Tuesday, October 09, 2007 Fight gets mixed reviews
AS expected, Manny Pacquiao defeated Marco Antonio Barrera in their rematch last Sunday at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Resort Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Those who predicted and were looking for a knockout were in for a frustration but for the boxing purist it was a classy victory for the national boxing hero, who struggled to make the 130 pounds and survived dirty tactics.
“Nobody expected Barrera to last till the 12th. Although many thought Pacquiao didn’t give it all he had, (which) I think he did,” said Cebu City Councilor and the chairman of Committee on Games, Amusement and Professional sports, Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem.
“Everyone just underestimated Barrera. He studied so well and trained hard on how to deal with Manny’s popularly known deadly power and speed. And Pacman knew this at the early rounds till the last. He just couldn’t take the chance with his usual all-out attack ‘coz Barrera knew when and how to hit back,” he added.
Most experts predicted an early-round knockout win by Pacquiao, however, Barrera, despite his age and the battles he had been through, stood up until the final bell–in what he said as his last fight.
“Well I guess the Mexicans now know how to survive 12 rounds with PacMan, thanks to Barrera, just keep running, pretending to hit back when trapped.
Then when the opportunity comes, strike hard with an illegal blow during a break to stagger Pacquiao,” quipped Eric Llamido, who managed the pay-per-view telecast at Naga and at the Minglanilla Sports Complex.
“I didn’t see the Barrera of yester years. He was just fighting for survival and waiting for the opportunity that didn’t really came,” Llamido said.
But for blood-thirsty fans, Pacquiao’s win was really frustrating.
Too quick
“Pacquiao could have knocked out Barrera. He is too strong and too quick. But he was just buying his time. It was not the same Pacquiao that we saw against (Erik) Morales,” said boxing enthusiast Cristino Ababon.
But Jakosalem had another thing to offer.
“Although it was clear Barrera wasn’t hurting (Pacquiao) that much. PacMan just couldn’t risk it so he fought as he rarely does, with less of showbiz and more of science, almost like Mayweather, but of course, a lot more exciting.
Lesson learned–never underestimate a three-time world champ, who says that was his last fight. It was nothing less than a great fight. And probably the greatest one for the two fighters,” Jakosalem said.
Pacquiao is set to arrive in the country on Thursday and another hero’s welcome awaits for him as Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had promised to give the boxing hero the warmest welcome. (RCM)
