Manny Pacquiao Vs Floyd Mayweather JR BOXING NEWS – Asking the Obvious

By Gina L. Caliboso

I took some time off writing about my beloved sport of boxing. Perhaps it was due to the decline of my favorite fighter, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. Maybe it was because I continually expected my sister and brother-in-law to host a fight party where the fight always proved to be a disappointment. I was also torn apart by my own personal challenges in my career and romantic lives. If you call a lack of progress in either, then yes, I still face those same challenges.

As we, or I, happily move from 2013 into a few days into 2014, I didn’t entirely swear off of boxing in the last year. 2013 was disappointing, but not without its highlights. I enjoyed the fights of Timothy Bradley vs. Ruslan Provodnikov, Marcos Maidana (notably his victory over Adrian “The Problem” Broner), and emergence of Andre “S.O.G.” Ward (in and out of the ring), and I continue to be intrigued about the winning ways of Floyd “Money” Mayweather. After Pacquiao’s win over Brandon Rios, a boxing page asked about the prospect of Pacquiao vs. Mayweather. And then, it happened. I started to get interested in boxing – AGAIN. When it comes to writing about boxing, the biggest question always starts with the obvious. So here it goes, I’ll ask the questions and answer. And maybe I can provide some answers to a couple of Pacquiao vs. Mayweather questions. I’ll start with the obvious:

Question: What if Mayweather fights Pacquiao?

My Answer: If Mayweather decides to fight Pacquiao, it will be nothing short of a miracle. My point of view is clear. I don’t understand how two of the most popular and/or best fighters within the same weight division (give or take a few pounds on Mayweather’s part), can agree to terms. We’re talking about an hour max maybe, of each of their time. The time for negotiation on this fight has been played out. It’s done and tired. Boxing has utterly failed to get this fight agreed upon. I blame Mayweather, I blame Pacquiao, and I blame Arum. Those three are the powers that can make this happen. What’s the problem?

Question: Who will win between Mayweather vs. Pacquiao?

My answer: I posted it somewhere in a comment. And, without it turning into a racist, photoshopped image of Mayweather looming over a KO’d Pacquiao, both fighters have fighting styles and abilities to competitively match one another. I’ve been countered with Mayweather’s speed and how Pacquiao isn’t as fast. Point made, but I’ve always thought that Pacquiao, deep down, fights a good combo of controlled aggression. At heart, he’s still the wild puncher, as he was in the lower weight divisions, where he managed to punch and move at different angles. All of Mayweather’s opponents have decided to match his technical skill and speed – a minimum of 2 to three punches with a fighter that stands in front of him. Mayweather hasn’t met a fighter that is a south-paw and fights, moves, and punches at different angles. More importantly, Pacquiao won’t stand in front of him and make Mayweather outpunch him. My thoughts? A win for Pacquiao by majority decision or split decision. Mayweather would not win by a unanimous decision. No way.

Question: Where should the fight take place?

My answer: Fight should be in the Philippines. Part of the proceeds goes to typhoon relief. I say this because even as Las Vegas has become the palace of both Pacquiao and Mayweather, I love the notion of boxing fans going to the Philippines. I don’t dare compare “Thrilla in Manila” type appeal, but it comes close. I also want to give that final swan song to Pacquiao because I think once he gets the Mayweather shadow of doubt off his back, he can retire.

Question: Who gets the majority of the purse? Contract conditions?

My answer: Without thinking about PPV’s and a certain fighter’s obvious promotion ability. Put it pen to computer to legal contract – 50% split on all – PPV, purse, etc.
Make it easy on everyone. However, there are two contract stipulations I’d like to add that might challenge both fighters. If either fighter fails the weigh-in, fight cancelled. Simple. Just to add the prospect that perhaps one or both fighters might decide to come in heavy without any condition of punishment. These are honorable men. Behave as such. Secondly, I’d contract for both fighters to follow the example of Nonito “Filipino Flash” Donaire. Agreed random drug testing once contract signed. Let’s put that accusation to bed immediately!

My Final Question: What will happen to Pacquiao and/or Mayweather regardless of outcome?

My Answer: It’s boxing. We never know. The obvious? Retire with good chunk of money. Retire with the knowledge you fought your best and against the best opponent out there. Stop fighting and change the game. Form all the organizations and companies you need to make boxing as wonderful a sport as it should be and as it was.

But, like I said, it’s boxing. What other choice? The answer is obvious. REMATCH.