A dime bag for my thoughts...: J2: Pacquiao/Margarito Re-Cap

Because of the troubles in camp and, what seemed to be endless distractions during training, I, myself had doubts that Pacquiao could win a Super Welterweight bout with a man who was literally around 15-20 pounds heavier and 5 inches taller than he was. Camp seemed too Hollywood for Pacquiao, while Margarito spent endless hours at the gym preparing for a second chance to pick himself up after being disgraced from the sport for illegal hand wraps.

In my opinion, because of the wrapping incident and the viral video released recently of Margarito and Brandon Rios poking fun at Freddie Roach's Parkinson's disease, he shouldn't even have been given a shot at redemption, let alone a shot at currently, the best boxer in the world. But it's a fight none the less and an opportunity for Manny to win his 8th world title in a completely different weight class.

The entire fight was a pretty exciting on one side of the spectrum; it sort of lop-sided. Pacquiao, proving once again that he IS the best fighter in the world and re-stamped his name in the history books as, not only one of the best, but being the only fighter in history to ramp up 8 weight classes to win a title in each class. All 12 rounds in this November 13th bout in favor of Pacquiao which ended in a UD. Personally, it should have ended in the 9th round. We all know what kind of fighter Pacquiao is and what his camp is all about. Margarito should consider himself lucky that Pacquiao wasn't out to knock him out and completely decimate his already beaten face later in the fight.

Margarito said it himself that Pacquaio's power was no problem and that he couldn't hurt him. This fight proved him very wrong. After the 8th or 9th round, Margarito lost sight of his cut and swollen right eye, which was already cut earlier in the fight. Pacquaio at this point, questioned the ref and Camp Margarito's decision to continue. Manny, after the 9th, was told by Roach to back-off the remaining rounds to prevent any serious career-ending injuries to Margarito and forget the knock-out.

"I told the referee, 'Look at his eyes, look at his cuts,"' Pacquiao said. "I did not want to damage him permanently. That's not what boxing is about." (ESPN)

This goes to show what kind of class Pacquiao's corner brings to the table and what kind of human being he is. The fight also showcased his durability for the first time in years. No one, in recent fights, has ever phased Pacquaio. But with the aggressive pin-to-the-rope style of one, Margarito wasn't the only one to take a beating. Although Pacquiao came out seemingly untouched after 12 rounds, it was clear and evident that no one has hit Pacquiao as many times as Margarito has in recent years. Is Pacquiao slowing down? I think not. It's just Margarito's aggressive style. More on that later.

I also have to give props to Margarito for not giving up. But in my opinion, lasting all 12 rounds didn't prove anything, except for the fact that this dude is brave, but stupid. Your pride and reputation is on the line? Yes. You want a chance at redemption after being banned for a year? Yes. But, fam, your career and well-being is also on the line as well. Why risk it if you've clearly lost?

Pacquiao walked away from the fight with an 8th notch on his already historic proverbial belt. Margarito walked away to the hospital, suffering a broken orbital bone. Which is ironic, considering he shattered Rashad Holloway's orbital bone during a sparring session, which was suspected as a result from illegal hand wraps.

"He's a very tough guy," Roach said of Margarito (38-7, 27 KOs). "I was surprised how tough he was. He has the worst corner. They probably ruined his career by not stopping the fight." (ESPN)

Margarito then stated later:

"There was no way I was going to quit. I'm a Mexican, we fight until the end"

What's Next?!

So the question remains "What's Next for Pacquiao?". Really, there's nothing left for him to do in boxing. Who is there, really? An aging Shane Mosley? Rematch with Cotto? The not-so-welterweight Paul Williams? At this point in his career, Pacquiao can retire easily if Mayweather won't step up.

We all know Mayweather is hiding. We all know he's afraid to break his undefeated 41-0 record. And we also know he's suspected of only fighting Mosley because he was past his prime as a dominant welterweight boxer. And we definitely know PBF is afraid of Pacquiao at his peak. But like I asked earlier, is Pacquiao slowing down? Does Max Kellerman actually think Pacquiao is showing signs of a decline? Personally, I don't think so. Manny is only 31 and is at the peak of his career, despite his newly found responsibility as congressman, he's still got 1 or 2 fights left.

I think Kellerman's comments were only to bring questions to Mayweather's big ass head. Is he past his prime? Can I beat him? Should I fight him? Should I stop being such a giant vagina? For the sake of the sport, Kellerman, in my opinion, said what he said to stir the pot and try and get Mayweather to come out and play. Hopefully, Mayweather finally takes it into consideration so we can ALL see the fight we all want to see.

In the meantime, let's all bask in Pacquiao's glory.