The Lightweights Threats For Manny Pacquiao

For power there is no question that Manny Pacquiao is gifted; this is the great weapon aside from speed he had that placed him in the limelight of stardom. His fighting style is the world loved to see. His dedication and attitude in the ring is superb, no question.

But he is moving in the lightweight. Many boxing aficionados and fans thinking the same question, “Is his moving up for his greatness or for money?” Whatever is the real score, the only certain for now he is moving up, and scheduled to fight to a lightweight champion, David Diaz, this coming June 28, 2008, dubbed as “Lethal Combination” at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

I discussed on previous issue that Pacquiao’s moving up to lightweight is no problem medically or physiologically for a typical Filipino 5’6” height athlete.

We focus on the subject of this issue.

Who are legitimate lightweights out there that give serious threat to Pacquiao?

There are many lightweights in the business that are much bigger than Pacquiao, or even equally or more powerful. They are Nate “The Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (32-5-25) the IBF, WBA, WBO lightweight champion; Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz (33-1-17); Joel “El Cepillo” Casamayor (36-3-23-1).

I see a biggest threat against Amir Khan (17-0-13), an Olympian silver medalist, young and promising lightweight. At the age of 21 he is the commonwealth lightweight champion in United Kingdom. Has a very advantage height at 5’10. He defeated the experienced and very tough Gairy St. Clair (40-6-17) by unanimous decision. But for now he is just too young for Pacquiao, and did not have so much to offer against Pacquiao's resume by far.

All of the aforementioned has the potential on beating Pacquiao, they are bigger than Pacquiao, they are natural lightweight, and used to fight in this division most of their boxing career. Their body are accustomed and determined to fight on this division. But I still bet Pacquiao has the bigger chance on beating them if he shown stunning and convincing performance against David Diaz. Let us just wait and see.

I’m not surprise if after the “Lehal Combination” bout against David Diaz, whatever is the outcome, he moves back to the 130 lbs as Super Featherweight, where he is the division king.

Next issue: “David Diaz’s Fights Short Review’