Where Does Pacquaio Rate Among the Greats?
Is Cotto a Step Too Far For The Pound-For-Pound Superstar
Nov 5, 2009
Manny Pacquiao, 49-3-2 (37), represents the latest in a proud line of boxing champions who have looked from the glorious height of their own personal fistic summit to the next towering peak on the horizon. In carving out a trail of mayhem over an astonishing number of divisions the Filipino dervish has displayed a willingness to accept challenges and overcome obstacles in successively higher weight classes.
His position at the top of the pound-for-pound ratings was confirmed in the eyes of many through his punch perfect demolition of Ricky Hatton. While subjectivity alone guarantees freedom of debate when it comes to rating the top performers in the sport, no-one can argue that Pacquiao’s potent blend of speed, power, movement and indefatigable will to win have elevated him to superstar status at present.
However, has Manny, in choosing to move swiftly through the divisions, done enough to be remembered by fight fans alongside the greats in any one particular division? Does he even need to limit his focus to one weight class his triumphs representing the body of work that they do? Bob Arum’s tub-thumping hyperbole aside Pacquiao, with every successive demolition, appears to be cementing his name further into the bedrock of the sport.
The Greats of the Past Established a Legacy at their Peak Weights
Henry Armstrong blasted his way to three world titles between Featherweight and Welter, defeating Hall of Fame opposition at almost every turn (Lou Ambers and Barney Ross being the standout victories). These wins have quite rightly guaranteed Homicide Hank’s place in the pantheon of boxing immortals. Though, it could be argued that his 18 defences of the Welterweight crown remain his greatest fistic legacy.
Roberto Duran is another who travelled from the foothills of the lightweight division to the rarefied climes at 160 pounds, claiming four world titles as he went. However, it is as one of history’s greatest champions at 135 pounds (backed up by his twelve successful defences, including eleven knockouts) that he will be principally remembered.
Ray Leonard’s fourth and fifth world titles (won paradoxically against the same opponent in Donny Lalonde) are not as impressive as his unification of a talent laden Welterweight division in the early 1980’s. Though, conversely his upset victory over Hagler in 1987 for the Middleweight crown will forever embellish his legacy
Sometimes the Only Way is Up
Sometimes a fighter has little choice in taking on the bigger men. The inescapable prison of our genetic makeup often determines our changing body shape. Fighters like Thomas Hearns and Oscar De La Hoya prove that a fighter often dances to the dictatorial tune of his own metabolism. Recent Pacquaio opponent De La Hoya won titles in six divisions, though victories over the likes of Jimmi Brehdal, Jorge Paez, and Rafael Ruelas will surely not resonate down through the corridors of time with the same sonorous clang of his encounters with Whitaker, Quartey and Trinidad (battles conducted while he ruled the Welterweight division).
Hearns, in becoming boxing’s first four-weight champion, has a niche in history that can never be effaced. Though how much more brightly would his star burn had he unified any of his titles or reeled of a succession of consecutive title defences at Light-Middleweight, where he looked set for a lengthy and dominant reign following his dethroning of Wilfred Benitez? With Hagler looming large on the horizon, a fight that promised both riches and an irresistible challenge, Hearns tied up the WBC title at 154 pounds for two years, making only three defences.
Money Talks
Riches may indeed be behind his promoter Bob Arum’s stated willingness to allow his charge in the ring with anyone. At present Pacquaio generates huge revenue as boxing’s marquee performer. It would be blindly naïve to discount that, at thirty, Pacquiao’s brain trust see little merit in anything but the biggest (and thus most lucrative) fights. Should Manny triumph next week then a mega-fight with Floyd Mayweather is almost inevitable.
Remaining at 140 pounds to tussle with the likes of Tim Bradley or Amir Khan is simply not fiscally sound. Cotto and potentially Mayweather represent the signature fights that could set the seal on the Filipino’s legacy, while adding untold millions to his already burgeoning bank balance.
Pacquaio versus Cotto
Conversely by rising again to face Cotto Pacquiao is providing us with the sort of super-fight that broadens boxing’s appeal, the type of contest that captures the imagination of the general sports fan. Should he win you might argue that his achievements would bear comparison with any of the sports legendary figures. But each successive summit brings with it potential pitfalls. Treacherous glaciers and unseen cornices abound at 147 pounds and above.
Duran ran into his Hearns and even Robinson’s ship foundered on the unlikely rock of Joey Maxim (the one sad stoppage defeat on his incomparable resume). When will Pacquiao’s upward mobility stop? Is the Puerto Rican a step too far? I would not deny the sport the signature moment Pacquiao-Cotto represents but it would be a sad day for boxing should it be a step too far, though many believe that he has the tools to find the answers to this particular examination. At very least it is impossible not to admire Pacquiao’s unwavering resolve and willingness to push himself higher and further, though one cannot help but wonder if he is not doing himself a disservice in being so prepared to concede natural advantages to his opponents.
So where does Manny Pacquaio rate amog the greats of the sport? As a work in progress the answer to this question will have to wait. Pacquaio though is a special fighter. He deserves to be remembered as such and while I am certain he remains refreshingly free of overconfident hubris his willingness to take on the most daunting of all comers looks to be the only thing that can derail his seemingly pre-ordained march to a seat at boxing’s very highest table.
