Pass The Quilt

Hand Speed?  Check.  Power?  Check.  Physical Stamina?  Check.  These are attributes the critics say make Manny Pacquiao the superstar he is today.  They also scrutinize his technique to be a flaw to be exploited because on its face it looks like something awkward.  That’s yet to be seen.  They do credit him for improving that technique because he has looked so dynamic of late.  I give less credit to improved technique, and give more credence to being more comfortable in the ring with fighters who have bigger names than their talents.  It takes nothing away from Manny at all.  It’s just he’s dominated bigger fighters who are vastly slower, but in their weight divisions considered the fastest, and who have underestimated Manny’s punching power.  The 2003-2008 class of 126-130lb weight divisions may have been the best of its class, and the best division of the present as proof of the class’ success moving up in weight.  I believe Manny’s edge in success over others is an attribute that fuels the excitement but receives less and less mention when he steps into the ring now, and that is his tenacity. 

Tenacity is often a term given to fighters of lesser capability, like Arturo Gatti, or Mickey Ward.  These are guys who made a career off each other just closing their eyes, throwing hay makers and taking shots.  To me it’s always been a consolation attribute that critics give to fighters who have a wild punching chance.  It’s hardly a term given the lower classes.  No, smaller fighters are ‘determined’.  But if there is something that Manny was, is, and will always be is tenacious.  He stalks with the purpose with exploding with power and volume when he sees an opening, and fatigue is of very little consequence in this regard.  Tenacity is focus, its adrenaline, it’s the hop in his step, it’s the taste in his mouth—it’s hunger.

As mentioned, 126-130 lbs was the best it had ever been and Manny showed his best attributes in this class.  More notably, it was on greatest display vs. Eric Morales.  In the first fight he was clearly outclassed, but showed his resolve all way to the end.  In the 12th round, with half his face masked in blood, Manny nearly pulled off a game ending rally off a shot on Morales while Eric displayed his Machismo by fighting Pac left handed.  I was there, and seeing Morales’ knees wobble gave the slightest hope…but it wasn’t meant to be that night.  In part 2, the fight flowed similar to the first but with Pac getting in more effective blows early.  It took consistent pressure, effective punches and again a late rally.  And tenacity finally paid its benefit with a 10th round KO.  In part 3 of the trilogy, Manny feasted early, came out fast, and went for the kill. 

Tenacity. It’s what boxing critics mention less.  It’s what opponents have trouble training for.  It’s the one word that ties all of Manny’s physical talents together. It’s what I admire.