Waiting for Part 2

Manny Pacquiao and the Games and Amusements Board asked from the World Boxing Organization and were granted a review of the “controversial” loss to Jeff Horn.  With a panel of five independent judges who re-examined and rescored the fight round-by-round, salt and vinegar was further rubbed to the wound when they declared that Manny had won only five rounds as to Horn’s seven.

Pacman cannot accept the final decision.  He’s unhappy, saying “Let the people judge for themselves, people saw what happened.”  Ok, fine, I’ll be a judge.  As clear as daylight, Round 9 was vintage Manny and had it gone 20 seconds more, Horn could have been sent to dreamland.  The whole fight was so close and aggression was with Horn all throughout that even if CompuBox or whatever fight stats were presented, judges usually favor aggressors.

Majority of the Pacman loyalists were conditioned of a “short and sweet” fight, that when the unexpected loss came, it was a troubling and bitter reality to accept.  Let’s face it.  Our generation had witnessed arguably the most successful prizefighter the boxing had ever produced and a defeat from the hands of a virtual nobody is more shocking than a million volts of lightning.  But let’s not dwell on the painful past and speculate on what we’ll be seeing next. 

There’s a rematch clause and both fighters as of the moment are open to it.  Horn is the most ready as surely, he will be getting at least twice the amount that he got from this fight.  Probably by September, preparations had been laid already and initial marketing plans put to work.  By November or December, the second installment will commence, most likely in Melbourne.

I understand Horn’s eagerness as he is given the chance to prove to non-believers that he can beat anaging global boxing icon, again, without the controversy.  With the confirmation from the independent judges, Horn felt like he had just defended the title.  The boxing world finally had taken notice of an obscure teacher-turned-boxer from Australia.  His resume now sports a reviewed and verified 18-0 slate with an 8-division world champion as his latest victim.

“You are always going to have to prove something to the haters, there’s always going to be someone who says that’s wrong but the rematch is there for us to do,” Horn said.  “I’m happy to do it again.”Ray Horn, Jeff’s grandfather witnessed the fight and said, “They underestimated Jeff, not only could he dish it out but he could take punishment too.” Exactly.

As to Pacman?  His ego and pride was busted big time and the next logical thing to do is seek redemption.  By all means yes, if Manny is at least 5 years younger.   In any contact sport, when you’re nearing forty, you are considered ancient and way past your prime.  You tempt fate when you go up against younger and stronger opponents.  And this is more than a contact sport, it is a combat sport.  By the time they touch gloves, he will be a few weeks shy of 39-years-old.  Without scoring a knockout since 2009, our hero is in obvious decline.

There’s nothing else to prove and as Frank Sinatra goes, “the record shows, I took the blows, I did it my way.”  Pummelled, battered, bruised and bloodied.  Manny endured and risked it all and in so doing for more than two decades, become world famous, really wealthy and often generous to a fault.  With 8 division titles around his waist, he “traveled each and every highway and more, much more than this” he did it in his own amazing way. 

The rematch with Horn was all set the moment the bell signalled for the end of The Battle in Brisbane.  All set except the prize money, the date and the venue.  Hopefully, Pacman gets the win this time.  Thinking about revenge matches, Manny had a number of controversial losses which he promptly avenged and it worked in his favor.  That was then but this is now.  And Horn will be extra prepared if only to avoid dispute.

Judging from his latest statement, we could be seeing Pacman for at least a couple more years battling younger fighters.  “I love the sport and until the passion is gone, I will continue to fight for God, my family, my fans, my country.”

Sinatra continues the song with “I’ve had my fill, my share of losing.”It is this recent share of losing to Jeff Horn that he can’t take.Since the Mayweather bout, the fight is not for God or country anymore.  It’s all about money.  And why would Floyd Jr. come out of a comfortable retirement to fight MMA champion Connor McGregor if not for the smell of money.  Anything else is bullcrap.