The Manny Pacquiao SweepStake
Isaac Barrio - 11/11/2004
The Sweepstake has begun. The prize is grand and rush is on. Everyone and their
mothers promoter is lining up to get a crack at the Manny Pacquiao sensational
sweepstake. It is a magnificent time to be a boxing fan as the sweepstake about
to commence promises to bring forth some of the most tremendous bouts of recent
memory. Without further ado lets us introduce the combatants.
Juan Manuel Marquez
Juan Manuel Marquez is the greatest threat to the crown. Pacquiao and Marquez
have previously battled to a draw. The draw was controversial but it wasn't
the story of the night. The story of the night was Juan Manuel Marquez weathering
three first round knockdowns to come back and seemingly control the bout enough
in the eyes of the judges to earn a draw. Many boxing scribes and so called
experts are convinced that Marquez has figured out the Manny Pac puzzle. The
only thing that this UN expert is convinced of is that a rematch promises to
be one hell of a fight. If there ever was a Pick Em' bout this is it. Marquez
could control the bout from pillar to post but all it would take is one Manny
Pacquiao power shot to end the night.
Erik Morales
Should the Pacman express steamroll past Marquez the next logical stop would
be Erik Morales. A trip into the ring with Morales could be a difficult one
for Pacquiao. Morales has been fighting in the "Zone" as of late. Morales is
a grand master of the sweet science. Morales can box or brawl, he is a devastating
puncher with pinpoint accuracy. On top of all that Morales also has a great
set of whiskers. Pacquiao would have to bring his "A Game" to have any chance
with Morales. Pacquiao would need a similar effort and game plan to the one
he executed with Marco Antonio Barrera. If Pacquiao allows Morales to gain control
early he could be in for a long night.
Marco Antonio Barrera
Is it a case of been there and done that? Can Manny Pacquiao repeat the masterful
beating he bestowed upon Marco Antonio Barrera? Boxing fans could find out if
Barrera is able to get past long time nemesis Erik Morales. Pacquiao should
be the huge favorite should a second bout with Barrera take place. Barrera is
a supreme boxer and could come in with a different game plan for Pacquiao but
in reality I don't see anything different that Barrera can do. Barrera was unable
to handle the pressure and quickness of Pacquiao's power. Some people just have
your number. Pacquiao should repeat his TKO of Barrera should a second ever
take place.
Joan Guzman
The don't call him "Little Tyson" for no reason. Guzman has power
in abundance and he can end a fight at anytime with one shot. But is this enough
to warrant a bout with Pacquiao? Guzman is untested and green, he is a rookie
to the big fight atmosphere. Guzman has great things ahead of him if he stays
on the correct path. A bout too early with Pacquiao could be disastrous. If
Guzman gets his wish he would take on the winner of Pacquiao-Marquez II. However,
it appears that Guzman would prefer a bout with Pacquiao. Guzman's eyes gleamed
with anticipation when I asked him in a recent interview about a possible showdown
with Pacquiao. Make no mistakes, Guzman is a warrior and great prospect but
I think it is a little to early for him to get into the ring with a buzz saw
like Pacquiao.
Knocking on the Door
In-Jin Chi, Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai (3-K Battery), Jorge Barrios, and Mike Anchondo
all represent possible future opponents for Manny Pacquiao. All bring a different
game to the table and all represent a legit threat to the Pac Man. Pacquiao
won't back down from any challenge but he really wants, and rightly should, to
take advantage of the big money opportunities. As fight fans, we can just sit
back and enjoy the rush.
Writers Note
Diego Corrales is not mentioned because Corrales is simply too big and powerful.
Any talk of a showdown between the two is just that, talk.
Email Isaac Barrio
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