Good Matchup or Great Mismatch?
Hollywood was the epicenter of boxing this week as the lightning-fast Manny Pacquiao and the thunderous Antonio Margarito held back-to-back media workouts on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. Much ado has been made about their upcoming collision on November 13 at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. And much is at stake for the two megastars who are fighting for their own personal reasons–to make history, to regain redemption, to earn the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Light Middleweight Championship as they battle for world domination.
Okay, maybe they don’t really want to conquer the whole world, but there’s no doubt the two sluggers not only want to win, but both expect to win. I attended the dual media days where Pacquiao held court at Wild Card and Margarito was king at Fortune Gym.
In these six photos by boxing photographer Dominic Serna: What do YOU see? Do you think it will be a competitive fight or a one-sided mismatch?
As journalists, critics, pundits and fans alike try to dissect the tiniest of clues about who’s gonna win, can you find any new insight through the digital images? You know what they say: A picture is worth a thousand words. They also say, “Every picture tells a story.”
While this pair of fierce combatants will not be making thousands of dollars (yeah, more like millions of ducats) for this matchup, it is not just a “money” fight. Unless you’ve been hibernating, you know that Tony is rebuilding his career one fight at a time after the hand wrap scandal where his California boxing license was revoked for one year and subsequently not reinstated after an August hearing.
So with just two weeks to go, the interest, intensity and intrigue continues to build, especially now that HBO’s “24/7” has hit the airwaves. Some have vocalized that they will refuse to watch, stating that Margarito does not deserve another shot at a title, which will be fought at a contracted catchweight. But others can’t wait to plunk down their $54.95 for the fight. Boxing is built on controversy; it feeds on it. While people do tend to forgive, do they also forget? When the two athletes finally meet center ring in that massive venue, it’s soley their performances that they will want us to remember.
For both men, there’s a lot riding on next month’s clash, to say the least. They hail from two very different countries, have a height discrepancy of several inches and couldn’t be more opposite both in and out of the ring. For the odds-on favorite, the Congressman Pacquiao, his speed and angles are legendary. For the “Tijuana Tornado,” his aggressive come-forward style has chopped down many a worthy foe.
While Margarito has been assigned the “underdog” role, there’s always the chance for an upset especially if you’re as fearsome as Antonio is. There’s been tons of reports that Pacman has been “distracted” during this particular training camp. His detractors also say that Tony is too big for Manny; that his punches will overwhelm and eventually wear down the little guy. On the other side of the coin, Pacquiao’s fans say Marg doesn’t stand a chance; speed kills. Plus Manny has extra incentive to secure his slot in pound-for-pound supremacy. Both he and coach Freddie Roach have been sporting “Manny Knows” T-shirts. But maybe Margarito’s camp knows a little something of their own too?
What do you think?
That’s the great thing about boxing. On November 13 when the opening bell sounds, no more hype…no more scrutiny…no more predictions…no more blog talk…no room for haters. It will just be two guys wearing mouth pieces, satin trunks and leather boxing gloves. Three minutes to do business. All questions will be answered in their scheduled 12 rounds.
And both camps say they are more than ready. Will there be a speedy knockout?
Will an upset send shock waves around the boxing world?
Take a good look at these photos. Do you see an unshakable confidence or any lingering doubt?
So many questions with just a few hardcore “facts.” Scanning the the official “Tale of the Tape,” there are certain facts you cannot argue about in comparing various “Manny vs. Tony” stats, aside from the obvious southpaw vs. orthodox stance. Both also have tough-as-nails former fighters in their corner; Pacquiao with Hall of Famer Freddie Roach and Margarito with the pride of Oxnard’s Robert Garcia. Both boxers are relentless; expect a barrage of punches raining down in Texas.
What else, you may ask. Let’s see, just for fun here are my own musings after checking out their stats:
Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao, age 31 vs. Antonio Margarito Montiel, age 32
Seven-division World Champ vs. Three-time World Champ
A (51-3-2, 38 KOs) record vs. a (38-6, 27 KOs) record
General Santos City, Philippines vs. Tijuana, Mexico
The Filipino “Typhoon” vs. The Mexican “Tornado”
“The Freight Train” vs. “The Express Train”
5′ 6 1/2″ Height vs. 5′ 11″ Height
13″ Calves vs. 14 1/2″ Calves
Any other surprising differences between the two?
While they measure up to somehow having the exact same 16-inch neck size, Manny’s forearm of 12 inches is actually listed as half an inch larger than Tony’s. Tony’s fist of 11 inches beats Pacman’s 10 inches; but Manny’s 20″ thighs are actually a whopping two inches larger than Margarito’s. And those much-discussed calves of the Filipino phenom? The Mexican brawler’s calf muscles are a whole one and a half inches larger than his shorter opponent as you can see in the breakdown above.
Again, do these paper stats hold any clues of what to expect inside the ropes?
As the tension and excitement builds to a crescendo come November 13, expect firepower as all eyes will be on these two gladiators facing off in the big showdown, which is promoted by Top Rank in association with Cowboys Stadium, MP Promotions and Tecate, and available on HBO Pay-Per-View.
For Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito, they are each holding all the clues close to their vest.
But seeing is believing.
In just a few days, we will see who really had all the answers–and who walks away with the new World Super Welterweight title.
For info: www.ticketmaster.com
Photos by Dominic Serna/StandnFight.com
If we are too believe the 24/7 episodes, Margarito is having the better training camp. Robert Garcia is a profesional and has yet to talk sh*t about Pacquiao. Win, lose, or draw, this will better than the Clottey fight.
Oh i almost forgot….
You areca gods angel Michelle u beautiful thing!
I still see margarito stronger than when he fought cotto i hope he can pull it off!
24 7 had the same effect with hatton and odlh it makes the underdog look tougher than he is yeah they show pacquiao to have too many distractions but if u look at the instances where they show him boxing he still has the speed and strength, it think its all an illusion they are trying to give the garcia camp!
Im starting to have mixed feelings about this fight. Maybe its been all the drama leeding up to it, But Im starting to feel like (lets get it overwith already).
After watching 24/7, margarito looks strong and focused. Pacquiao on the other hand doesnt look very focused. looks like theres to many distractions for manny. Pacman is at a disadvantage right off the bat he shouldnt be taking any chances. Or he could be in for a long and painful night.
I Just Hope They Give Us a Fight Of The Century And If Someone Has to Get Knocked Out Let It Be in The 12th and Final Round So We Can See 12 Rounds Of Action Packed Hard Hitting, Explosive Chaos (LOL) Good Story Michele…
2 more weeks to go and lots of questions will be answered!
Hope it last longer then Pacquiao Vs Hatton!
I am really surprised of Roach’s comments lately
he is showing a lot weakness in his character .
I thought of him as a confident and professional
trainer yet his comments are belying his reputation as the world best trainer .
Roach will swallow his own world and will overwhelmed with disgrace on Nov 13.
what a shame Roach cockroach .
Comments are closed.