The King Is Dead

Closing Comments Cement Larry Merchant: All I wished for was an event where people could come and see two great fighters, it turned out they came to see just one great fighter. A former great fighter was there and um, the King is dead, at least the King of box office in boxing and um, the new King is here. I don't know if Americans will respond to Manny Pacquiao as the way they have to Oscar De la Hoya - he had a great career, an unusual career and we have to move onto whatever is next. Manny Pacquiao is a fire who can't be put out. Larry Merchant: Well, I'm not really good at this rankings' game historically, but i think for the present age what he's done in the period he's done it in and more importantly, in the way he's done it, he didn't box his ways around bigger guys, he performed the manly art of self defense and offense. Henry Amrstrong is a revered figure in the history of boxing and to be put in the same paragraph with him is pretty high compliment to Manny Pacquiao. Jim Lampley: Well indeed and Pacquiao at this moment deserves every compliment you can voiced upon him. Not only did he rise to the top of the pound for pound rankings on the basis of competitve success, but he was also through most of that run, over the course of the past 7 years, the most exciting fighter round for round in the world. Tonight you saw some of the reasons why. What's left in the future of Manny Pacquiao, probably at least 3 or 4 more giant fights and more chances to extend his already imposing mark on boxing history. ___________________________________________________ A Penny For My Thoughts I didn't like this fight when it was first announced. I was worried for Manny Pacquiao. When the fight finally came and the boxers were entering the ring, my heart was beating out my chest. If I felt a great deal of anxiety, I can only imagine how Manny felt, as he remained cool, calm and collected. When the bell finally rang for the opening round, I finally got to see how each man stacked up in the ring. I was shocked to see just how much smaller Manny was to Oscar. Despite the obvious attribute advantages, Manny pervailed, and in style. He fought the perfect fight. It was a clinic, a sparring session. Towards the end of the fight, I was yelling at Oscar through the television to throw punches and get into the fight. I didn't want to see him dominated. I didn't want to see Manny dominated either. I just wanted to see a good competitive bout. Though it was less than competitive than I had hoped, it sure was entertaining as hell. Manny Pacquiao boxed so beautifully. It was art coming to life on screen. Manny Pacquiao lives up to the label of the "Sweet Science of Boxing." What's impressive is that he's getting better with each fight. No longer is he a loose cannon, he now fights with superb ring intelligence. Can't wait to see what comes next. The world is watching. Congratulations to Manny Pacquiao, The Philippines, and All Boxing Fans. Absolutely incredible and memorable. Oscar quitting on the stool. Manny praying in the corner, springing up in victorious jubilation. I was overwhelm with emotion before the fight, during, and especially after. Shed a tear for the drama that went down in the ring. ****ing Marvelous. :boxing: EDIT: Just wanted to add that it's about time Oscar retires. He is overpaid, and part time fighter. His time is done. He has nothing else to prove. He get's to go back to being Business Man and Family Guy. I'm kinda pissed because as much as this guy makes (he's far from rich now, he's wealthy - there's a difference) the card Oscar put together to support the main event in this fight, and others, have been lackluster, mismatched affairs. Stinkers. Stop milking the loyal boxing fans. The community can only take so much. Give us our money's worth, that's all I ask for and I'm sure I speak for most of us here.