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Sunday, December 18, 2005
Vengeance or affirmation, you choose
By Edwin G. Espejo
Pacquiao Watch
I HAVE been browsing and surfing the net for the latest on Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao.
Except for some linked items and forum posts posted on the unofficial Manny Pacquiao website www.mannypacquiao.ph, nothing has so far come out from Team Pacquiao ever since he left for the United States.
Not even the likes of the venerable Recah Trinidad and Salven Lagumbay of Philippine Daily Inquirer and Quinito Henson of Philippine Star, both certified Pacquiao watchers could give us inside information.
Why, even Winchell Campos is mum nowadays.
I could only surmise Team Pacquiao is keeping its promise to insulate Manny from any distraction this time.
The last time Manny fought Erik, hordes of press people and Pacman fans trooped to trainer Freddie Roach's Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California.
Even Manny himself admitted to this writer that apart from the cut he suffered in his loss to Morales, he was also distracted by many issues prior to the fight, including his acrimonious relationship with former promoter Murad Muhammad.
"This time around, I am well focused," Manny said.
And just how focused is Manny?
Well, for one, this is the first time Manny is going to face the same fighter a second time.
His close but heartbreaking loss to Morales should be an excellent motivation for the Gensan southpaw.
Add the fire fueled by Morales' statement that Pacman is, in effect, a one dimensional fighter by being only effective when coming forward is an added plus.
I am sure Manny's handlers have already instilled to his mind the ramification of another defeat, especially if it is a convincing one. Another loss and Manny's marketability as a fighter will surely be affected. Manny knows too well that a win would mean more megabuck fight with World Boxing Council super featherweight Marco Antonio Barrera looming in horizon as his next opponent once he hurdles past Morales.
His January 21 date with Morales will be not only personal for him. It will also mean destiny.
If the last time around, redemption (Morales) won over validation (Pacquiao), the redux will be a matter of vengeance, for Manny, and affirmation, for Erik.
It is oft repeated that the hungrier fighter has the psychological edge in a fight.
This time around, I think Manny has the psychological edge and the proper motivation for winning.
(December 12, 2005 issue)
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