I don't think the old Manny Pacquiao will ever be back. The Pacquiao of 2004-2009 is past and gone. There really comes a point in the career of even the greatest fighters that they have to reckon with age and maturity. Growing old really has mellowing effect and in most cases, with age comes wisdom. Joe Louis tried to extend and relive his KO years beyond his prime and he suffered his worst defeats at the hands of Ezzard Charles and Rocky Marciano. Muhammad Ali realized that he cannot carry the same fire he had before his forced inactivity into the 70s so he re-invented himself and became the greatest thinking boxer ever. I think Floyd Mayweather had the same realization moving up to the welterweights. And I believe Manny has started to himself belatedly. That I think would make his fight against Floyd more compelling as it would pit two elite fighters though no longer in their best strongest prime are at their most matured and intellectual as well as highly skilled at that point in their careers.
Yes, it's back though in a different manner. Before he literally breathed fire with his relentless attacking style. Now, you could see that he's a bit more cautious. He picks his punches and boxes more from the distance. But if that would preserve his career for a few more fights for a couple more years, then it's good for him.
He is getting older and with age some power is lost but I think he makes up for that in his becoming more careful and less hungry for a knock-out win. He is probably good for 2 to 3 more fights.
No, he didn't punish Bradley for his mistakes, didn't go in for the kill, and wasn't that aggressive. He could have easily gotten a tko, but he was too nice. His fire is gone unless it is a fight with u know who. It was a decent performance, but we all know we have seen better from Pac.
Pac's fire has always been there IMO. His laying back with Bradley lost him fight # 1. His come forward aggression got him knocked out by Marquez. His speed, angles and 9 punch combinations worked well for him. He can still do that.
I don't think it ever left, but father time takes his toll on everyone, and Manny is showing his age.
I don't believe he ever lost it. He just doesn't have huge power at 147 and he's evolved into more of a boxer as some of his natural attributes have faded slightly.
He still has the hunger he just isnt as aggressive and isn't in his prime
Na but his still pretty dam good
after winning a convincing UD against Bradley, wht do you think with that performance of Manny?
