Boxing analysts: Pacquiao now a ‘complete fighter’
Boxing analysts: Pacquiao now a ‘complete fighter’
The Manny Pacquiao who defeated Mexican-American David Diaz in Las Vegas, Nevada Sunday was the "most complete Pacquiao" ever seen, boxing analysts said Monday.
They said future Hall of Famer coach Freddie Roach has succeeded in transforming Pacquiao from a one-dimensional slugger into a complete fighter.
"Today, we saw a variety of punches plus defense. He weaved beautifully from attacks, he has changed a lot," said Manila Bulletin sports columnist Ed Picson in.
Picson said he was surprised with Pacquiao’s improvement. He said the new champion’s game has been raised to a new level.
"He had a very good transformation in his fight against Diaz. I was amazed with what he has shown. I didn’t imagine that he could still improve his game," he said.
For boxing analyst Ronnie Nathanielsz, Pacquiao gave Diaz much-needed boxing lessons.
"It was a clinical execution. Skill has been added to his speed and power," he said.
He added that Pacquiao’s Sunday performance erased all doubts about the ill effects of his climb in weight. Analysts were earlier worried that the Filipino bomber’s speed and power might suffer with his climb from super featherweight to lightweight.
"His speed was not lost when he put on10 pounds on the ring. I think the main factor was his conditioning. His new nutrition coach [Alejandro] Ariza did a very good job on him, unlike when he was not comfortable with his weight versus Marquez," said Nathanielsz.
Picson also said Pacquiao’s fresh perspective on life was critical to his improvement.
"Arum said this time he had perfect training. I think a big factor in all of this is his new perspective on life. He has already shunned his vices. He has stayed away from drinking and gambling. In fact, he sai, he was looking for his ‘old hunger’, the thing that is present in every new boxer, the motivation. And without this, he nearly lost to [Juan Manuel] Marquez," said Picson.
For Nathanielsz, who has witnessed the fights of almost every Filipino boxing star, he has found the successor of Pinoy boxing all-time best, Gabriel "Flash" Elorde.
"Flash was my friend, but I have to admit Pacquiao is the best of all time," he said. With a report from TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN
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