The V8:This weeks top 8 in boxing

Congressman Manny Pacquiao: Hand Up, Hands Down!

Welp, it's now official. Manny Pacquiao has finally been sworn in under oath to fulfill his new obligation as local congressman in a small district of the Philippines. What an amazing story for a man who started with little more than an elementary education, spending most of his days on street corners selling cigarettes and fruit to help Mom, Dionisa make ends meet. Most aren't as fortunate in life, but no question, as it relates to his homeland of the Philippines, Pacquiao is indeed the 'golden child'. As happy as I am for my favorite fightin' Filipino, I must confess.....There's a selfish side of me that is sayin' "damn, it's cool that he raised one hand, (to be sworn into office), but I'd sure as hell love to see him raise both.......preferably with a guy named Floyd standing across from him"! The clock is running....maybe there's still hope. Which takes me to my next point......

Mayweather/Pacquiao: Dead Line at Deadline?

Recently, promoter Bob Arum came out and said (in so many words) that this negotiation period between Mayweather and Pacquiao has been attempted again, has run it's course, and is about to be met with the same fate again, as there seems to be no compromise in sight. Mayweather still wants more money, Pacquaio still wants to nix the randomized testing stuff, and there's no middle-ground for resolution. Interestingly, Freddie Roach recently said that he and Pacquiao will "call Mayweather's bluff by agreeing to everything he wants to see if he really wants to fight". What wasn't made clear is whether he meant EVERYTHING - (as in 60/40 split and randomized) - or EVERYTHING - as in some other rendition of the fine points being addressed. I hope this is what I think it is, as Arum has recently drawn his line in the sand. Last time he did that, we lost out on the fight of the century. Appears it's that time again. I can only wonder if this particular deadline will be met with yet another 'dead' line....as in no pulse....no response...no answer...NO FIGHT!?!? Final decision is only a few days away.

Dream Team or Dream Fight?

On a boxing website, this is probably the dumbest question one could ask. That being said, based on the responses received on my Facebook page, I felt a need to throw this scenario out there for good measure. With the NBA's pending free agency only hours away, the focus has shifted to a possible alignment of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh pairing up in Miami to form some true 'heat'! In the world of boxing, the focus is on the never-ending negotiation period of Floyd Mayweather jr. and Manny Pacquiao. Which of the two would you find more intriguing to watch? The Wade, James, Bosh trio or Mayweather/Pacquiao? One scenario would give you 82+ times to watch them go to work, yet may never happen again (when you consider the magnitude of such all-star's teaming up); the other would only happen for one night, yet remain unmatched in adrenaline. Again....which of the two would be more intriguing to watch? (My inquiring mind would love to know)!

Manny Pacquiao: What's The 'Catch'?

Michael Koncz has recently stated that Pacquiao is open to meeting Cotto again if the Mayweather fight doesn't materialize. After all of the talk about Cotto potentially being weight drained in the first fight, the last thing many thought would ever come up in new negotiations was the term 'catch weight' again. Well, Koncz dropped the famous "C" word, and apparently he was dead serious. What's really funny about this is that Pacquiao used catchweight options in previous fights when he clearly didn't need them. Now, the word is forbidden, yet in going up to '54, this is a case that may actually warrant the use of it. It'll be awfully funny to see what happens if the stars align and these two do end up squaring off again. Anyone ever hear the story of the little kid who cried wolf? May sound like a joke now....but I'm afraid this time there's no 'catch'!

Does Emanuel Steward Really Hold The 'Key' To Pacquiao?

Cotto recently admitted to new trainer Emanuel Steward that his biggest issue with Pacquiao was his "speed". If asked, Pacquiao's past opponents would probably all say "welcome to the club"! Good thing for Cotto, Steward is his trainer and not them. Steward seems to have the answer, or so he says?!? Being a great trainer for so long, I wouldn't doubt that maybe he does have the key to speed in the ring. Trouble is, does he have the man with enough critical thinking ability and skills to pull it off? Cotto's biggest problem against Pacquiao and Margarito was the fact that he let his ego get in the way of his skill, opting to brawl, rather than simply box. Against Margarito, he was up on a at least one score card when he was stopped. Against Pacquiao, he wasn't, but he had his moments, as well. Like any other team sport, this will have to be a collective effort. Steward can have the key....but he can't open the door (of Manny Pacquiao)! Cotto will need to do that himself!

Chavez Jr.: Another Case of Mistaken Identity

For years, Julio Caeser Chavez Jr. stood in the shadow of his Father, earning recognition from a name that had already seen it's better days in the sport. For a while it worked, but not too long after, the critics and skeptics started to demand action from a source that had given very little. Last Saturday night, those doubters got what they came to see as Chavez Jr. FINALLY proved his individual worth, brawling in what may go down as fight of the year against the always 'game' John Duddy. Chavez can thank Pacquiao, who basically told him that if he wanted to excel, Roach was the only way to fly. Chavez took that scoop and the rest was history. For a minute it was looking like he'd be, (history), but now, this fresh start with Roach could lead to him making history. He and his Father could go down as one of the most successful Father/Son tandems in the sport. I know someone out there is sayin' "hold your horses, dude"! I feel 'em on that a little, but one thing for sure, there's no longer a case of mistaken identity, as it's now clear, this kid has his own!

David Haye: Be Careful What You Wish For...

The David Haye saga is getting funnier by the minute. I was the main one touting this guy when he moved up to heavyweight, but I must admit, none of his supporters (OR HIM) are lookin' too good right about now. All the talking....all the t-shirts with cut off heads on platters....all the bravado......and then sheer silence. And that was after being called out publicly! Now, we're hearing there could be a match up with Audley Harrison in the works, despite Haye denying the rumor. Truth is, with Wladimir looking at a showdown with Povetkin and Vitali said to be entertaining Valuev, a Harrison fight probably makes the most sense, considering Haye hasn't given any indication that he'd be willing to take the risk associated with many other heavyweights in today's thin ranks. With all of the mega fight potentials moving on with their life and Haye suddenly on the outside looking in, inquiring minds truly wanna know who he'll turn to next. When the K-Bros were quiet and humble, Haye called them out at every stop. Now, they're talkin' and he has reversed roles by going quiet. Mom always said "be careful what you wish for"! Seems the moment Haye wished and dreamed for has nightmare written all over it!

Wladi-K/Povetkin: Finally?!?!?


Seems Wladi-K has finally found himself an opponent that many of us actually want to see him face. To his credit, the talent pool in the heavyweight division is pretty thin, but Povetkin is one of the men that creates a thick plot. Considering that Haye hasn't stepped up, and few other challenges await, this could be the last meaningful heavyweight fight we see for quite some time. One side of me wants to say FINALLY! Another side is not so antsy, knowing that the buck probably stops here!

(Vivek Wallace can be reached at vwallace@8countnews, YouTube (VIVEK1251), Twitter (VIVEK747), Facebook, and Myspace).