QUESTION: CAN MANNY HANDLE THE HEAT?
San Francisco, CA– The best fighter in the world, at least through global optics, is the newly elected Congressman Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines. Sit back for a second and think about what the man born in General Santos City has endured in recent years. A decided underdog to Oscar De La Hoya, Pacman retired him. Ricky Hatton, he was physically erased in rapid time by Pacquiao.
COTTO WAS SUPPOSED TO BE COMPETITIVE!
Then came Miguel Cotto, a real welterweight (147 lbs) who absorbed an horrific beating at the hands of Pacquiao. Manny did appear in a Texas ring in March 2010, but the opponent (Joshua Clottey) was a disgrace to the warriors that were his African ancestors.
WINS ELECTION BY TKO & GETS SICK HIMSELF!
OK, having vanquished everybody that has dared to face him since 2005, and with only one loss in the decade, twice avenged to Erik Morales, Pacman threw himself into the world of politics two years ago and was thrashed by a woman. Being the badest dude in boxing doesn’t have spit to do with politics, but they are both environments that manifest incredible amounts of stress.
SOMETHING HAD TO GIVE…PAC IS HUMAN!
That ulcer that put Manny in the hospital a fortnight ago is just a precursor of things to come if the Pacman cannot get his emotions straight. For as tough as boxing is, politics is dirtier, sleazier, and can be more emotionally involved than boxing.
CHAMP, CONGRESSMAN, PRESIDENT IN FUTURE?
Being one that keeps an eye on Filipino pop culture, I have to tell you that there are people already planting presidential seeds for Manny Pacquiao, who is one or two boxing matches away from apparent retirement. If the November fight with Floyd Mayweather doesn’t materialize, don’t be surprised if the Clottey fight was the last you’ll see of Pacquiao in a boxing match!
Pedro Fernandez