Manny Pacquiao:
What can the critics complain about? Many believed he was lucky to defeat a drained De la Hoya and also defeat a limited Hatton. Furthermore, many pointed towards the fact that Pacquiao would not be able to take a punch from a true welterweight. Well, Pacquiao simply fired back at his critics in vintage fashion. Not only did he break down Cotto, but in moments he decided to slug it out with him, often going to the ropes in order to taste his power. What happened? Cotto dish it out and could not hurt Pacquiao, and ended befuddled and amused as he could not hurt him. What can the critics say now? Cotto was overrated or past his prime as well? Cotto has a weak chin? Nope! Pacquiao has now finally proven that he is an all time great and a rare boxer, who we should appreciate before he retires. Where does he go from here? There might be a possible trilogy with Marquez, or a super-fight with Mayweather. At this stage, he is simply unpredictable at this moment. Congrats to the Pac-Man on his win and congrats to the fact that he is carrying the post De la Hoya era well on his shoulders and bringing in excitement. Don’t forget the money either.
Miguel Cotto:
What can we say about Cotto. He went in to give Pacquiao a war, but came up short. It must have been grueling for Cotto to know he could not hurt Pacquiao, despite landing cleanly. Where he goes from here is up to him and his staff. What he should do is take a long break and then come back in a tune up fight. If he still demonstrates to have something left, then maybe he should rematch Margarito or Mosley in order to slowly gain his elite status. If he decides to retire (Which I think he shouldn’t do yet), then he’s had a great career, beaten good opposition and can arguably be a hall of famer. Couldn’t ask for more.
Random Thoughts: Chavez Jr. had a chance to impress on the undercard and turned it into a stinker. Congrats to Foreman’s victory against always game Daniel Santos and congrats also go to Gomez who managed to decision Soto-Karrass. Let’s hope promoters can come up with better undercards in 2010!
