Manny Pacquiao - Loyal to a Fault?

Manny Pacquiao (56-5-2, 38 KOs) signs an extension with Top Rank Promotions thru December of 2016.

The definition of loyalty is to have a strong feeling of support or allegiance.  It’s reflected by the choices one makes and the effects of those decisions.  Most importantly, the choice is predicated by comfort and the willingness to face the repercussions.  In boxing today, the act of loyalty is seldom seen.

If you had to describe Manny Pacquiao, the word loyal quickly comes to mind.  He’s showcased attributes of loyalty in every aspect of his life.  When his personal life hit a rough patch, he stayed loyal to his family and became a better man.  Manny’s stayed loyal to the sport of boxing and has fought the best fighters that were willing to fight him.  He’s been loyal in faith.  Manny Pacquiao is a testament to true loyalty. 

That’s why it was not in the least bit surprising that he decided to extend his contract with Top Rank Promotions thru 2016 and stay loyal to Bob Arum. 

Arum on the other hand may literally be the antithesis of loyalty.  But that’s what makes being loyal such a special trait.  Being loyal isn’t about the other person… it’s about the act in itself. 

Manny Pacquiao should be commended for his loyalty to Bob Arum and Top Rank Promotions, not ridiculed.  Manny’s fought everyone who would fight him and has built one of the strongest resumes in the history of boxing.  He’s won titles in a record eight different weight classes, beating the likes of Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito and most recently Timothy Bradley.  

He is a legend of the sport and by no means should he chase competition...  Competition should chase him. 

The outlook of Manny’s future may seem bleak off first glance, but understand that boxing is a fluid business.  You never know who will emerge and how things will change on the landscape of the sport.  What may seem scarce right now could eventually flow with opportunity. 

Let’s prognosticate Manny’s future.

Manny will most likely fight five more times by the end of his new contract.  Odds are that we will see the palpable fifth bout between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez.  After that, the Top Rank cupboard seems quite bare.  But remember, boxing is fluid… and things change. 

I believe there’s a high probability that a major disruption to the cold war is brewing.  You’re seeing more steps toward the two promotional powerhouses making amends than ever before.  Oscar wants it and Bob has said on many occasions that he’s open to ending the war.

That would open up some possibilities for Manny obviously, with the likes of a Shawn Porter, Amir Khan, Marcos Maidana or even Canelo Alvarez. 

Looking on the dim side of the situation, let’s say the cold war stays completely intact.  You have Ruslan Provodnikov, a possible rematch with Miguel Cotto and an eventual match-up with Mikey Garcia.  Personally, the Provodnikov match-up is extremely intriguing and I’m super excited about Pacquiao-Marquez V. 

No, it’s not Manny vs. Floyd… but honestly, do you think the promoters really matter? If Manny went to Golden Boy, do you think Floyd would sign on the dotted line?

I think it’s important to know that Manny does not need Floyd Mayweather Jr. to solidify his legacy.  If Floyd decides not to work with Bob Arum, regardless of whether or not his reasoning is legit, it’s still on him.  The notion that the great and legendary Manny Pacquiao should leave HIS promoter to chase the opportunity to fight Floyd is laughable.  

Manny stayed true to who he is… and that’s to be loyal. 

The thought of Manny fighting the likes of a Porter or Thurman or even a Danny Garcia would be tremendous for the sport and even better for the fans.  Honestly, it should happen and it’s a travesty that boxing’s current situation prevents the aforementioned from taking place.  It’s a problem that Bob Arum, Oscar De La Hoya and the Richard Shaefer/Al Haymon movement need to fix… not Manny Pacquiao.