Tuesday, July 31, 2007 Quijano: Is Barrera not enough of a challenge for Manny? By Jingo Quijano Last Round
A recent article on the Manila Standard Today reported that Manny Pacquiao will be leaving only this Wednesday to train for his rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera after sorting out alleged domestic problems.
Apparently, Manny was also scheduled to leave last July 4 yet, but missed his flight as he fell asleep while playing poker the previous night.
The same news item reported that the Pacman is also in the middle of a movie shoot, all the while never failing to indulge in one of his favorite pastime—playing pool.
Is Manny taking Barrera lightly? I would expect nothing less than a standard and sanitized denial. Something about a true champion not taking anybody lightly. Or words to that effect. Manny will probably never admit it, but he obviously is. And here’s why.
Barrera hasn’t knocked out anybody in 2 years. His last KO victim was mandatory challenger Mzonke Fana of South Africa, in April of 2005 (who controversially beat our very own Randy Suico to earn that shot).
Barrera then won a boring decision against Robbie Peden (who was recently knocked out by our very own Ranee Ganoy), struggled with Rocky Juarez in back-to-back bouts and lost to Juan Manuel Marquez. On this score, I have consistently opined that it is Marquez who deserves the rematch and not Barrera.
In contrast, Manny has won all his last five fights, four of them via the short route and two of those against the great Erik Morales.
But wait a minute. Haven’t we heard this sad, sordid tale about Manny not training hard enough before? Hasn’t he always come out on top nevertheless?
Of course, we have, but I wouldn’t be doing my job if I did not repeatedly harp on our nation’s premiere fighter to rediscover those virtues that once defined him. Before it’s too late.
WHY HOPKINS IS TOPS. In July of 1997, Bernard Hopkins fought Glen Johnson in a terrific two-way battle which culminated in a knockout win for Hopkins in the eleventh.
This was way before Johnson fought the great Roy Jones Jr. and back then, was undefeated. Here’s what Hopkins had to say: “If I had laxed up one minute in my training and my discipline, he’d be champion today.” Wise words Manny should heed.
QUOTE OF THE DAY. “Niadtong pobre pa na si Pacquiao, matug ra intawon na sa L and M gym, nga pwerteng hugawa.” - Former world champion Andy Tabanas.
COUNTERPUNCH. Our call for some reactions on Czar Amonsot’s last fight and Last Rounder Glenn Ramos’ analysis elicited this insightful contribution from Mr. Najera, branch head of Prudentialife Finance Inc.:
“The assumption that Freddie Roach could have persuaded Czar to box is purely hypothetical. How could they know that the boxer will heed the corner had it been Roach in there? He is indeed a great coach, an excellent motivator...However, coaches can only tell the boxers what to do, but can’t force them how to fight atop the ring. As one famous boxer said: “He has strategy until he gets hit”.
Czar has limited lateral movements, which I firmly believe, was what was lacking during the fight. Ref Jay Nady’s actuations were suspicious. He and the doctor should be investigated. “Klaro kaayo ang pahak.”
Do they really think coach Edito Villamor did not think about that strategy—to box Kats? These guys are basing their expert analysis solely on what they saw on TV, as they were not in the corner. The guy is capable and competent. Boxing is his life, he once was a boxer—an excellent one. So please, give coach Villamor a break. The coaching staff was there from the very beginning. They are the better men in terms of boxing, whereas, we are mere fans.”
THE LAST ROUND. It is on the RP basketball team who gave a gallant and spirited stand in the Fiba Asian Championships. We salute your efforts and the sacrifices you made for our country’s honor. Heads up and Cheers!
