Geno’s Boxing Corner: Manny Pacquiao – Antonio Margarito Dallas Showdown & More
By Geno McGahee
Manny Pacquiao – Antonio Margarito: The Dallas Showdown
It’s official that the two will collide at the Dallas stadium in Texas on November 13th for the vacant WBC Light Middleweight Title. Manny Pacquiao has been subjected to a lot of criticism for taking this fight and rightfully so, and there have also been those that choose to support this fight. Typically the most popular fighter in the sport is the face of the sport and Pacquiao is very popular. He has taken pride in his humble reputation and has not objected when his masses of fans have said that he does the right things for the right reasons. His reputation is losing its luster quickly.
Pacquiao has stated that he believes that Margarito cheated and that he is only a fighter and does not get involved in the business side of it. Put on your boots, it’s getting deep in here. If anyone is holding all of the cards, it’s Manny Pacquiao. He could easily object to this fight and pick another opponent that hasn’t attempted to kill his opposition by loading his gloves, but he didn’t. He had money waved in front of his face and jumped at it and that is what this fight is about.
Bob Arum is re-inventing Antonio Margarito and, believe it or not, the loaded gloves are going to help him do this. It’s going to help Arum’s bankbook as he sells this criminal, and it’s disgusting that the Texas commission is allowing it to take place, but if the money is right they would permit anything.
Boxing had the opportunity to send the message that we will not allow the crooks to run rampant and have their way no matter what the situation may be. Boxing cannot be bought. Boxing didn’t say that. Boxing said that we will allow people to go into the ring with a sledgehammer as long as the money is right. I expect nothing from Arum, Jones, or Margarito, but Pacquiao was the last line of defense against this scam. He has stuck his hands into the scum to take as many dollars as he could. It’s disappointing, but remember that boxers are like celebrities, molded and guided to make them the most profitable. What you see isn’t what you always get. Pacquiao has shown his true colors by taking this fight.
It’s amazing to me that PacNuts and groupie/fan boy journalists still support this fight despite all of the dirt that comes with it. Some of these wannabe journalists remind me of a plus sized Chris Crocker, screaming: “Leave Manny Pacquiao alone!” Objectivity is out the window here people. Boxing is a community and if we ban together, we can clean it up. Spend the 60 bucks you would on this fight on something else. Watch the inevitable replay on HBO the following week.
David Haye – Audley Harrison Official
As first reported by RSR, WBA Heavyweight Champion, David “Hayemaker” Haye gives the unworthy challenger, Audley Harrison a shot at the title on November 13th. Harrison is ranked #13 in the WBA, but he has had a very disappointing career. At one time, Lennox Lewis named him as the potential future of the heavyweight division, but he never seemed to have the desire, and now he goes into a title shot with one of the best fighters in boxing.
Harrison has lost to Danny Williams, Michael Sprott, Martin Rogan, and Dominick Guinn. He’s put together four straight victories but the competition has not been sparkling. He’s 38 years old and doesn’t seem to be much of a challenge to Haye. I guess every champion is allowed one easy one.
Expect this fight to be quick. Harrison has a puncher’s chance, but chances are he’ll be taking quite a few himself early and often until he crashes to the floor. This is a disappointing fight for the Haye fans. Most boxing fans in general want to see the brash champion take a swipe at the Klitschko brothers, but that is not likely to happen anytime soon. Expect Haye to feed on the mediocrities and make some money before taking on the big challenge of Wlad or Vitali.
Floyd Mayweather JR Apologizes
After making some racist comments in regards to Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, JR., has come forward to apologize. This is more evidence that Floyd pays close attention to his headlines and comments from fans and journalists and he doesn’t have incredibly thick skin. He wants to be seen in a positive light and lashed out at those idiots that have called him racial slurs and those Manny groupie journalists calling him a coward. He came off horribly, making comments about Manny’s ethnicity, and he didn’t come off well. This apology is sincere, I’m sure, but I wouldn’t rule out another verbal tirade that isn’t exactly PC. Mayweather is frustrated and upset at those that don’t recognize him as the best in the game. The less he fights, the more people shift over to Pacquiao as the pound for pound best.
In the end, Floyd is still the man to beat, but as he remains inactive and apparently staying away from a Pacquiao showdown for the time being, his stock continues to plummet. There is a way to shut everyone up and keep his spot without dispute and that is to beat Pacquiao, unless Margarito pulls the upset. That would be a pound for pound victory by default for Floyd…perhaps that is what he’s looking for.