By Paul Strauss: Floyd Mayweather, Sr. is trying hard to steal the spotlight in the build up to May 2nd extravaganza between Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao and Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton. His latest is an Ali like rendition of simple rhyming passed off as poetry and prophecy. Meanwhile, Freddie and Manny continue to go about the business of preparing to win the fight. Floyd, Sr., alias “Joy,” has already taken credit for Ricky being a much improved fighter. He has the audacity to claim that before he came on board, Ricky didn’t know how to hit the punch mitts! He describes Ricky as a fighter who had no defense. Amazing isn’t it that Ricky can even get out of bed by himself, being so inept!
Well, “Don’t get irregular”, as Rocky told Paulie, because Joy, the self-proclaimed greatest trainer and poet laureate, now has Ricky doing the shoulder roll, and dressing more flamboyantly. Ricky will abandon his “fat suit” for some brighter color coordinated outfits with matching shoes and gloves. He will also ditch the hat!
Meanwhile, Floyd, Sr. takes credit for Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton’s one-sided win over Paulie Malignaggi, when in fact Ricky’s win was due more to Paulie fighting poorly than anything else.. Paulie was paralyzed with paranoia about Ricky’s left hook to the body, so much so he forgot about using his own usually good jab. In addition, he continually leaned in and down, placing his head along side of Ricky’s left hip. Ricky took what was given, and that was openings for his right hand. Plus, Ricky was fighting someone who cannot punch. Manny is heavy handed.
Both Floyd, Sr. and Ricky claimed in unison that the “beat up” of Paulie was due to Ricky’s improved boxing skills. However, they haven’t managed to convince many fans, or Manny fans for that matter. Most still remember his poor showing against Juan Lazcano, when he was rocked more than once, and got a little well-timed assistance from the referee, who agreed Ricky’s shoe laces needed attention.
The bundle of Joy Floyd claims the additional time he has had with Ricky will be the difference. It will result in dramatic improvement because he’s the best, and naturally it therefore follows that Ricky will be the best. If Ricky gets beat, Floyd, Sr. will undoubtedly say he needed more time to reach, teach and beseech. Or, he might say Ricky would have won if he would have paid attention, given an ear, or been more alert to his concert, but he didn’t so now he’s on his rear. He certainly won’t credit Manny or Freddie Roach.
Undoubtedly, Ricky will start the fight with the attitude that he should fight smart, and be more defensively minded. He will even obtain a certain degree of success, at least when compared to his former highly aggressive style. He will fire off a few jabs, roll behind Manny’s counter right hook. But, then he will get tagged, and The Hitman’s instincts will kick in and he will square up and revert back to his exciting brawling style, throwing “one’s guard” (caution) to the (stellar-Manny) wind. He will once again be open when he attempts to jump in to land his punches.
The ethereal Manny will not be there, but instead will be a stormy destructive force (stellar wind), moving, whirling and striking out like a little tornado. He will be breathing a blurry fusillade of straight lefts, right hooks and jabs. Ricky will abort his attack, and wonder whether he’s caught up in some perverted kind of throw back in English history. Is this Manny the Conqueror, the royal duke who has come to pull off yet another major turning point in pugilistic history? Manny will be turning alright, with numerous and quick pivots that will make the boxing world once again sit up and take notice. Floyd, Sr. will be saying Manny has nullified, defeated, and destroyed The Hitman, but it’s not my fault!
The fans won’t have to swallow anymore of Joy Joy’s metrical babbling, because they will be regurgitating their own refrain…….”Manny is the best P4P”. They might even throw in a couple of “Freddie Roach is the best Coach”, as they watch the little Choir Boy waltz off doing the La Cucaracha, while carrying his huge trophy!