V8: Pacquiao/Cotto, Margarito, Haye, Pavlik, Dawson, and more!

What Makes Manny Pacquiao So Great?

Why are we all so infatuated with Manny Pacquiao? Well, for starters, in an era of the sport where few guys are known to "bring it", not only does Pacquiao "bring it", but he "takes it" (the heart) away from opponents who generally have no issue in that area. Fundamentally, there are certain things that Pacquiao can change, and by his own admission, in comparison to many other fighters, he "isn't as good"; but aside from being so spirited and game, Pacquiao has one intangible that no other fighter can touch hands down. That intangible....Intense prayer! Few believe in the power of prayer, but even that contingent knows that there are strength in numbers, and when a nation of millions chant in unison, no doubt, it's probably a little hard for God to go without hearing. Right now, Pacquiao has the wind to his back and the skies are clear. Looking at his rise to stardom, it seems very difficult to stop this growing momentum now. At only age 30, it would be difficult to say he has reached his peak, but just like God helps one rise to new heights, the reality is that he also often reminds us that there's a ceiling to every floor level as well. If Pacquiao can once again stretch beyond this perceived ceiling, in the end, I see quite a few Filipino's raising the roof! (Both literally and figuratively)....lol


Antonio Margarito Returns to the MGM Grand

Suspended Mexican warrior Antonio Margarito will have a reunion of sorts with Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto this weekend when the two occupy space at the MGM Grand. Still serving a suspension for illegal handwrapping techniques, Margarito won't be able to step into the ring with Cotto again like he has expressed the desire to do, but he will be not only ringside for the fight, but apparently serving as the head man for Cerveza Tecate's Mobile Boxing ring promotion. Slowly, Top Rank's Bob Arum is EASING Margarito back into the mind of the fight public. Still no new developments with his suspension status, but you can bet your bottom dollar that he'll be in the ring by February of next year.


Pacquiao/Cotto: Everyone Is Talkin'...Is Anybody Listening?



No matter where you go or who you know, everyone has something to say about the pending Pacquiao/Cotto showdown. From Donald Trump and Jay-Z, to the pizza man and the preacher man, literally everyone has an opinion one way or the other. Of all the intriguing comments that have been said recently, one from Filipino native Nonaito Donaire seems to come the closest to the potential gameplan and eventual victory route, if Pacquiao does indeed win. Donaire seems to the think that Pacquiao will have to jump on Cotto from
the beginning, rather than "wait for the late rounds". True words from one wiseman to the next, because a slow start from Pacquiao may inevitably place him in hot water against a guy who appears to be set and ready to roll.


David Haye Ushers In "New Era" For Heavyweights...



Last weekend, the U.K.'s David Haye covered his promise - albeit not in the fashion he promised - of defeating the largest heavyweight champion in the history of the sport, Nikolai Valuev. Despite the constant shenanigans and chatter about getting the KO, Haye was very content to get the nod via points decision. The great thing about this victory was that it gives the sports most prestigious weight class - the heavyweight division - a new player. One with the brash talk, personality, and flair that seems to be needed to put a few more cheeks in seats. His next move remains to be seen, but one thing for sure, his options are plenty, as many are chompin' at the bits to see if he can back his big talk up.

Chad Dawson: Questions Answered, Questions Raised....



Chad Dawson was able to decisively defeat aging veteran Glen Johnson in a fight that many felt could very well go the other way. For the past nearly two years, the only two people to get a shot at Dawson is Johnson and Tarver. Both men are highly credible, but after proving that he could remove them from the equation, there leaves a major question relative to whether or not he can do the same with some of the 'new kids' on the block. Pascal and Cloud immediately come to mind, but the list certainly doesn't stop there. Dawson has said publicly that he' open to a heavyweight jump or even a backwards step to the Super Middleweight ranks if he lands him a role in the famed Super-6 Tourney. Either of the above would be great, but with the clock running, he'll have to soon decide on at least one. Stay tuned...


Roach/Pacquiao: Win, Lose, Or Draw....Is This The End?



OK...It's no secret that the love once felt in Team Pacquiao has faded a bit. And the closer we get to the showdown this weekend, the more questions surface about the growing possibility of Freddie Roach moving on without the presence of his most prized pupil. Ask them directly, and things appear to be smooth sailing. Ask some around the camp, and suddenly, the small questions grow in size and multiply in dimension. Everyone's happy when things are going right, but a loss will undoubtedly signal the end. Pacqiuao advisor Michael Koncz stated in the recent HBO 24/7 series that Roach wouldn't be where he is without Pacquiao, and that Pacquiao would probably be where he is without Roach. With that kind advise, I can see why no one wants this guy in town. For the record, I personally hope that both men know that not only does the gravy train stop when the union ends, but one of the best legacy tandems in the history of the sport will be severed. Hopefully, cooler heads will prevail, regardless of the outcome of this pending fight.

Kelly Pavlik: 2 Steps Forward, 3 Steps Back



Is it me, or does it seem that literally everytime we get progressive news from the Pavlik camp, it's followed by regressive news? After seeing the photos and hearing him speak, I was thoroughly convinced that Pavlik was in fact bothered by the infection that has plagued him for quite some time now. That was until I had a chance to read my briefing that he had selected a new foe, straight from the cast of "Contender". I would never belittle the efforts of the men on the show, but to be truthful, there's only one man Pavlik should be squaring off against the next time he enters the ring, and it isn't anyone from there. What's even more troubling is that the man selected, (Miguel Espino), is viewed in the eyes of Pavlik as a "real challenge". My only response to that is that if Miguel Espino is viewed as a "real challenge", what did Pavlik really feel about Paul Williams? And a better question, how much of what he did feel for Williams played role in his decision to ultimately bow out of facing him? My answer. Quite a bit!...apparently.


Vitali-K All In For Knocking Haye Out



Heavyweight champion Vitali-K apparently tuned in to David Haye's victory over Valuev and from all accounts, wasn't too impressed. Within days of the victory, Klitschko has gone on record, stating that he will "knock Haye out"! With a slippery Johnny Ruiz up to bat, some critics think Haye may be strapless if and when such a bout takes place. I don't see Haye vacating his new crown for a shot at Klitschko, but the grappling, hard-to-watch style of Ruiz may give his handlers something to consider. Why let an ugly victory or a loss potentially ruin a big payday, right? Not exactly my logic, but in today's era, it's the norm....you've been warned!


(Vivek Wallace can be reached at vivexemail@yahoo.com, Youtube (VIVEK1251), Twitter (VIVEK747), Facebook and Myspace).