My fellow combat sports writers and fans who read my articles are well aware that I'm able to stir up a tad bit of controversy over any given topic.
So it should come as no surprise that the question I'm about to ask is a controversial one. And so without further delay so as not to ruin my bad reputation, I will go ahead and ask it.
What does it say about the state of our beloved sport that a one dimensional 135 pound south paw is at the top of boxing's--historic and highly regarded--pound for pound list?
Boxing's pound for pound list used to be reserved for legendary combatants, who could do it all and leave no doubt in the minds of fans and critics alike.
Among them were pugilistic warriors like Roy Jones Jr, Pernell Whitaker, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Bernard Hopkins, and the great Felix Trinidad.
These fighters were constantly placed in the lions den and time after time they would emerge without a scratch.
Many hardcore fight fans--including myself--had Manny Pacquiao clearly losing his two matches with Marquez.
Sports writers and critics--who know the sport well--see Pacquiao as a man standing on some very shaky ground.
A third fight with Juan Manuel Marquez could cause the boxing fortress he has created to suddenly cave in around him.
Which brings me to my next question; why is Freddie Roach protecting him from a third fight with Marquez?
Are we to believe what Roach has stated--that he doesn't want to see Pacquiao in any more wars?
In his home country of the the Philippines, Pacquiao has become an ambassador for the sport of boxing.
No Philippine boxer has caused so much stir since Pancho Villa.
Paquiao hasn't surpassed Villa yet, but in this wired era of information it seems all but a fore-gone conclusion that he eventually will, so wouldnt it make sense for him to finish the trilogy with Marquez?
Pacquiao has all but ended the careers of boxing legends like Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, and Oscar Dela Hoya.
He has also given the withering sport some life-inducing sunlight and and a few drops of fresh water.
The so-called dying sport of boxing was being choked by some very bad weeds, but thanks to Pacquiao and some great match-ups, it now looks to be experiencing some regrowth.
So why does "the pacman" closely resemble humpty dumpty--perched high on a crumbling wall that used to represent the best fighters the world had to offer?
Could it be that Pacquiao is merely in the top spot due to bad judging, and as a side effect from the recent retirements of Joe Calzaghe and Mayweather?
I have been predicting that Ricky the "hitman" Hatton will beat Pacquiao in their May showdown; and I stick to that prediction like a cheap bottle of glue.
A fellow sportswriter pointed out that Hatton has the type of "smack-talk" that could potentially lure Mayweather out of retirement for another go round.
Fans might want to see a Pacquiao vs Mayweather super fight..but if "Pacman" cant beat Hatton then he has no business being in the ring with a superstar like Mayweather.
Like those popular and well hidden wild flowers that only bloom in May, I'm sure much will be revealed in the coming months.
Source: bleacherreport.com
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