Quijano: Floyd-Manny 2, boxing reforms

It’s interesting how Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are once again jawing at each other on social media. Drumming up interest for a rematch?

Well, I am sure nobody will mind if these two would go at it again. The problem is that the price for the previous fight was too high and the two engaged in a quotidian exercise that left everybody high and dry.

It’s a rematch nobody requested, but because Manny looked pretty impressive in his split decision victory against Keith Thurman last weekend, people are wondering if he could beat Floyd if they fought again.

FLOYD. I don’t for a moment doubt that Floyd will not do the rematch if the figures add up. Ever the consummate businessman, I think he baited Manny on social media just to see if there is still interest for a second fight.

Manny’s team of course, did not take kindly to the jabs and responded in kind. But in doing so, they took the bait and went along for the ride. Ultimately, it will be about the money and I actually see this happening next year. Remember that Floyd took on Conor McGregor in that ridiculous exhibition match because it made so much sense, money-wise.

Which actually means that the last meaningful fight Mayweather had was back in 2015 against Andre Berto. Which also means that if he fights Manny next year, it will have been five years since he matched up against a real opponent in a competitive fight.

DEATHS. The past week ,two fighters died of fight-related causes. Hugo Santillan, a 23-year-old Argentinian, died five days after collapsing following his super lightweight bout against Uruguayan Eduardo Abreu. This comes just two days after rising Russian boxer Maxim Dadashev died after suffering brain injuries during a light-welterweight fight in Maryland.

This is really tragic news. What was particularly disturbing was the video which showed Santillan unable to stand and being propped up by his team while waiting for the decision. Those imbeciles should have taken him to the hospital immediately and not stuck around anymore for the verdict.

Predictably, calls for boxing to be banned are once again making their rounds. The answer is stricter monitoring for safety, and not banning. People have fought since time immemorial. Banning it will only result in underground fights for money which will be more dangerous because it is not regulated.

Boxing should reduce the number of rounds to seven for regular fights and nine for championship fights. This lessens the number of minutes fighters are subjected to repeated head blows. Ultimately, fewer rounds will also lead to better, more exciting contests.

There should probably be a trained medical professional at each corner, aside from the resident ring physician.

These and many more need to be implemented right away. What sickens me is how much the major promoters make money, but they hardly exercise their gravitas to influence policy-making to make the sport safer.

LAST ROUND. It’s on my aunt, Himaya “Emma” Sincero, who turns a young 75 on the 29th. Cheers, Tia Emma!