Bad omen: Pacquiao beginning to believe his hype

"I've been under pressure and tough conditions before, The training is going good..." so declared Manny Pacquiao. It's time to wake up, unlike my other half-crazy Filipino brothers I'd say read between the lines and notice that Pac is on a danger zone.

This is the first time that I've read Freddie Roach really concerned about the training camp. The "worst-ever" training camp as he further alludes to it. Too many bumps along the way for this one, Pacquiao skipping his customary roadwork for basketball then injuring his heel that further derailed the practices... The supposed to be closed door practices which inexplicably, became open to the press and various other friends and acquaintances. Pacquiao holding some small concert for Michael Koncz. Manny skipping practice for a rendezvous with the President (Philippines). Him skipping practice anew to guest in a show (video embed above) and raise some politicians hands in another. It seems his recent domination of his earlier opponents have gotten to his head, no longer focused as his earlier versions have been. This is no longer the Pacquiao that is bent on getting higher. This is Pacquiao the rockstar.

As a fan I'm concerned with this happy-go-lucky attitude. Boxing has been a punishing sport. It is not basketball where in you can relax for three quarters and mount a big comeback. Punches make a toll on your body and if your not trained well enough could knock you out or damage you forever and worst kill you. I remember this same kind of laid back attitude in Lennox Lewis when he skipped training in favor of a movie. The result? An embarrassing KO to 15-to-1 underdog Hashim Rahman in the fifth round. I've read of a similar incident when Muhammad Ali KO'd Sonny Liston in the very first round. Sonny Liston was very much out of shape after the first schedule of their rematch was postponed six months when Ali needed emergency surgery for a strangulated hernia.

One thing that bothers me is the report that sparring against the lumbering Medina, Pacquiao looked anything but sharp. The report adds: "On several occasions he allowed Medina to pound him against the ropes. Pacquiao showed flashes of his lightning quickness, but either he was just getting warmed up or he wasn’t taking this too seriously."

Michael Medina was on the undercard of the Pacquiao-Clottey fight. He was totally outclassed by John Duddy. A 100% focused Pacquiao could have easily smoked the guy out instead he allowes the guy to pound him? Manny wasn't any sharper on his next sparring partner Amir Khan as reported: "On numerous occasions, Khan beat Pacquiao to the punch with blistering combinations. At times, Pacquiao held his hands down and he kept trying to adjust his protective headgear. He clearly didn’t look 100 percent. Midway in their third round, the two went at each other for about 40 seconds of pure, scintillating action. But when the four rounds were up, it was clear that Khan got the better of the exchanges". Khan have been Manny's understudy for a long time. So further puts doubt on Manny's abilities it's either Khan is fast gaining on Manny or it's Pac on the decline. The last part scares me more. Manny on the decline against a fighter that has nothing to lose and every thing to gain. A fighter who is the biggest that Pac will ever face in his career. Margarito gains everything with a win and Manny loses so much with a loss to the underdog.

A 100% Pacquiao could win easily. A well-trained Pacquiao wouldn't leave any doubt on his fans mind. A focused Pacquiao makes impossible odds possible. Let's hope he doesn't make anymore monkey business out of this. On Nov. 13 (14 in Manila) judgement will come. Let's cross our fingers and hope for the best for Manny.

Pacquiao needs to get back to his old self and focus, not believe in his own hype that he can win all his fights. Boxing is a different animal one punch could very well end everything he's build for.


Sources:
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/204533/roach-pacquiao-having-worst-ever-training-camp
http://www.ringtv.com/blog/2450/pacquiao_sluggish_for_final_day_of_training_in_philippines/