What's Left for Manny?

At first it’s the excitement of the crowd… then it’s the money… followed by the notoriety and fame that come along with rising to a level of super-stardom in the world of boxing.  It’s a feeling I have never felt, along with the 99% of people on this earth who can only imagine such a life. 

When it comes to Manny Pacquiao, he’s provided the boxing world with so many unbelievable moments. 

His destruction of Marco Antonio Barrera was the beginning of the era of Pac-Man… He gave us three spectacular wars with Erik Morales, taking two from “El Terrible” including a scintillating third round KO in their third and final fight. 

His nemesis in the ring will always be Juan Manuel Marquez.  Their four epic battles all left questions and controversy as baggage.  Fights that could have easily went either way, but kept us yearning for more. 

Even the monumental knockout of Manny in their fourth bout had purists confused as to what the future would hold for Manny Pacquiao.  In retrospect, Manny was in control of the fight and possibly on his way to a knockout before the Marquez’s triumphant right hand caught the mega-star in perfect spot at the perfect time.

 

Manny fought the best… and when you fight the very best, you’re bound to get caught at some point in your career.  That’s why his knockout loss does not bother me… I kind of expected it.  Definitely not in that manner, but when you go for blood, sometimes you’re gonna taste your own.

 

So what’s left for Manny?

He’s beaten the best fighters in the world in multiple weight classes.  On April 12^th, I predict he will avenge his “joke of a loss” to Timothy Bradley in dominant fashion (like he did in their first bout).

The fight the world wants to see will not happen…

I have come to the conclusion that every boxing fan’s energy and passion is not enough to persuade Manny’s “outside the ring” nemesis to fight the Filipino star… Nor will the massive amount of money destined to be made.  It will ultimately be a sad ending to an era when they both retire without sharing their talents to the world collectively.

Luckily, Manny’s legacy is not predicated by a fight with his “outside the ring” nemesis.  He has constantly challenged himself and can retire knowing that he has left it all in the ring.

 

When he made his way up to welterweight, he challenged Miguel Cotto and dominated the Puerto Rican star.  He fought the much bigger Antonio Margarito and destroyed him.  Manny got in the ring with an unbeaten slick boxer named Timothy Bradley and nearly won every round on my card. 

Wanna know what’s left for Manny? To go out the way he came in. By continuing to challenge himself.  That’s what Manny Pacquiao is all about.  That’s how his legacy will stand. 

On April 12^th in Las Vegas, I expect Manny Pacquiao to dismantle Timothy Bradley by late stoppage. After that, I suspect he’ll fight Juan Manuel Marquez for a fifth time and avenge his knockout loss. 

In 2015, I truly expect Manny to make one final attempt at his “outside the ring” nemesis. The fight won’t happen, but rest assure that Manny Pacquiao’s legacy will be that of a legend.  A fighter that fought everyone and anyone that would fight him.  Truly a once in a generation fighter.

As a fight fan, what more could you possibly ask for?