A roaring typhoon has been brewing from the far east and ripped sheer devastation across 8 divisions. Grown men who dared to stand their ground were found lacking while others succumbed to the beatings terror administered to their dire ways. Manny Pacquiao is not an ordinary man, achieving success in politics and business. Manny Pacquiao is not an ordinary fighter, feared by those who have engaged him in duel, respected and decorated by those who have borne witness to his incredible feats. He is certainly a man of diversified interest and accomplishments.
Who would have thought that the young man who entered boxing standing a measly 4’11″ and barely 100 lbs would bring wrecking balls crushing brows of men and champions alike. With momentum swelling he made his presence known with his TKO performance against Ledwaba at the centre of the MGM Grand. His throne was endowed with titles from his exploits and those gifted to him beyond the arenas of boxing for the story his successes represented. The Philippines had found their king, fit to carry their name across oceans and lands. Manny Pacquiao did exactly that, remaining humble, he became the champion the people aligned with.
Even though Manny Pacquiao’s record was not free from blemish, those who rode his phenomenal wave were quick to forgive his failings. He crossed weight divisions separating bigger men from their dreams, overcoming the challenges obliged to him. Morales, Barrera, Marquez, Bradley, became intimately acquainted with the overwhelming typhoon that powered Pacquiao’s explosive aggression and punishing blows from all angles.
As I covered in a previous article, “A Desert Storm Arises, Yet the Streets Bleed”, I do not regard the loss to Bradley as one of standing. It was one of 2012’s worst decisions, one that gives boxing’s detractors further ground to question our sport and its shameless deficiencies. Timothy Bradley knows the truth, as we all do.
Marquez wrote his own song and refused to accept the fear that Manny Pacquiao had implanted across divisions. He often bolstered his efforts finding a means to perplex and challenge the supremely powerful Pacquiao. Their four bouts inspired controversy and a divergence of opinion; it often appeared that business was never resolved. That was until the night of the 8th December 2012 when Marquez sent Pacquiao to the lands beyond, with disturbing effect. That punch almost shattered the chances of a Mayweather- Pacquiao fight ever appealing to the appetites of boxing’s loyal fans.
I applaud Manny for his willingness to engage even in times when favour is stacked against him, he manages to overcome his challenges. He is humble, selfless and remains the people’s champion. However that knockout at the hands of Marquez left a devastating punctuation in Manny’s being and career. Many of you have been impressed with his performances against Rios, Bradley and recently Algeri. I am yet to be convinced that he has been fully restored from the abrupt end that Marquez had served. His phenomenal rise is forever entrenched in boxing’s legends, an exciting style that always makes for great fights. Even today he appeals to the masses across all spectrums; he remains Mayweather’s most accomplished foe.
He has certainly rebuilt momentum, however how will that momentum measure up against genius.
Twitter: @phenmolefe