With Floyd Mayweather’s retirement finally in place, talks are spreading about the next top pound-for-pound fighter around.
One of the top contenders for this boxing honor is Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who is scheduled for a title showdown against WBC lightweight champion David “Dangerous” Diaz on June 28.
The powerful hitter has consistently been hailed by several boxing websites as the Number 2 best boxer in the world. These sites include BoxingDaily.co.uk, EastSideBoxing.com and theRing-Online.com of the Ring Magazine which is considered as the bible of boxing.
But with the official exit of Mayweather from the boxing scene, speculations are aplenty on who’s taking over his place.
Ric Reeno of BoxingScene.com see Pacquiao getting close to the top alongside with Joe Calzaghe, who recently won over living legend Bernanrd Hopkins.
“In terms of excitement, Pacquiao’s ‘kill or be killed’ style blows away Calzaghe in most fights,” said Reeno in his article titled: “Manny Pacquiao or Joe Calzaghe: Who is The P4P Best?”
He added that Pacquiao is way ahead in terms of “starpower”. “Pacquiao is not only the biggest boxing star of his country – he’s the biggest star period.”
Reeno, however, sees Calzaghe ahead of Pacquiao in terms of accomplishments.
He said Calzaghe remains unbeaten in his 15-year career at 45-0 as opposed to Pacquiao’s 46 wins, 3 losses and 2 draws.
“It takes a world of dedication to defend your title 21-times regardless of the opposition,” said Reeno.
Meanwhile, Edwin G. Espejo of PhilBoxing.com said Pacquiao may well be on his way to be the world’s top pound-for-pound boxer depending on the outcome of his date with Diaz.
“No other Filipino has ever crashed into the elite top ten pound for pound boxers – not in anyone’s list since it became a popular barometer of one’s boxing prowess,” he said.
Espejo, however, said that Pacquiao has to register a decisive win over Diaz to make it to the top of the “P4P” list.
“Diaz is a plodding slugger with defense so lacking he will be easy prey to Manny’s sharp and accurate punches. But Manny has the propensity to relax and toy against opponents he thinks not in his class,” said Espejo.
If Pacquiao fails, he not only loses the chance to be the world’s top ranking but may also lose the opportunity snatch “megabuck” fights, said Espejo.
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