Home | Pacquiao vs Cotto | Pacquiao vs Cotto News | Pacquiao vs Cotto Updates | Pacquiao Cotto 24/7 Episodes | Pacquiao vs Cotto Online Live Streaming

Mayweather vs Ortiz Online Live Streaming

Mayweather vs Ortiz Online Live Streaming, News and Updates, Mayweather Ortiz 24/7

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Manny better than Ali

Pacquiao vs Cotto News
Take it from founding WBC secretary-general and former PBA commissioner Rudy Salud. The world’s No. 1 fighter pound-for-pound today Manny Pacquiao is more exciting, more explosive and more extraordinary than Muhammad Ali ever was.

That’s saying a lot because Ali is such a legendary Hall of Famer. But Salud insists that when it comes down to brass tacks, Pacquiao stands head and shoulders above the Louisville Lip.

Salud says boxing isn’t show business – it’s serious business in the ring. “Manny brings excitement to the sport with his style, power and guts,” explains Salud. “Of course, Ali brought excitement, too, but sometimes, he just toyed around with his opponents. Ali did a lot of talking outside the ring. Manny does his talking inside the ring.”

Salud adds: “When Ali was crowded by his opponent, he threw mostly slapping punches. But with distance, he threw knuckle punches. Manny always hits with the knuckles because he is very quick in side or back-stepping to always give room for knuckle punches.”

Salud likens Pacquiao to Mike Tyson in that both were undersized, often going up against bigger foes. “I think Manny is like Tyson in that respect – they were like David fighting Goliath,” he continues. “That’s why the whole world loves a fighter like Manny. He gives it his all no matter how big his opponent is. Filipinos respect that in Manny.”

Of the legendary fighters in history, Salud ranks Pacquiao way up in the list. “You look at the greatest fighters ever – Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Robinson, Alexis Arguello, Roy Jones and the rest,” he says. “On a pound-for-pound basis, I don’t think you’ll find anyone who matches what Manny brings to the ring. I’ve seen a lot of fighters come and go but Manny is one of a kind.”

If Pacquiao beats WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas on Nov. 14, he will become the only fighter ever to win world titles in seven weight divisions.

“Right now, no Filipino fighter comes close to Manny,” says Salud. “If I were to rate the best Filipino fighters today, I would put Manny No. 1 but No. 2, 3, 4 and 5 would be vacant because he’s just too way ahead. I would rank A. J. Banal No. 6 and Nonito Donaire No. 7.”

Salud says in his opinion, there are only three Filipinos in history who have brought significant honor and glory to the country – former United Nations secretary-general Gen. Carlos P. Romulo, former President Cory Aquino and Pacquiao.

“When I paid my respects to former President Cory at her wake, I spoke to Sen. Noynoy (Aquino) and I told him that,” says Salud. “I told him Gen. Romulo gave us a lot of pride because of his intelligence and diplomacy, that his mother was a blessing to our country when she restored our democracy and that Manny has brought honor and joy to the Filipino people.”

Salud expects Banal, now campaigning as a bantamweight, to someday become a world champion.

“Banal is young and has world championship potential,” he says. “He will eventually make his mark. I don’t see him as a transient champion like a Florante Condes. In one or two years, he’ll mature. As for Donaire, I think he has to work a little harder. He has a tendency to oversell himself, a little like Ali. But Donaire is very smart. He knows how to win. He won’t engage an opponent if he thinks it’s a risky proposition.”

* * * *

Meanwhile, boxing guru Hermie Rivera writes from Newark, California, explaining why Baguio is a better training site for Pacquiao than Toluca in Mexico.

“Baguio, the city of pines, has three entry points which could serve the Pacman’s need for high altitude roadwork – Kennon Road which the colonial Gringos built, Naguilian Road and the Marcos Highway,” he says. “Baguio’s huge monument of Ferdinand Marcos could serve as mute inspiration to Manny’s early-morning assault of its steepy ascents.”

A rabid Marcos loyalist, Rivera sends a reminder. “The late president was a bantamweight champion of the State University and a true boxing fan, di ba?” adds Rivera. Now as rabid a loyalist for Pacquiao, Rivera says, “there’s no statute of limitation on Manny’s greatness.”

As for Baguio weather and the city’s natives, Rivera says both are pleasant. “The weather is mildly cool and the natives, friendly and pretty,” he goes on. “It’s the one area you’ll likely leave your heart once you step into its pine-clad locality. I know. I was born in lovely Baguio. I caution Freddie Roach of Baguio’s irresistible looks – else he’ll convert his civil status to a double M (for married na married) after falling for its pristine charm.”

In a parting shot, Rivera sets the record straight, officially and unofficially. “Officially, Baguio is the summer capital of the republic,” he says. “Unofficially, it’s the year-round capital of dog meat aficionados. The natives go blind relishing this pulutan delicacy, chased by bootleg gin or 360-proof rum – guaranteed.”

Knowing Hermie, you’ll never be sure if he’s pulling your leg or not.

Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=510048&publicationSubCategoryId=69

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

How will the Pacquiao-Cotto match will end?

Fighters' Statistics

Manny Pacquiao Profiles, Statistics and Records
Miguel Cotto Profiles, Statistics and Records