Fight or Flight: Manny Pacquiao Vs Floyd Mayweather JR
By Gina L. Caliboso
Calling Pacquiao – Mayweather…Pacquiao – Mayweather…
Or should I be asking, “Mr. Arum, did you hear anything about whether this mega-fight is going to happen or not?”
Or even, Mayweather Camp, you threw accusation after accusation, insult after insult, asked for all the drug testing concessions, and now, silence? I don’t get it. But the analytical writer I am, I have taken the theory of the fight or flight reaction that both Pacquiao and Mayweather are displaying. More importantly, dedicated RSR readers, you’ll find that both fighters are doing one or the other. The question remains: Who is fleeing and who is ready to fight?
Here’s the definition and a few symptoms of fight or flight reaction. I’ll mention a few of the physical responses (just for fun of course!) and I’ll go out on the creative editorial loop and choose the fighter that I perceive has more of the symptoms than the other.
Definition: Fight or Flight Reaction:
“When we perceive a significant threat to us, then our bodies get ready either for a fight to the death or a desperate flight from certain defeat by a clearly superior adversary.”
I’d give the nod to Mayweather on this one. Since Pacquiao and Mayweather are both boxers, this particular definition cannot be in a boxer’s mentality at all. It goes without saying though that it’s more of a case that both of them are facing the fight of their lives.
Pacquiao and Mayweather represent the best of the best in the pound for pound category. There hasn’t been a fighter like Pacquiao that has captured the fans’ hearts on an international level. I’m not going to call Mayweather a coward and he’s always been single minded in his own greatness and his undefeated record is the best. But his opponents in all honesty are not Pacquiao caliber either. Pacquiao answered his demands. What else needs to be done to get this fight?
Physical changes:
“Our senses sharpening. Pupils dilate (open out) so we can see more clearly, even in darkness. Our hairs stand on end, making us more sensitive to our environment (and also making us appear larger, hopefully intimidating our opponent).”
Pacquiao is keyed in on this physical change. Pacquiao is intimidating because of his preparation and his fight history. He had epic and bloody battles as a super featherweight with the supreme Mexican fighters Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, and Juan Manuel Marquez. Pacquiao moved up in weight to 142 pounds when he forced Oscar “Golden Boy” De La Hoya into an 8th round retirement. He scored a 2nd round KO over Ricky “Hitman” Hatton. I also theorize that Pacquiao has always been underestimated by his opponents. Now, however, Pacquiao is larger and intimidating, but not by sheer physical prowess. It’s his fight and boxing ability in the ring that has his opponents stunned.
“Fat from fatty cells and glucose from the liver being metabolized to create instant energy.” Pacquiao clearly exhibits this change, but I’m sure he’s challenged when it comes to fatty cells. As a fighter, Pacquiao always looks fresh and energized during his fights and his physical preparation is clear. Mayweather also keeps in amazing shape.
And finally, here’s the most intriguing physical change:
“The natural judgment system is also turned down and more primitive responses take over – this is a time for action rather than deep thought.”
There is no doubt that Pacquiao and Mayweather are boxing machines. They are the best of the best. As strong fighters and boxers for most of their lives, both Pacquiao and Mayweather have always acted in their best interests to take the fight that would be the best fight for each of them to take. And the only fight for Pacquiao and Mayweather to take is with each other.
The mega-fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather must happen. It got ugly when Mayweather threw accusations about steroid use. It got ugly when Pacquiao remained smartly silent. I think now Mayweather, in his silence, must answer yes or no and bear the burden of responsibility should the fight not happen at all. But it’s not just Mayweather either. All of the parties in making the fight a done deal (or not) must reach a point in negotiations where signatures are the only thing to be done and faxed signature would be just fine. No more deep thought or negotiations. Action means the fight is going to happen, period.
After that, here’s another change that occurs in fight or flight:
“It also happens when a creative new idea makes us feel certain about things of which we previously were sure. The biochemical changes in our brain make us aggressive, fighting the new idea, or make us timid, fleeing from it.”
I’d say both Pacquiao and Mayweather are on the verge of this change. RSR readers, however partial you may be, let me know.
Finally, I didn’t even consider this possibility:
“A third alternative response which often comes before fight or flight is freezing. This is often used by prey as they seek not to be noticed by predators. They also may become aggressive and unpredictable, so on the other hand you may want to avoid getting them into this state. If you get wound up yourself, stop. Get out. Use any excuse to go somewhere and calm down.”
I think this definition of freezing can be applied to what is going on in boxing as we speak. Everything just seems frozen until the date of the mega-fight has been decided – whenever that may be – sometime in November right? As a boxing fan, I definitely am experiencing a case of freezing. If the fight doesn’t happen, I’ll be wound up for sure. I’ll get out, go somewhere, and calm down – more than likely to a local bar and watch UFC.
Both Pacquiao and Mayweather are currently experiencing some signs of freezing, flight, or fight. Both fighters seem to be on the verge of fight, but right now, the fight seems to be frozen. So there you have it, whether a Pacquiao fan or a Mayweather fan, decide for yourself whether either fighter or camp is reacting with freezing, fight, or flight.