Al Bernstein's Blog May 11, 2009 Pacquiao Almost the Best Now that we have had a little time to digest what Manny Pacquiao did to Ricky Hatton, we can sort out what it means in terms of the bigger historical picture. After more than a little though I have determined that Manny is one win away from being called the best lower weight fighter in the history of the sport. The first part of this premise is his rivalries with three other hall of fame fighters with whom be battled at weights between 122 and 130. He and Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morals and Juan Manuel Marquez collectively created a series of fights that not only rivaled but exceeded what Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns and Roberto Duran did against each other. I know, that’s quite a statement, but it’s one that I feel stands the test of scrutiny. Morales and Barrera had perhaps the greatest trilogy in boxing history. Pacquiao had two thrilling matches with Marquez and a great one with Morales. And in other combinations these men also made compelling fights. Though Marquez has a legitimate point of debate, history will show, at least to this point, that Pacquiao faired the best of that quartet, by just a little over Marquez. The second part of my argument comes when Pacquiao stepped up in weight. He did some extraordinary things. For one thing he completely reinvented himself for the higher weights, knowing he might face bigger punchers. He added combination punching, hand sped and the use of his right hand much more—and better foot movement as well. All that allowed him to totally dominate lightweight champ David Diaz at 135, icon Oscar De La Hoya at 147, and finally the tough Ricky Hatton at 140. That would be enough to secure his place as the best lower weight fighter ever, if those fighters did not come with question marks. Diaz is good buy not great fighter, De La Hoya ended up being a shell of himself that night (though most everyone was picking him to win before he fight), and Hatton’s effectiveness has eroded some in recent fights. So, that’s where the final piece to the puzzle comes into play. For Pacquiao to exceed Henry Armstrong and other greats as the best of the lower weight classes, he must get one more marquee win against a bigger fighter. Among Floyd Mayweather Jr, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto or Joshua Clottey before he retires I believe he has secured his spot as the best smaller weight fighter we have ever seen. I have never seen a fighter improve so markedly in his late 20’s as Manny did. His dedication to the sport and great work by trainer Freddie Roach allowed him to do that. We are fortunate to be able to see first hand what this all time great has done in the ring. And, the best part is that he is not done yet. (This blog is written exclusively for USSportspages.com readers. To see more of Al’s coverage of boxing go to the Al Bernstein Boxing Channel at ibnsports.com. To contact Al call Adie Zuckerman at the Al Bernstein Live offices at 847-827-9212 or e-mail to adie@albernsteinlive.com). Archives: January 14, 2009 January 19, 2009 January 27, 2009 February 4, 2009 February 18, 2009 February 24, 2009 March 10, 2009 March 20, 2009 April 30, 2009 May 11, 2009