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WHAT'S NEXT FOR MANNY PACQUIAO? By Kenny Perrault |
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It has been three months since the thrilling Erik Morales-Manny Pacquiao fight. The options for both men are unlimited as far as fights go. Manny Pacquiao has three possible rematches looming between Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Erik Morales. The question is which fight will he take? Perhaps he'll pass and move on to a new foe. There is another question surrounding Pacquiao, will he drop in weight to fight in the featherweight division again? Regardless of which division he chooses to fight at, it's all about who he fights not at which weight. The obvious choice at featherweight is Juan Manuel Marquez. Pacquiao and Marquez met in May of 2004. The fight looked as if it was over before it ever started with Pacquiao sending Marquez to the canvas three times in the first round. After the third knockdown Marquez never touched the canvas again, he battled back with a vengeance. The fight went the distance and while many, myself included, thought Pacquiao did enough to deserve the victory, the judges scored it a draw. A rematch between Pacquiao and Marquez could finally settle the debate as to who is the better man in the ring. Another possible match up is Marco Antonio Barrera however Barrera is already scheduled to fight Robbie Peden so that fight doesn't look like it's close to happening. One of the most obvious match ups would be a second meeting with Erik Morales. The Pacquiao-Morales fight is a candidate for Fight of the Year, and it left most of us wanting more. Out of the three fights listed, I would most want to see a rematch of Pacquiao and Marquez. It will be interesting to see how each fighter changes his game plan or would either change it at all. A new opponent for Pacquiao would not be such a bad thing either. The talent in the 126 and 130 pound divisions is so rich a fight against anyone in the top ten almost guarantees fireworks. Pacquiao remains to be one of boxing's most exciting fighters, I’ll be sure to tune in the next time he fights, and it does not matter against whom. 6-6-2005
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