Fighter of the Year: Manny Pacquiao
Was there really any other choice?
In 2008, Manny Pacquiao went 3-0, with 2 KO’s, fighting in three different weight divisions. Along the way he won the junior lightweight championship of the world, a lightweight belt to go along with it, and stunned the fight world with a shockingly lopsided win over a ring legend in a fight many figured he wouldn’t even be competitive in.
In March, he narrowly defeated rival Juan Manuel Marquez via split decision to win the recognized junior lightweight championship. This thrilling back and forth contest saw both combatants routinely land clean punches at one another. Both fighters were hurt at different times during the bout and Paquiao sent Marquez to the canvas in the third round, a feat that proved to be the difference in this incredibly close fight.
Many members of the media felt that Marquez deserved the decision by a point or two; however it was Pacman who prevailed. Nevertheless it was a thrilling affair that did big business, generating over 400,000 pay-per-view buys, the highest buyrate ever for a boxing PPV below the welterweight limit.
In June, Pacquiao would make the first of two successful jumps in weight class this year to score a 9th round TKO over then lightweight titleholder David Diaz. He used blinding speed at his new weight and successfully carried his power up with him as he punished Diaz for 9 rounds until a left hand put a bloodied Diaz on the mat face first, prompting official Vic Drakulich to stop the fight.
Following his dominant lightweight win, Pacquiao signed to fight the sport’s biggest star in Oscar De La Hoya at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds for a megafight to cap off the year.
There were many criticisms of the bout from the moment it was signed. Members of the media and some boxing officials felt the move up in weight would prove to be too much for Manny and that the legendary De La Hoya would knock him out in brutal fashion.
The fight did end up being lopsided just as the critics had predicted. However, it was Pacquiao who was the one dishing out the punishment. He used superior speed to land numerous clean shots at will on De La Hoya for 8 one sided rounds leaving fans and ringside observers in awe of what they were seeing.
Finally, De La Hoya got up on his stool following the 8th round and walked over to congratulate Pacquiao conceding the fight. Pacquiao won by TKO at the end of the 8th round.
Pacman’s brilliant 2008 is already setting up a potential huge 2009. He will be moving to his fourth weight division in as many fight’s in May when he challenges junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton and should he win, a possible pound-for-pound showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. looms in the distance.
*Honorable Mentions
Antonio Margarito – After years of being avoided by most of the top welterweights in the world, Margarito went 2-0, with 2 KO’s, in title fight’s this year including a thrilling 11th round stoppage win over Miguel Cotto in a fight of the year candidate this past July. At the time, Cotto was considered the #1 welterweight in the world.
He also dethroned then titleholder Kermit Cintron with a crushing body shot KO earlier in the year.
Not bad huh?
He’ll next defend his welterweight title against “Sugar” Shane Mosley January 24th at The Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. The fight will be broadcast on HBO.
Joe Calzaghe – With two victories over future hall of famers and his second legitimate world championship in his second weight class, who could argue with Calzaghe being on this list?
In April, he made his first appearance in the United States dethroning then light heavyweight champ Bernard Hopkins via split decision. Calzaghe overcame a knockdown in round 1 to outwork the champ down the stretch.
In November, Calzaghe once again hit the canvas in the first frame, before getting back up to dominate the remainder of the rounds against former 4 division champ Roy Jones Jr.
2008 could mark the last year for Calzaghe as an active fighter. If that’s the case, he’ll retire undefeated at 46-0, with 32 KO’s.
If he chooses to continue fighting, more potential challenges await at light heavyweight including a showdown with the 26 year old Chad Dawson.
8countnews.com’s pick for Fight of the Year
Coming Saturday: 8countnews.com’s pick for KO of the Year
Coming Sunday: 8countnews.com’s pick for Round of the Year
Coming Monday: 8countnews.com’s pick for Prospect of the Year
Also coming soon: 8countnews.com’s pick for upset of the year
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