The Amazing Manny Pacquiao Delivers Again

By Lee Payton

Fifty thousand fight fans showed up to see the #1 fighter in the world do his thing, and while the fight card did not live up to expectations Manny Pacquiao gave the people everything he had, as always.

The fact that the under-card was dull meant little to a crowd that started the celebration early. They came to see Manny, but this promotions was just about as much about the venue as the fight itself. Jerry Jones' billion dollar stadium in Dallas gave the people something spectacular to take in, even when there was little going on in the ring. I'd probably give the entire card a C, but haven't heard much complaining from anyone who was there.

The star of the show gave us all a few more "did you see that?" moments against a guy who has made a career out of making very good fighters look ineffective and ordinary. But the Filipino icon is better than very good. In fact, the "great fighter" tag is no longer good enough. This is a once in a lifetime pugilist we're looking at.

I'm not one of those guys who is into counting title belts. Good boxing writers convinced me to ignore them years ago when I was getting my legs under me as a boxing fan and student. It's also not fair to those all-timers who were plugging away when there were only 8 weight classes. There are at least twice as many these days as thirty years ago, and four times as many as when the likes of Ray Robinson and Henry Armstrong were plying their trade.

Still, Manny has beaten (and in most cases destroyed) quality fighters from 112 to 147 lbs. No amount of plastic or hype can take anything away from that amazing feat. All of the fighters who have had similar success moving up are rated among the greatest who ever lived. There certainly aren't 20 who have done more in the ring, and it's getting to the point where I'm not sure there are even 10.

Joshua Clottey had reason to believe that he could win. In his mind, he'd never lost a fight. During the last 5 years he'd been in with some of the best welterweights in the world and always handled himself well. Now he had a chance to win the biggest jackpot the sport has to offer and probably went in thinking he had nothing to lose.

But after 6 rounds or so, Pacquiao's brilliance had convinced him him that the prize was out of reach and he'd better be careful or suffer the consequences.

Pacquiao came out in the first round with objective of going after Clottey's body and like the little machine that he is, he executed his plan perfectly. The vicious assault Manny delievered to this opponent's waist line was something we've rarely seen from him. The way he exploded with never-ending combinations downstairs showed that he is always willing to learn.

It's truly amazing that the best in the game is still searching for ways to improve, but that's why he's the man. His desire to add new wrinkles to his game has allowed him to make steady progress during the last few years, and those skills he's picked up during that period have proven to be extremely useful against bigger, stronger men.

At times it looked like he was in the gym, zipping off these speedy and creative bursts on a heavy bag. The man from Ghana hung in, fighting the only way he knows how, but when it became obvious that Manny wasn't going to tire all hope was gone for him. I'm sure he was ready for the early onslaught. He wasn't prepared to deal with the 1200+ punches that came his way.

I've read some pretty harsh comments directed at Clottey for his effort, but honestly, what could he have done?

We knew him as a steady boxer who only has one gear. He was never going to outwork Pacquiao, or knock him out with a big shot. And I agree with most people that he was owned mentally, but there were technical elements at play that made him feel lost. Some of those issues include his slow lead feet, lack of head movement and angles, as well as an inability to counterpunch someone as fast as Manny.

Let's not forget why Clottey's hands were glued to his own face for 12 rounds. Pacquiao never stopped punching. That had a liiiittle something to do with it, I think...

As for the future... who knows right now?

Everyone wants to talk about Pac-Man vs Mayweather. Let's see Floyd get by Shane Mosley first. The winner of that fight should get a date with Manny.

Maybe if Yuri Foreman beats Miguel Cotto in Yankee Stadium we could see Pacquiao go for a title in an eighth weight class.

Antonio Margarito came out of the shadows before the fight and since he's the only welterweight left under the Top Rank banner, maybe another hideous beating is around the corner for him. Margarito as an opponent for Pacquiao is too sickening for me to even think about right now, but if it happens, Manny will demolish him.

Edwin Valero is moving up to 140. Manny Pacquiao vs 27-0 (27) would look great on the marquee. He's another Arum fighter, which helps his chances of getting the fight, since old Bob doesn't want the other promoters to get any part of the money his top dog generates.

No matter who he fights, you'll be watching, along with the rest of the sports world. It goes to show you how far an innocent smile and deadly fists can take a fighter. A former flyweight champion from the Philippines is arguably the biggest star in the sport.

Unbelievable.

That's Manny Pacquiao in a word.

e-mail Lee Payton