"The Demise of Pacquiao" Just or Unjust?

Pacquiao's style -- high-action, intensely-paced gun-fights -- doesn't allow a person to enjoy a long career. It's actually a miracle that he's been able to go on this far! I remember after the second JMM fight, people were understandably of the opinion that he was on the decline. Because up until that point he still had a long career with tough wars against elite opposition. But then he goes on to jump weights and have wars with bigger guys like Cotto and Margarito? I suppose it was only a matter of time his chin would be cracked if he carried on at that pace. I personally believe Marg beat the prime out of him. That was a physically exhausting fight against a guy outweighing him by almost 20 pounds.

Then in the following 18 months you saw his legs -- which are a massive part of his game -- slow down. His hunger for the sport was dwindling, too. I think he managed to stoke that last bit of fire for the fourth JMM encounter -- hence why he was doing well -- but unfortunately he didn't anticipate his punch resistance leaving him. And despite him having a lot of success, he still looked a lot more flat-footed. His inner desire, on that night, exceeded his physical capabilities, I think.

 

Stories of Pacquiao's demise have been greatly exaggerated :deal