Reflections on Pacquiao's Achievement

by Matt Miller on May 3, 2009 11:33 PM EDT in Post-Fight Analysis Comment 12 comments

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Last night, a significant chapter turned in the dynamic, ever-renewing history of boxing. As we all know, Manny Pacquiao underwent a metamorphosis last night--at least for the world at large.

Freddie Roach already knew it. Manny himself surely knew it. Some in his ardent fan base believed it. But how many really KNEW it? Now we all know. Last night, Manny Pacquiao ceased being "merely" boxing's greatest active practitioner-and, miraculously, one of the very most exciting boxers as well--he emerged as one of the greats. A transcendent figure. An athlete that inspires wonder from hardcore and casual fan alike. Manny Pacquiao became a living legend.

I don't use that phrase lightly. Floyd Mayweather is no living legend, though, arguably, he might merit a notch higher of a spot in an all-time P4P list, at least for now. There is a difference, though. In a way Mayweather never has, Manny Pacquiao astounded me last night. He completely befuddled my humble appreciation for the sport. In his last two fights, it's become clear that he is not just a supremely talented athlete, like Mayweather, but an almost unbelievable figure. As I said, a real living legend.

There will be time for arguments about his legacy. Time for sober assessments of what he actually achieved ... how significant his win over Hatton really was. There will be time to carp over rumors about his next fight, his chances against Mayweather (whether we believe that fight will transpire or not). There will time to reassess our estimations of Marquez, Oscar, and others...

But for now, I am satisfied just to keep sipping this expensive beer and reflect on Manny's greatness--on his power, his public humility, and his poise. Cheers to you, Manny Pacquiao. Floyd may claim to be back to keep boxing "up and running," but it's you, Manny, who has become its true redeemer.

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Better than Mayweather

Emmanuel Steward said it best after the fight “(Pacquaio) doesn’t duck anybody”.

by steak_knife on May 4, 2009 12:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

doesn’t duck anybody and kicks everybody’s ass(except for JMM). I appreciate and respect DLH for not ducking many people, but B-Hop and Pac beat him down for it. The amazing and truly legendary thing, as Matt points out about Pac is that he’s not ducking anyone and so far he’s beat them all down.

by lcollins1 on May 4, 2009 12:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Im still amazed

as I sit back and watch the fight over and over. I’ve even downloaded all the HBO 24/7 Pacquiao-Hatton episodes, watched them prior to watching the fight. I suggest you give it a shot, it only solidifies the characted, work ethic and greatness that Pacquiao shows in the ring.

One other thing.. has the offical number of PPV buys been released? If not, any idea how long it generally takes?

by jerranamo on May 4, 2009 2:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah I’ll be interested to see those numbers. I speculate that they won’t be fantastic becuase neither man was a Mexican or hispanic heritage fighter.

by lcollins1 on May 4, 2009 2:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I read a article while back that said there are no

real punchers left in boxing. The author said that there is no one punch knock artists anymore. I say there is a least one and he is the Pac-Man.

As for Floyd never amazing you before he only really amazed me in the Chico fight other then that he was always thinking defense first but not that fight.

by TXroyal on May 4, 2009 5:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Punchers are born not made

and natural athleticism has mostly departed for other sports. The lighter weights are where you will see all your punchers will be for the foreseeable future.

BTW there is another. Valero

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on May 4, 2009 8:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is it true Valero has signed to fight Breidis Prescott?

Prescott was devastating against Khan, but Valero will hand him his ass on a plate…..

Boxing is the beginning of all sports. I'm willing to bet that the first sport was a man against another man in a fight. (Omar Epps)

by Chaos100 on May 4, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pacquiao did in less than 2 rounds what took Floyd the better half of a fight. fighting is entertainment…..Pacman shows that you can be thrilling and not necessarily take a ton of punches either……

Gatti. Dekkers. Pele. Aoki. Kang. Vanderlei.
http://theworldsoldestsport.blogspot.com/

by theworldsoldestsport on May 4, 2009 10:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

one punch artist?

IMO im not sure if im sold on Pacquiao being a one punch knockout kind of guy. Dont get me wrong i am a HUGE fan of Pacquiao since i saw him fight during the undercard of one of Tysons fight BUT im used to seein Pacquiao throw hard punches in bunches that lead to the knock out of a fighter.

One thing that could possibly make me change my mind is that Freddie Roach states that Pacquiao is only getting better and we boxing fans have yet to see him at his best (thats a scary thought) Pacquiao, now being able to throw lethally with both hands; with incredible timing, may actually be a one punch knockout artist. I guess only time will tell.. but one thing is for sure, if we havent seen Manny at his best like Roach says, boxing is definitly going to be intersting for years to come.

by jerranamo on May 4, 2009 1:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow, that was something. It looks like night has fallen on the Hatton Wonderland. I know there’s talk of Ricky retiring, but I hope he keeps fighting, because he’s (usually) fun to watch.

And he met a force of nature of Saturday night. Geez, Pacquiao is a powerhouse, and a consistent performer. My hat’s off to him, because he totally dominated Hatton.

by Hatton_Wonderland on May 4, 2009 6:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs