Trouble in Pacland: Is Pacquiao poised for an upset?

To say Manny Pacquiao is spread too thin right now is an understatement. As much as I commend the Pac Man for being a modern day Renaissance Man, one has to wonder if this is a relapse of the old Pacquiao pre-Marco Antonio Barrera rematch.

Don't take it from me, recently, Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach has also spoken out about his dismay over Pacquiao's recent activities as he has allegedly been tossed around by Pacquiao's advisers and team members. Roach was quoted by The Manila Bulletin's website saying,

“Nope,” Roach answered when asked whether there’s been contact with Team Pacquiao the past 24 hours. “I am pissed and I am tired of these guys. They treat me like shit.”

Roach was referring to Pacquiao’s advisers Mike Koncz and lawyer Franklin Gacal, whom the multi-awarded trainer says have benefited financially from the fighter’s meteoric rise.

“I know what’s best for my fighter,”

Pretty strong words indeed. The frustration was caused by the issue regarding Pacquiao's training camp. Due to IRS tax provisions, Pacquiao will have to train elsewhere for majority of his preparations on his upcoming November fight against Miguel Cotto. Pacquiao has recently expressed his desire to train in Baguio City in the Philippines, something Roach is vocally against because of all the distractions Pacquiao will have in his home country. Pacquiao will be easily accessible to local media and his fans as opposed to training elsewhere like Mexico which Roach strongly advises.

Pacquiao has been very busy with his acting and show business career in the Philippines as of the moment and even wrote an article proclaiming his recent TV Show on Philboxing.com. On top of his acting and music career, Pacquiao also jumped in the chaotic world of Philippine politics all the while his opponent Cotto has been busy making preliminary preparations for his bout against Pacquiao.

The bout may be still be a bit more than two months away and Pacquiao does still have time to prepare and train but with the looks of it, Pacquiao may be setting himself up for disaster.

Pacquiao's recent successes in the ring were all attributed to his renewed focus and training after his ho-hum performance against Barrera in October of 2007. It was said that Bob Arum and Roach sat Pacquiao down after that fight and convinced him to dedicate his efforts more on boxing. What followed was a 2008 Fighter of the Year performance and a sensational victory over Ricky Hatton last May.

Truth be told, Cotto will be the toughest opponent Pacquiao will ever have to face. In my opinion, and I have said this many times before, Cotto is far stronger and better than anybody Pacquiao has fought before. He will need to train for Cotto the way he did for De la Hoya and Hatton if not harder. Cotto would easily beat De la Hoya and Hatton had he faced them when Pacquiao did.

Cotto may have not looked spectacular in his last three fights but this is the type of mega-fight that can motivate anyone and definitely get Cotto's career back on the fast track. What I've been hearing and seen from Cotto's camp thus far is similar to the hunger and dedication Pacquiao had when he was going up against De la Hoya last year. Rightfully so, Pacquiao is the hottest thing in boxing right now and in the eyes of Cotto, he may very well be "The Golden Boy" who holds the key to future riches and prestige.

I'm not trying to jump the gun or judge Team Pacquiao but I will however reiterate the words Roach told Nick Sanchez as published by my buddies at FightHype.com and say,

"I hope Manny and his crew wake up."

Or risk Cotto putting Manny to sleep.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-10947-Indianapolis-Fight-Sports-Examiner~y2009m8d29-Trouble-in-Pacland-Is-Pacquiao-poised-for-an-upset