How different do you think the fights Pacquiao had against Shane Mosley and Oscar De La Hoya would've been if it was against prime versions of Mosley and De La Hoya at 147?
I think both have virtually no chance of winning on points -- but their puncher's chance increases dramatically to the point of being a favorite. I think these are hard matches to figure -- I was in the camp that thought DLH was picking on a small fighter when he signed vs Pacquiao. A big, iron-chinned, talented ATG in the twilight of his career vs a smaller, limited puncher who relied on his physicality. On top of that Oscar was an inverted lefty -- he was going to rock Pacquiao's world with his jab and hook. I though Oscar could win it using only his vaunted left. Now, vs a prime Oscar, this scenario could take place. But I doubt it. I think it would be a war, which Oscar would only just win. He'd possibly be damaged goods after it.
Put Oscar and Mosley in their prime and you've got two great, tough fights for Manny. Though not a devastating shot I really do rate Pacman's straight left, it's a shocking, venomous punch that nobody likes the taste of; those he doesn't knockout have to batten down the hatches. Mosley of course was more feisty as a younger man but he was rendered gun-shy in their fight. Even in his prime, I wonder how he would cope when they exchange. When your forte is speed but you're beaten in that department it can be a little daunting. Speed is how he beat Oscar - he can't bank on that against Manny, and then comes the problem of trying to bully a fleet-footed mite. De La Hoya would make a much better fight of it than he did, but that gap between his guard was always there and Manny's swift footwork/straight left was designed to give him trouble. It was usually Oscar who had the quality left jab and boxing brain. Again, an advantage is levelled. I think either a defensive sharp-shooter like Floyd or a concussive trap-artist like Marquez are reliable antidotes to Manny's buzzsaw ways. Both Oscar and Mosley had a lot of strength and power on their side (particularly Oscar's hook), but I'm not sure that's enough to beat a man who can fall back on his nipping brand of boxing. He has to eat some shots, but he does, and Manny's hand is raised in fast-paced thrillers.
Agree. Oscar has a huge mouse at the end, but this is a faster more confident Oscar whose jab and left hook were top notch. Shane fight is more interesting. Shane doesn't really have skills as polished as Oscar, Shane is a brawler with incredible speed, and a chin and guile, a "power boxer" as Ive read here before. He went into a shell after feeling Manny's power, Shane was already done though. Shane always has that right hand. I like Mosley though, even though Pac is wild and tricky with the angles Mosley can time him, just like he timed someone else:hat Oscar KO 11. Mosley KO 12.
does pac have fastest hand and foot speed? I think Id give hand speed to Mosley and foot speed to Pac.
