Pac's Strength at 140: A Combination of Things.

I think his power is from a combination of things. Pacquiao is ridiculously fast, but at 140 I think he has a tremendous amount of power. He didn't KO De La Hoya even with all the punches he threw in 8 rounds- but that was 1 weight class higher, and DLH also has a great chin. However there is another factor that must be taken into account. The Hook. Pacquiao worked on the hooks constantly in the gym leading up to this fight- both Roach and Pac stated this; and why wouldn't they? It was the beautiful check hook that Mayweather Jr threw to KO Hatton in their fight. They knew Hatton rushes in with his hands low and is very exposed to getting tapped by hooks. The hook is a better punch that the straight right (or left in Pac's case) hand. 1st, since it comes from an angle, it's a bit harder to see, second, if you land it right on the chin, or on the ear/temple its usually lights out. It takes a bit longer to reach its target than the straight, but it is definitely more effective. Look at the knockout ratios of fighters with good left hooks as opposed to those without a good hook (with a few exceptions. ie. Thomas Hearns). You can put a little more weight into a hook because it's generally a shorter punch and your energy isn't wasted traveling over a longer distance (of course, that isn't always the case).The first knockdown was by a right hook that Hatton walked right into, and the 3rd (the knockout) was by a tremendous left hook. The 2nd knockdown was after a straight, but Hatton was already buzzed from the first KD, so that doesn't count as much. Pacquaio is becoming a better fighter with each fight. Freddie Roach sees the weaknesses and exposes them for Pac. Now that Pacquiao has that weapon in his arsenal he will be even harder to beat. Hatton doesn't have the BEST chin in the game, but he's doesn't have a glass-jaw. Look at both his fights with Mayweather and Pac and even with Lazcano- Everytime Hatton was hurt it was due to a hook. Pacquiao is a force to be reckoned with and at this point, I don't think anyone can beat him at 140.

Comments (4)

Pac has natural power. Add speed and improved accuracy and his pop is sick.

17y ago

nystate0fm1nd

I think it's the combination of two things: His speed His off-rhythm style That combination means no one sees his punches coming, and it'll be tough for even Mayweather to time him and predict his next move Very true. The fact that he punches from different angles, and his southpaw style are devastating.

17y ago

nystate0fm1nd

yea, fighting a fighter with no defense, washed up, will enchange someons offense. wait till he faces a boxer with actualy defense aka mayweather he will be embarassed. His offense changed because he worked on it CONSTANTLY in the gym because Roach knew Hatton was a sucker for a hook. He won't be embarrassed. It will be a competitive fight. Many people will think Floyd is fighting a very boring fight- but that's just his sick defensive style. I expect Pac to win a UD at least because he will be working constantly and looking to slash and get out, stick and move. Floyd will just be waiting to counter Pac, and if the fight is at 140 it's definitely a wrap. That's only to say IF Mayweather Jr. makes it past Marquez (which I think he will) but in boxing, anything can happen. I really appreciate Floyd's style, I think its sick how nasty he is at countering and rolling with punches, but he will not come close to out working Pac who is extremely fast, accurate, and powerful. He's got a sneaky left hand that is just devastating. I'll be surprised if Mayweather actually takes this fight though. I can see him fighting Marquez and then retiring again, or looking for SSM instead of Pac. I feel like anyone from 140-147 can be viewed as a safer fight for Mayweather instead of Pacquiao. Just my thoughts.

17y ago