight Manny Pacquiao.

Floyd Mayweather's fans are a lot less vocal. Perhaps it's a nervousness? perhaps they are quietly watching and realize that Pacquiao will present their fighter with the most difficult fight he's ever had. The bad blood also is evident between the two camps as well. There is no love lost between Mayweather Sr and Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach. Both men have publicly thrashed one another. Mayweather Sr basically accuses Pacquiao of taking, "something fishy." In other words, he is blaming Pacquiao's stunning success on steroids. There is no basis or merit to these allegations as Pacquiao has passed all drug tests as required by the commissions. Nevertheless, you can't convince Big Floyd of it. He's sticking by his theory, and makes no bones about it. Big Floyd gives absolutely no respect whatsoever to boxing legend and trainer Freddie Roach. Big Floyd has countless times, on the record, insulted Roach, calling him, "No coach joke Roach." So needless to say, there are plenty side attractions that are involved leading up to this fight.

The two men have taken different paths in their careers. Mayweather has beaten some big name fighters, but the ongoing wrap on him is that his opponents are smaller and selectively picked. With that said, he still is undefeated, and has extremely good boxing skills. His defense is excellent, his timing is excellent, and his ability to counter punch is second to none. Mayweather will provide Manny Pacquiao with a very difficult task.

Pacquiao on his way to the top has wreaked havoc, and left a path of destruction. He's conquered Mexican warriors like Morales, Barrera, De La Hoya. He's wiped out guys like Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, and David Diaz. His fame has shot through the roof on an international scale. This is a classic good guy, vs bad guy set up. Pacquiao is loved by the masses due to his story, and his character. Mayweather is looked at more like the villain, a guy that people love to hate. He's brash, he throws his money around, he has a swagger about him that most people don't take too kindly to.

This fight matches up the sports two biggest names. It matches up the sports two most recognized fighters of today. This fight matches up Pacquiao's blinding speed and power against Maweather's superb defense, counter punching, and quickness. The perfect good guy vs bad guy scenario, the perfect storm, with the side show attractions between Roach and Big Floyd. Pacquiao vs Mayweather, who doesn't want to see this?

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