Rusty Rubin is a veteran boxing writer
We finally have a fight at the Superdome in Dallas, and it’s not the Cowboys or their cheerleaders who are involved.
The Dallas Cowboys are an embarrassment as a team. Except for their cheerleaders and a lap dance or two, they offer nothing of interest for the fans.
With that in mind, there is the possibility of a good fight taking place in this venue on November 13.
Manny Pacquiao is a solid fighter, and if Mayweather would be willing to put his undefeated tag on the line, you’d have a great fight with a great crowd. Using the Cowboys cheerleaders as ring girls seems like an extra incentive for a fight that probably doesn’t need the push.
So, let’s get to the fight in question, Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao against Tony “I plead innocent” Margarito.
Seriously, this could be a very interesting fight. The question that has to be asked is if Margarito has a solid punch with the loss of the “heavy” material in the gloves, why didn’t he show that power against Shane Mosley last year.
Another question that must be answered is if Pac Man, who trainer Freddy Roach said “had the worst training camp he had ever had.” Manny, not training hard, raises many other questions; mainly, is he taking Margarito too lightly.
First, let’s take a look at the match-up itself: At 32, Margarito is a year older than the southpaw Pacquiao.
Margarito is a tall drink of water, who stands 5’11 and has a 73” reach. That’s taller than the 5’ 6 ½” Pacquiao, and also shows a huge six inch reach advantage. Normally, this reach edge would be a huge edge for any fighter, but Margarito is not any fighter. His defense is very porous and if Pac Man gets inside as he should, it could be an easy day at the office for him.
This is only the second time back for Margarito, 38-6 (27), after a year suspension for fighting with “extra padding” in his mitts.
Unless somehow Margarito learns defense and how to use his reach to an advantage, it could be an easy day at the office for Pacquiao, 51-3 (38).
How much his political involvement will hurt Pacquiao, along with that, we have to question the gaps in his training for this bout?
Knowing Freddy Roach, he’ll find a way for Pac Man to get inside to bother Margarito and eventually wear him down.
This fight is for the WBC light middleweight title and can be seen on HBO Pay-Per- View.
Time to bring on the Cowboy cheerleaders!
Pacquiao by a late TKO!
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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and for great holiday gifts, let me suggest a couple of books for the loved one in your life to read.
It’s time to get your Christmas shopping done, and we can help!
Rusty Rubin, who was formerly the award winning managing editor of Ringsports.com as well as the currently defunct Ringsports Magazine, is the author of three acclaimed boxing books! “Woozel, Boxing and Me”, “Off the Canvas” and “Billy Soose, the Champion Time Forgot” co-authored by Tom Donelson. These books are available at Authorhouse.com, and all major book retailers. They are all more than worth the purchase price.
Please allow me to recommend, two other great books, the “Arc of Boxing” by Mike Silver and “My Life among the Icons” by Johnny Ortiz.
In these hard economic times, any or all of these books will make an excellent and inexpensive presents to the boxing fan(s) in your life. They are especially appreciated gifts if the recipient is tired of watching re-runs of sit-coms and the far-less than significant reality shows.
You and the gift recipient will be glad you did!***