johnmichael-bricManny Pacquiao's chances in the lightweight division
October 10th 2007 00:04
Manny Pacquiao after the fight
Pacquiao started at junior fylweight or 106 lbs and continually moved up in weight throughout his whole career. Now he will be fighting in the 135 lb division after having some difficulty dropping down to 130 lbs of the superfeather weight limit. He even gained 14 pounds at the time of the Barrera fight just one day after the weigh in.
The good thing about Manny is that his punching power and speed always remained the same as he got heavier. He still has his lightning quick combinations and retained much of the power in his punches. But fighting the natural lightweight boxers is another story. Guys like Joel Casamayor, the Diaz's (Juan, Julio and David) and Nate Campbell all normally walk around at nearly 150 lbs and they drop weight to reach the lightweight limit. I am not saying Pacman doesn't a chance against these men but he will have bigger problems when he faces them.
The top guys in the lightweight have dealt with boxers their size and are sure to hit harder than the super featherweights.
Joel Casamayor is one slick boxer. He fought the Late Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Nate Campbell and Acelino Freitas. His style may prove difficult for Pacquiao as he utilizes his boxing skill really well and has decent power. He may be stopped if Pacman catches his chin flush because he is known to have an average jaw.
A fight with Juan Diaz would be a war. Diaz likes pressuring his opponents with hundreds of punches per round just like Manny. That fight would likely turn into a brawl which would make it exciting. I don't who will win if the fight happens but rest assured the boxing fans will be in for a treat.
There are also potential matches with WBO champ Michael Katsidis, WBC champ David Diaz, Zahir Raheem. These guys can beat Pacquiao but Pacquiao can beat them as well and they are all great match-ups.
In my opinion, Manny Pacquiao can still hold his own in the lightweight division. His technical skills have improves a lot thanks to his trainer Freddie Roach. He will give any of the top lightweights a difficult because of his brawling style, fast reflexes and improved defense. Can he beat the top boxers? That is still up in the air but he can definitely be force in that division. He still has some unfinished business with WBC super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez but it seems the fight is still in question because of Manny's decision to move up in weight.
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