Brian's Boxing Mailbag (Pinoy Power, Edwin Valero vs. Manny Pacquiao, And More!)
Hosted by Brian Wilbur
Welcome to the mailbag readers. I hope that all of you survived Valentine’s Day, the most stressful holiday of the year for men in relationships. As a present to my sweetheart this year I told her that I would change my underpants every day for a whole week. I was thinking about changing my underwear everyday for a month but decided against that because it sounded like too big of a commitment.
In boxing action over the weekend, Eric Morel won a debatable decision over Gerry Penalosa in a non-title bantamweight fight. Gerry Penalosa was a top notch boxer when he was at his best. His current record of 54-8-2 should be even more impressive that it is. Penalosa, like Glen Johnson, is notable for the number of close or controversial decisions that have gone against him. Gerry can’t seem to get a break, seeing another decision go against him last Saturday in a fight that a majority of observers felt he won.
Not that Eric Morel vs. Gerry Penalosa was a significant fight. It was a battle between two faded former champs hopelessly struggling to remain relevant despite their declining skill. Morel vs. Penalosa was buried on the under card of your typical Nonito Donaire vs. TBA (insert over-matched Latino opponent here) Top Rank Pay Per View. You know, the type of PPV where the main event isn’t good enough to be shown on a major TV network so Top Rank has to televise it themselves.
Despite Penalosa being past due for retirement in a fight where the stakes are low, you still hate to see a decision go against a guy like that, especially since he has been a victim of so many questionable verdicts in the past. The one constant in Penalosa’s long distinguished career has been getting screwed by the judges; from the beginning of his championship reign to the possible end of his career last Saturday.
You’d think that karma would be working against Eric Morel, the convicted rapist.
The rest of the Pinoy Power fight card went as planned. Nonito Donaire and Fernando Montiel made quick work of their challengers. Bernabe Concepcion unfortunately won a unanimous decision against Mario Santiago. I say unfortunately because Concepcion earned a title shot against Juanma Lopez with the win, and he will be a lamb led to slaughter against Lopez. The highlight of the entire night was seeing Z Gorres at ringside, back from his life-threatening and career-ending injuries.
And with that we steer into the mailbag section of the column. I hope you enjoy this week’s offerings, and as always, I look forward to reading your responses and qeustions.
Brian Wilbur as Judge Dredd
Hi Brian,
If you were the judge or one of the jury on Pacquiao’s defamation lawsuit against Mayweather and Co, what would your judgment or verdict be?
Do you think Floyd Mayweather Jr. and the others being sued are guilty of slander, libel and defaming Pacquiao? I’m not familiar with the US justice system and I’d like to ask how long does this kind of case go in your country? Pacquiao is suing a very popular American, can he get fair trial there? And lastly, can he actually win his case against Mayweather and Co?
Thanks so much Brian… more power and God bless.
-Ace from Manila, Phil.
Ace,
There are many defendants in this case. If I were the judge and jury of this case (Judge Dredd style) I would have a different verdict for each one. Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr. I would say not guilty because they were careful with their words and did not blatantly say anything slanderous. They only implied and that is not good enough in my opinion.
Richard Schaeffer is borderline. There is word that Schaeffer explicitly told people that he was 100% certain that Pacquiao was on steroids. If there was a witness or evidence to convince me that was the truth then I would find Schaeffer guilty. If no convincing witness or evidence came forward proving that Schaeffer actually said that then I would have to find him not guilty.
The others in the Mayweather clan, such as Floyd Mayweather Sr., I would find guilty because they have blatantly accused Pacquiao of PED use. They were not shy or careful with their words either.
I could see a judge ruling not guilty if they felt that the Mayweathers were only stating opinion and did not claim that they know for sure. I don’t see it that way though. For anyone to be found guilty in civil cases like this they must prove damages and they must prove either negligence or malice.
A case like this can sometimes take months or years, especially if there are appeals. Yes, Pacquiao can get a fair trial because Mayweather is not that popular of a figure in the United States. Boxing is a fringe sport in the USA. I’d like to think that the American justice system is fair and unbiased.
Can Pacquiao win this case? I would say that the odds are against him. You have to really prove foul play to win a slander case. If he has a good enough lawyer though, anything can happen.
Mythical Match Ups
Hi Brian,
I wanna know your insights on the following matches:
– Manny Pacquiao vs Edwin Valero
– Nonito Donaire vs Vic Darchinyan II
– Bernard Hopkins vs Roy Jones Jr.
– Kelly Pavlik vs Sergio Martinez
– Carl Froch vs Lucian Bute
Thanks a lot, man. More power to your very nice and entertaining blog!
-Aljun
Aljun,
Thanks for the email. Here are my thoughts on those match ups:
Pacquiao vs. Valero – These two are very similar actually, but I give Manny an edge in many categories. For example, Pacquiao is faster, more experienced, more precise, and more seasoned. Plus, Manny is comfortable at welterweight so he has the size advantage. Valero impressed with his thorough thrashing of Antonio DeMarco because he showed that he has boxing skill and not just reckless power. This could be a tough fight for Manny and potentially a very fun one to watch. I’ll take Pacquiao by late round TKO.
Darchinyan vs. Donaire II – This is an interesting one because you know that Vic would be watching that hook and not get caught with the same punch twice. Still, I like Donaire’s youth, speed, and boxing ability here. Darchinyan is getting up there in age and has been beaten up a bit recently. I also like the gutsy performances that I’ve seen Nonito display when he has been grossly outmatched in the size and strength categories. Donaire by decision.
