Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Manny needs to fire that right hand more often
By Charles Raymond A. Maxey
MANNY Pacquiao has knocked out many opponents with his patented straight left that detonates upon impact. A haymaker that some tough guys in boxing such as Lehlo Ledwaba, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez tasted when they fought the Filipino ring warrior.
Against Erik Morales, Pacquiao needs more than his straight left to deposit the Mexican on the seat of his pants or send him outright to dreamland. He has to fire that right hand as well if he is to beat his former tormentor come January 21 in their super featherweight rematch in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The straight left remains to be Manny's most lethal weapon in his arsenal, all right, but his right hand is as potent as the left. This was evident when he fought Morales the first time out. Many of you may not have noticed it, but it was even the right hand, which gave Morales plenty of trouble everytime the two fighters mix it up.
Take a look back at the fight on your VCD or DVD, especially the last round. Morales got rocked several times with Pacquiao's right. For turning southpaw, Morales nearly paid the price as Pacquiao keeps on landing hard rights and wobbling the Mexican's legs.
The final punch of that encounter was also a big Pacquiao right that landed squarely on Morales's jaw just before the final bell sounded.
Freddie Roach, the Filipino's famed American trainer, emphasized this to Filipino journalists who are in Los Angeles right now. Roach said the right hand could be the key to victory for Manny, and this must be the secret game plan they are cooking up to stop Morales cold.
No, the Pacquiao camp is not revealing the winning formula for the Filipino ring gladiator. It is not just a right hand or that straight left, but a combination, I'm sure.
But, judging from the first fight which Morales unanimously won, the Pacquiao camp will have to rely on that right hand to change the result this time.
Morales, has never been knocked out before, but there is always a first time.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (January 17, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
