First off, before we get all cynical, it’s great to hear Manny Pacquiao’s shoulder recovery was a success. The guy is a hell of a fighter, a remarkable patriot and hero of his native Philippines, and it’s wonderful news.
“I can lift my shoulder like this. No problem any longer,” Pacquiao stated while rotating the shoulder to reporters in Japan where he was supporting Philippine basketball organization, FIBA.
But then…
“I’d like to concentrate my efforts on working as a politician this year, and want to fight Mayweather in a rematch. I’ll be ready for that mentally and physically next year. I’ll show a better performance against him than in the first encounter.”
How can we put this? Or even bring ourselves to utter the dreaded words ‘Mayweather vs Pacquiao II’? Pacquiao’s been fantastic for boxing over the years, but please, please, a sequel is something boxing doesn’t need. Ever.
The five-six year buildup to their first dull encounter was exhausting enough. You have to ask yourself if Pacquiao is really still the man to beat the Pound for Pound No. 1? Whatever your opinion of Mayweather, he is not the kind of fighter who can be beaten by a politician moonlighting as a fighter. Make no mistake that Mayweather is the best Welterweight in the world right now, after all.
But let’s just…regroup for a second. Mayweather is retiring, right? So, fight fans should be completely shielded from an unnecessary rematch. Mmm…we’re not taking any chances, though. Fingers, toes, arms, legs, eyes crossed!
Anyone out there in existence who could stomach Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao II?
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