It's Official! Pacman v. Margarito!

Based on different sources available, Bob Arum has already confirmed the clash between the Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito. The venue for this event is yet to be decided by the Top Rank Chief Executive. Nevertheless, I just wonder whether this is the best possible fight available for the no. 1 pound for pound fighter in the world. I am not saying that he will not win but the risk is too high with a very low reward.

Why did I say that the risk is too high? It is because from the looks of it, Margarito will enjoy about four and a half inches advantage in height. That is not all, there is also a tendency that Margarito may escape with another "anomalous" handwrapping strategy. On the contrary, Margarito's credibility and popularityhas been sliding down mainly due to the plaster found in his hands after the Mosley fight. Hence, defeating Margarito will add little to Pacquiao's already impressive credentials.

But as a boxing fan, a fight is a fight. Since Margarito has physical advantages in height and reach, this may test the resilience and perhaps the inner greatness in Pacman. With the fight at super welterweight, this is way beyond Pacman's weight (I believe that he is a natural lightweight at most). Manny has superior speed and activity rate. The question is can he bring his power to super welterweight?

My humble submission is that Manny may have some power at super welterweight but this will not be enough to drop Margarito. Except for Mosley, no one was able to really stop the Tijuana Tornado from launching his attacks. Manny, however, is still the favorite to win the fight but only by way of a unanimous decision at most. He may outbox Margarito by using his speed (assuming that he brings it at 154). He can use his handspeed and ability to punch by utilizing different angles. He may capitalize on his own advantages so that Margarito will be confused. In the end, I foresee Margarito swinging while hitting nothing.

The threat here is when the power (natural or with the aid of cheating devices) of Margarito comes into play and hurt Manny. Pacman has to avoid this to seal the victory.

My prediction as of now: Pacquiao by unanimous decision.