Usually the Pac fans will just barge in here and say "so-and-so fighter sucks, Pacquiao destroys him". But here's my analysis of Kostya's strengths:
1) Very powerful straight right hand that is effective against southpaws.
2) Accurate punches.
3) Very good at cutting off fighters inside the ring, which is a vital asset against the perpetual motion machine that is Pacquiao.
4) Ability to adapt to super-fast fighters (Judah, Mitchell) through good timing.
5) Strong chin, at least better than Hatton and Cotto's but below De la Hoya's.
Despite all that, I still think that Pacquiao's overwhelming work rate would smother Tszyu towards a late round stoppage or UD. He'd certainly fair much better than Oscar, Ricky, or Miguel did against Manny. Oscar was too slow, Hatton was never really that good, and Miguel had a suspect chin and a less-than-optimal right hand.
Their styles would present an interesting situation. Kostya chose his shots wisely and was conservative in his work rate. But he was supremely accurate with his punches. Contrast this to Pacquiao's relentless onslaught during every round.
There was one point where Kostya was my favourite fighter (even above Pacquiao) but the recent Cotto and Hatton fights just made Manny #1 on my personal list.
Why do people always act like Tszyu landed a lucky punch? Yeah Zab dominated the first round but Tszyu adjusted. He was winning the 2nd round and measured Zab perfectly with the right hand.
I don't think anyone is saying it was lucky, at least not intelligent fans I hold discussions with, but rather is had more to due with Zab fighting dumb. Your absolutely right, Kostzya threw a very accurate right hand, but look at what Zab was doing. He was fighting cocky and with his hands down, which is a no no against a puncher like Tszyu. Zoo took what was given, and the rest is history.
I think Tszyu should be thanked by Pacquiao for softening Hatton's chin.
I notice Hatton's chin hasn't been all that great after he beat Tzsyu.
The power of Tszyus right hand stayed with Ricky through his whole career lol
I think Tszyu should be thanked by Pacquiao for softening Hatton's chin.
I notice Hatton's chin hasn't been all that great after he beat Tzsyu.
I agree, tszyu ruined hatton, not floyd
You know what man, my friend was at that fight. But, you also have to keep in mind, Tszyu was already past his prime against Zab. But yeah, Zab was outboxing the sh*t out of Tszyu prior to the big bomb Kostya unloaded on him.
Why do people always act like Tszyu landed a lucky punch? Yeah Zab dominated the first round but Tszyu adjusted. He was winning the 2nd round and measured Zab perfectly with the right hand.
interesting fight.
it really depends on whether pac can take tszyu's right hand. hatton walked through several of tszyu's right hands. if pac can handle tszyu's power, then pac wins.
I think Tszyu should be thanked by Pacquiao for softening Hatton's chin.
I notice Hatton's chin hasn't been all that great after he beat Tzsyu.
who wins this?
Pacman vs. Thunder from down under!
Can Tszyu's accurate, powerful right cross be a bother to pacquiao?
interesting fight.
it really depends on whether pac can take tszyu's right hand. hatton walked through several of tszyu's right hands. if pac can handle tszyu's power, then pac wins.
BTW....I can't see Pac getting caught like zab did. Zab got cocky because of his early success and had his hands down. No way in hell does Pac drop his hands, and leave himself open (no matter how hurt he would have Kostzya in the fight).
Man...I usually go by what I see in the ring. Round 1 of Judah vs Tszyu tells me everthing I need to know about a Pac vs Kotsya fight at 140. Zab speed was giving Zoo all types of problems and if Zab was smart he could have put him away. He got careless and got caught. Pac would hurt Zoo early and has the instincts and ring smarts to finish him off. I say Pac by 5th round TKO.
dude this board is pro pac and pac fans are the worst fans in boxing.
they believe pac can KO evey ATG
sadly, i agree with you. boxing forums are probably flooded with fighter-fans who don't know much about other fighters today or in the past. although i am a big pac fan, i am aware of the past ATGs, and i believe pac would be able to compete with any ATG up to 147lbs.