Manny unmasks Tim Bradley

The anticipated victory of Manny Pacquiao in regaining the WBO welterweight title from Timothy Bradley yesterday now adds another option to the next steps on his multi-titled career. Pacquiao unmasked Bradley as a one-trick pony who ran more than he hit in their title fight yesterday. Though Pacquiao still hasn’t been his full, fearsome pre-2012 self, his technical skill and heart were more than a match for the diminutive American.

It was curious why Bradley, the defending champion, felt he had to go out of his way to taunt and insult Pacquiao, whom he defeated two years ago. He even trash-talked the Filipino at the pre-fight press conference, and was acting out during the bout itself. Bradley started out aggressively and with great hand speed, but eventually, his antics got the better of him. Bradley allowed Pacquiao to hit him along the ropes throughout the middle rounds, thinking the punches would not take their toll. He was dreadfully wrong. 

What really worked for Pacquiao was his combination of hand speed and foot speed. He manipulated the distance between the two of them, causing Bradley to miscalculate his punches and expend a lot of energy trying to launch an assault. The former champion kept turning Bradley one way or another, befuddling the WBO titleholder no end. Eventually, Bradley started to slow down, throw less punches, and just try to avoid not getting hit. Pacquiao was just too smart, too fast, too strong.

This now sets up an interesting scenario. Remember that Top Rank’s Bob Arum promised that the Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez series would beat the record number of fights between Jake LaMotta and Sugar Ray Robinson. Now Pacquiao has world title he can offer to Marquez, as chance for him to become the lone Mexican to win five world titles. Marquez, who felt vindicated after knocking Pacquiao out in their last encounter, will need extra motivation to do it a fifth time. A belt just might do it, and become the impetus for a blockbuster fight as the returning WBO king has a new title to lay on the line. And whatever happens in that fight, another rematch would not be far-fetched, since Floyd Mayweather chooses to be a wallflower instead of dancing with the Pacman.

Though there are other candidates for Pacquiao’s future dance card, there aren’t many that will offer the same lustre as Marquez or Mayweather. Some of the names being bandied about are also-rans who have lost to Bradley or Marquez, thus lowering their value. Pacquiao is, in a way, a victim of his own success. The generation that replaced all the other champions he has beaten has not risen to the same level of proficiency and marketability as he has. And he doesn’t have time to wait for them to be ripe for a world title shot.

Whatever happens, one thing is for certain: Pacquiao will keep fighting until at least 2016, when a new Senate race opens up a higher public office for him. Until then, there are only two names that fans will really find interesting. One of them is Marquez, who may be tired of fighting him, and the other – Mayweather – is obvious too scared to.

* * * *

The organizers of the Subic International Triathlon are set to hold a new event, the Bataan International Triathlon (Bi3), set on Nov. 29-30 in Bagac, Bataan.

“More than just an athletic event, we want the Bi3 to showcase nature and cultural heritage,” says restaurateur Raymund Magdaluyo of Seafood Island, sponsor and member of the Bi3 organizing team. “We hope to make this activity grow so that the brand becomes recognized internationally as something that is distinctly Filipino.”

Magdaluyo, a partner of the Challenge Series triathlons, the fastest-growing series in the world, explains that, set against the backdrop of Bagac beach with its light gray sands, the gently rolling hills of Bagac and Balanga, and the restored heritage houses and buildings of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, the race course will stand out as a distinctively picturesque sight that will be attractive to more people. One of his major targets would be his countrymen, who are unaware of such historic beauty in their own country.

“Our goal is to encourage more people to get into fitness. But whether one is a beginner or a seasoned triathlete, one will not fail to appreciate the historical significance of Bataan province in Philippine history,” Magdaluyo adds. “Of all the triathlons and other events we’ve been doing, this one is one we can be exceptionally proud of as Filipinos.”

Cultural shows and tours for athletes and their guests are integrated in the Bi3 calendar. All top three male and female category and team winners will receive trophies, medals and gift packs. The top three overall competition winners will receive trophies. Cash prizes range from P4,000 to P10,000.