Jones vs. Hopkins – Roy Jones is completely shot and has been for over 5 years now. He is a hazard to himself and I would not be confident picking him over club fighters at this point. Hopkins is going to demolish him in a silly fight that I have no interest in.
Pavlik vs. Martinez – This is a solid fight since Martinez is coming off of an impressive showing against Paul Williams. Pavlik will be in against a real opponent who should test him. I see Pavlik coming forward with limited success early but eventually wearing down Sergio and winning a decision.
Froch vs. Bute – I am not much of a Carl Froch fan. He seems like a pretty generic European fighter to me. He is not bad but nothing spectacular either. Lucian Bute on the other hand, looks terrific and may be the total package. I like Bute to knock Froch out in the middle rounds.
SJ Jarapa’s Rant
Hello,
I thought I’d join your conversations.
I was rather moved by SJ Jarapa’s open letter to Pacquiao. His elegant prose gave a comical spin to a drama intent on diluting the preachy overtone of his many points that when he arrived at the open letter itself, he was carrying a great wave of momentum with him. It was powerful in its delivery with a great deal of poise and dignity. I have spent half my life coaching, directing, writing and giving speeches on various events, occasions, and corporations and I could say with confidence that this open letter is among the best written speeches I have read in recent time. He really had my attention. He touched on the subject a lot of people have overlooked in this whole shenanigan: “It could potentially leak into everyone who carries Pacquiao’s name and blood.” I’m a family guy with two lovely daughters. Both are in their early twenties. I can’t begin to imagine what heartaches they could suffer should anyone attempt to stain my name like in the way the Mayweathers are doing with Pacquiao’s. Being Swede, I’m not particularly a Pacquiao fan as I would rather root for my own but clearly these people have crossed a line here.
My question to you, young man, is:
Will the American public let this case slide if Pacquiao proves his innocence on legal terms or will he be written off, unless he takes the random blood test? (I apologize if I come off a bit racist with that. I am not racist. That’s the truth. It’s just American media seems to enjoy building heroes for the pleasure of kicking them down later.)
Keep up the great work. I have found my website. You have the best collection of writers.
-The Painter
The Painter,
That was quite an open letter from SJ. That guy, you never know what to expect from him, but I agree that his letter put a very human touch to this saga. In that, he described the Pacquiao perspective better than anyone could have simply reciting facts. Even though I gripe and partially blame him for the fight being canned, Pacquiao had every right to turn down the fight since he felt disrespected. Family and respect is important.
To answer your question, no, I don’t think that everyone in the American public will forget about the steroid allegations even if Pacquiao wins his lawsuit. You can never really take back a rumor that is so juicy that it spreads like wild fire, the way that this one has. The damage is pretty much done. You are correct in your observation that the American media likes to build people up only so that they have someone notable to tear down later. There is nothing racist in that statement; that is the truth about the cyclical coverage of American media.
US Amateur Program
Hi Brian,
Fellow writer Gina Caliboso here. You have quite a following, especially from your last two admirers (Writer’s Note: Gina is referring to the group of sexual perverts who often email me demanding gay sex). I think I’m jealous, but it truly shows just how good your writing has always been – excellent. Really good take on the Super Six Tournament too. Lucian Bute I think would have made for a great replacement and looking among the middleweights, I think Allan Green does make a good replacement for Jermain Taylor.
As far as you can see, do you think American boxing needs a sort of national program (aside from amateurs gearing for national teams, etc.)? Or is the appeal more so to leap into the pros even at a young age just for the money?
-Gina
Gina,
A national program would be terrific. USA Boxing as it is now is pretty limited and is currently performing terribly in worldwide tournaments. Any innovation or improvement on the United States amateur program would be welcome.
The appeal to go pro and get money will always be there; the temptation of going pro is great no matter what the sport is.
Now that I am think about the subject, I would also like to see a national program or commission for professional boxing as well. Boxing would benefit greatly if we were ran like the NFL or NBA. Boxing is begging for some kind of format change that will stir interest back into the sport. Boxing is too great of a sport to be on the fringes like it is now.
Hypothetical Situations: Williams and Pacquiao
In the time between say, 2010 – 2012, please analyze these hypothetical scenarios.Paul Williams defeats Kelly Pavlik, Bernard Hopkins, the winner of Super Six tournament and Chad Dawson.
Say
At the same time, Manny Pacquiao, fresh off of his win over Miguel Cotto, defeats Joshua Clottey, Floyd Mayweather, Shane Mosley and Cory Spinks.
Who would you have as the number one pound for pound based on their records? I compared this two guys because they love to leap weight classes.
Thank you and more power to your mailbag.
-Bertz
Bertz,
This would be a very compelling situation and both would cement their legacy as two of the greatest boxers of their generation and of all time. After much consideration and going back and forth I would have Pacquiao as the number one pound for pound. The reason being is that I have Manny ranked higher currently so he has a head start, and defeating Floyd Mayweather would be a monstrously huge accomplishment. A Pacquiao win over Mayweather would send shock waves through the sporting world and be remembered for generations. Those are the kinds of wins and events that make legendary boxers immortal.
Williams moving up to light heavyweight to beat Chad Dawson would be almost as huge though in terms of difficultly and merit. Still, I’ll go with Pacman for cleaning out the welterweight division, the highest profile division in boxing right now.
That’s all I have to offer this week ladies and gents. Send in those questions and I’ll see you next week!