source: BY JENNIE L. ILUSTREWASHINGTON — American sports has described eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao as "pound for pound" the best boxer around. Last Sunday, the New York Times wrote about his "boxing genius" and called him "perhaps the best boxer of his generation."
In a front page article entitled "Pacquiao’s Style Takes Inspiration From Bruce Lee," Times writer Greg Bishop began his ode to Pacquaio as follows:
"The boxing genius of Manny Pacquiao includes feet that belong in ‘Riverdance,’ calves the size of grapefruits and deceptive power generated from his core. His movement is unorthodox, scattered and perpetual, as if designed by a jazz musician. He creates angles unlike any other fighter, past or present, appearing, disappearing, shifting, striking; on balance, off balance, even off one foot."
Bishop described Pacquiao’s style as "part performance art, part technical wizardry." Asked what style he would use in Saturday’s fight against Shane Mosley, Pacquaio was quoted as replying with three words: "Like Bruce Lee."
Indeed, in his appearance on ABC-TV’s "Jimmy Kimmel Live" last Thursday, Pacquaio, who is also a movie and recording star, told the talk show host his boxing is part entertainment. He said he wants the public "to enjoy a good show."
But entertainment is the least part of his boxing skills. His trainer Freddie Roach told the Times it’s Pacquiao’s speed, which he said "is the greatest asset in the world."
Roach was quoted as saying Pacquaio’s footwork "is so exact, so perfect, it’s what creates the angles and wins all his fights." His footwork, Times wrote, "disrupts the rhythm of his opponents."
Roach also noted in the article that the boxer retained his speed and power despite gaining weight. His bout this weekend (May 8 in Manila) is in the welterweight division.
Conditioning coach Alex Ariza told Bishop this was due to isometric and plyometric exercises for balance and explosiveness, respectively, and also to diet.
The Times article also traced Pacquiao’s evolution as a boxer. It quoted Ariza as explaining the boxer’s outside interests and political forays, far from distracting him, have actually resulted in the boxer’s "heightened brain activity" and focus.
Showbiz and political worlds–Pacquiao is also a congressman–have sharpened his fighter’s instincts and survival skills. His TV appearance last Thursday to promote his coming fight showed film clips of him recording the song "Sometimes When We Touch."
The article noted that to beat Pacquiao, his opponent should have superb defense, movement to match, an offense strategy that would force him backward–and quite simply, luck.
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