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Brad Cooney
Mississippi Fight Sports Examiner
March 25, 6:46 AM
When someone that's been in the sport for as long as Hall of Fame trainer/broadcaster, Emanuel Steward has, you take what he says seriously. Steward in a recent conversation with this writer spoke in depth on Manny Pacquiao, and what may lay ahead for his future. Emanuel has been in the sport for a long time, and has trained multiple world champions. In my conversation with him, he explains why Manny is an all time great fighter.
Listen to what Emanuel Steward had to say here - http://http://www.8countnews.com/news/129
Pacquiao's accomplishments in the ring and who he has defeated in the ring should leave no doubt as to where he ranks all time. Sure there will be a few people who are probably just miserable anyway, that will dig through a ton of good to find a speck of bad on Manny and then write about it, but anyone with two cents worth of intelligence understands and appreciates Pacquiao for what he is.
When Emanuel Steward was asked if Manny is a top 10 all time great, he simply replied, "Yes, with all that Manny has accomplished and the fact that he has fought the best multiple times, he has to be considered an all time great." Honestly? I don't even understand why the question needs to be asked anymore. When will it just be a known thing? What else does Pacquiao have to do, knockout Wladimir Klitschko?
Recently there were some reports that Manny was considering retiring because his mother is not happy with him fighting anymore. I spoke with Freddie Roach a few days ago, and he quickly refuted the reports, " Manny isn't going anywhere, he enjoys the lime light too much. He wants the big fight with Mayweather Jr."
Pacquiao already has cemented his name in the hall of fame, and he will go down as one of the greatest fighters of all time, but a win over Mayweather before he retires would sure be the icing on the cake. Defeating Mayweather is no guarantee though. This will not be an easy task for Manny. Like it or not, Mayweather is a great fighter and Manny has never faced anyone like him.
Mississippians across the state are hoping for a Mayweather vs. Pacquiao showdown. Stan Nichols, Chief of Officials (Mississippi) and President of USA Boxing's Southern Association spoke about this fight, " This is the fight most everybody wants to see. Classic defense and power vs. Speed, power, and aggression." Nichols is no stranger to boxing, he sparred Roberto Duran in Panama, and has been in boxing for 3 decades.
While traveling to boxing shows in Mississippi, the usual talk is about a potential Mayweather vs. Pacquiao showdown. The last fight that I attended, US Olympian Gary Russell headlined in front of a packed house at Fitzgerald's Casino, in Tunica Mississippi. Every person that I spoke too all hoped that we would eventually see Pacquiao vs. Mayweather. This fight must, and should happen.
Even if Manny Pacquiao were to lose to Mayweather, his place amongst the all time great list would not change. His legacy has already been stamped for eternity.
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