MANNY PACQUIAO HAS DECISIONS TO MAKE
Manny “What Do I Do” Pacquiao
New York, NY– Newly crowned WBO welterweight (147 lb.) champ Manny Pacquiao (56-5-2, 38 KOs) clearly defeated Timothy Bradley (31-1, 12 KOs) this past weekend and has placed himself back in the boxing mix. But will this win have significant implications in Manny’s remaining career? It could, but what matters most is what Manny chooses to do next. Although there aren’t any obvious strides in making a Floyd Mayweather bout, now does appear to be the best time for Manny to cash one more large check before he rides into the sunset. Is there really a point to do anything else?
BRADLEY LEFT TOOLS AT HOME
Tim Bradley was not a betting favorite but appeared determined and motivated enough to earn an undisputed victory over his rival. Although it was the right attitude, his methods proved to be flawed as he burnt himself out early looking to land a knockout punch, which is not something Bradley is known for. A better game plan would have been centered around boxing and out landing Manny, as Tim has the better defense and could have avoided additional punishment by playing it smart.
PACQUIAO BACK NEAR TOP OF ‘POUND FOR POUND’ LIST?
Some are speculating that Manny has now placed himself near the top of the ‘pound for pound’ lists. The Bradley win coupled with Andre Ward and Sergio Marinez’ inactivity, could conceivably place Manny at a top three to five slot in the minds of some. But given Martinez vs Miguel Cotto in June, the landscape could easily shift again shortly. For now, Manny can at the very least benefit from the perception that he’s still viable against the best in the division.
NOTHING BUT RERUNS & MARKS IN TOP RANK CLOSET
At Top Rank, Manny’s promoter there are very limited options to offer fans truly meaningful challenges that can impact the remainder of Manny’s career. A 5th bout with Juan Marquez would sell but may not be worth much as Manny is already a victory up (having won 2 of previous 4 bouts vs a loss and a draw) on paper and could risk losing bad against a guy who won’t raise his profile much higher than it is anyway. A Bradley rubber match could also be made to order, but it could be said that Manny has already beaten Bradley twice, leaving a third win unnecessary.
BOB ARUM NEED STEP UP OR STEP OFF!
Although both parties in the Mayweather-Pacquiao saga share blame, it appears that Bob Arum, Pacquiao’s promoter remains as the proverbial thorn in the side of this potential mega bout. Manny has often been mum over his desires, only saying that he is willing to face Mayweather but has not gone far in actually ‘playing a part in making this happen. Arum could be said to be the blame as he has played the role of puppeteer and has pulled the strings in every direction but what’s needed for a deal with Golden Boy and Mayweather. I could be wrong, but it is likely Manny would lose the bout but also cash in on his biggest reward at the same time. Who could say that doesn’t make dollars or sense?
Jarrad Woods