Pacquiao's Evolution

Over the past 3 years, Pacquiao has shown signs of physically slowing down, just as most fighters with his style do at this age. However, at the same time, he has been learning to refine his boxing skills. He has shown better timing, better accuracy, and a larger variety of punches to go along with much better balance and footwork. Mind you, he is not a world class technician, but still much improved.

So I ask, do you think that despite his physical abilities deteriorating that Pacquiao's performance could actually improve due to his improved technique? Will being more varied in his attacks and better placement of his punches allow him to deliver his power with better effect despite it being less than it was at his physical peak and prime weight? There are a number of variables here....discuss.

 

I see exactly what you're saying. Another angle to look at is that it may inhibit his animal instinct which could hurt him somewhat. But at 135 and 140, it could be a blessing. However, I still think that a good pressure fighter is going to give him problems no matter what he changes at the higher weights.

 

I disagree that his fight with Diaz was an indication of what he can do at LW. I need further proof. I said before the Diaz fight was made that Diaz was tailor made for Pacquiao. He is slow and plodding with a high punch output and comes forward with no head movement. Indeed I picked Pacquiao by KO in the 4th round and indicated that I felt that Diaz would be caught with a left hook/uppercut hybrid coming in with his head down. I missed on the uppercut, but not the hand, the hook, or the circumstances. Everything should be done on a case by case basis, and this was how I felt about that fight before and after.

Now if he had done that to Julio Diaz or a fighter of a different mold, I would be in agreement with you.

 

Perhaps. But on the other hand, his better footwork, defense, and balance allowed him to score on JMM in the 2nd fight where in the first fight, he was getting countered more.

He now has the ability to be versatile, and this could be helpful. Agreed?

 

Speed has little to do with output. Margarito throws alot of punches, more than 1000 a fight sometimes. But his speed is certainly not top level or even the level below that. Williams is the same way, though faster than Margarito.

Pacquiao's speed relative to his prior weight classes is slower. Even he admitted that he was slightly slower, but stronger. None of this matters of course. What matters is how those attributes translate in the ring relative to the competition. He may be slower at 135 than 130, but still faster than most LW's. (Much as Jones Jr was faster at 168 than at 175, but much faster than other 175lb fighters so it didn't matter much). He may be stronger at 135 than 130, but the fighters at 135 can take a punch better than 130lb fighters can.

 

I agree.....and unless Valero hits much harder than I think he does (despite his perfect KO record) I think Pacquiao stops him in 5 or less. Good tuneup though.