Manny Pacquiao & the Rules of the Sequel

By Gina L. Caliboso

If you’ve been reading my articles lately, I’m on a tirade of the notion of “unfinished business.” And for all you movie and boxing buffs like me, movie sequels, or subsequent boxing matches, seem to always either raise more questions or put to rest the idea of a comeback. Sadly, the film “The Expendables” which starred a cast of stellar B-movie has-been (sorta) status, did not quite fit my particular idea of a comeback. But in some of my favorite films and some of my favorite boxing matchups, the notion is a live and recent one. Movie storylines, and even boxing storylines for that matter, never quite end. Instead, as movie fans and boxing fans alike, we are always trying to put to rest the “what-ifs” of dramatic story lines.

So, to get you in the mood, or at least align my idea of the sequel, I’m putting down some ground rules for my idea of the sequel. First and foremost, I am only thinking of those sequels that I absolutely love and can immediately recall. Don’t hate if I fail to mention horror movie sequels because I don’t watch them. And second, I seem to have chosen those sequels that I feel were perhaps better than the first because the story lines just came to an ending I could ideally wrap my head around without thinking it was too trite to try and tie up loose ends. And don’t worry, there is a correlation to boxing. No order intended here, RSR fans.

Empire Strikes Back, Episode V – I watch this when I can’t quite get a grip on stillness – that and my faith. I love Yoda in this film – truly. Remember fans? “Try or try not. Do or do not. There is no try.” And what does Yoda say after Luke says, “I don’t believe it.” Yoda answers, “That is why you fail.” Okay, I suppose there is an order here. I can watch “Empire” over and over. I can’t necessarily watch the 3 prequels before Episodes IV, V, and VI.

Kill Bill, Vol. 2 – For obvious homage reasons, Vol. 2 of the Tarantino saga of the blood-splattered bride named Beatrix Kiddo had a subtle edge to the story. The film names her, obviously, as well as bringing in some background on her training with Pai Mei. The sequel also explains Elle Driver’s eye and well, the two are related (I’d wink but it would be a poor reference to an eye here). I’d have to say that I loved Carradine’s discussion on comic book heroes in reference to Superman. Fight scene between Elle and Beatrix – loved it!

Rocky II – Boxing writer here. The film shows the post title fight drama quite well. Both Rocky and Apollo were trying to get over their last matchup and each fighter experiences the post fight quite differently. This film shows the inevitable of the boxer’s life – what to do after a fight? Apollo didn’t want to fight anyone but Rocky. Rocky didn’t want to fight because of his growing family responsibilities. What is a fighter supposed to do after one shot at a title? Apollo’s trainer makes it clear that he doesn’t need the fight because Rocky still came back for more and he couldn’t beat him. The film is truly an example of “unfinished business.”

Godfather II – Robert DeNiro as a young Vito Corleone. The rise of the Godfather and the rise of the son of the Godfather. Enough said. Poor Fredo.

So, as far as my love for movie sequels, I again point out that these films fulfill a promise of something better than the first storyline. Each of these sequels ties up loose ends, unfinished business, and answer previous questions about the details of the 1st tale. Sequels provide a “do-over” a fresh perspective and if whether or not it will lead to further drama or perhaps close the door on any lingering doubts. Just please, don’t let me get started on prequels – I’m not there yet.

Now, stay with me here. Boxing has its sequels. In the history of boxing, there are rivalries. Sagas of clashes and rivalries that forever remain as unfinished business, unresolved issues, lingering doubts that on a given night in a boxing ring in Vegas, the fighter defeated another fighter and simply did what needed to be done. Even more importantly, a decision over 12 rounds is one that hurts a fighter’s psyche. Below are my takes on boxing’s unfinished business. And, RSR fans, I believe there is definite possibility in some future matchups that might absolve boxing of any recent travesties of judging and matchups.

Pacquiao vs. Marquez – In November, the Filipino champion goes up against Marquez in the third installment of their beloved fight trilogy. I must say, I rather enjoyed Return of the Jedi and even Rocky III. However, Godfather III left a strange ‘eh’ in my head. My point? Pacquiao and Marquez first fought each other as featherweights. How they’ve changed over the course of their perspective career paths. In a recent episode of “24/7” Marquez looks at his bouts with Pacquiao as being the pivotal fights in his career. However, Marquez looks at this with hindsight. He believes that had he beaten Pacquiao both times, his career would be where Pacquiao is right now. I don’t necessarily see that comparison – but see what I mean? A lingering doubt.

Chad Dawson vs. Bernard Hopkins – Recently I saw the replay of how Dawson got under Hopkins and lifted him and threw him to the canvas. With a little more finesse, it could have been a mark of a double leg tackle in MMA. Rematch? Of course. The fight result was ridiculous. Chad Dawson needs to work on his grace. But this is the business of boxing. We need more bad guys it seems.

Sergio Martinez vs. Paul Williams – I’ve always been intrigued by Paul Williams. He, at one point, was the most avoided boxer in the light middleweight division, but we all know who claims that title now. When Martinez and Williams fought for the first time, the judging discrepancy was off the chart. It’s as if that judge had been watching a different fight. But again, whether or not Martinez did enough to show he BEAT Williams, perhaps not. Regardless, when the two fought again, Martinez caught Williams perfectly with a KO punch and Williams was down. Since then, Martinez has been on a winning streak, however, I feel as if the alphabet soup of title divisions – WBO, WBA, what have you – find technicalities to take Martinez’s titles away. A 3rd fight between these two would settle something for Williams. Williams allowed a shorter, less experienced boxer (to a degree), but a talented athlete, defeat him with a KO in the second bout AND barely scraped by in their first matchup. Williams needs to fight Martinez again.

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao – As when George Lucas or Steven Spielberg make a comment that they plan to reveal never before seen footage or enhanced versions of their beloved films, all of us seem to be held hostage about seeing anything that could be better than what we have been used to. Do you know what I mean here? Mayweather vs. Pacquiao I feel has been held in front of us for a while now – so much that it would be sheer shock that the fight would ever happen. But more importantly, we’d still tune in, buy the PPV, buy the Blu-Ray, buy the 3-D in hopes we can see something worth the cost, worth the wait so to speak. And well, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao would be awesome and worth the wait.

All that being said RSR Readers, I think I’ve given you more than enough to read in my article. I’ve been inspired of late – I’ve been reminded about how much film means to me and in our everyday lives, we need some form of an escape and perhaps enter into a little drama – either through the love of our favorite films or in my case, my love of boxing and films and I see the obvious patterns of triumph and tragedy. With me and my unending optimism, I feel the need for a happy ending somewhere. Be prepared RSR Readers, I just may find a way to connect my favorite romantic comedies to boxing.