Manny Pacquiao versus Antonio Margarito: An In-depth Breakdown
The number one pound-for-pound fighter, Manny Pacquiao will face boxing’s prodigal son, Antonio Margarito, for the vacant WBC light-middleweight title on November 13. Despite all of the controversies that
surround these two fighters, particularly Margarito, this match will surely provide a lot of action since two of this fighters are known for their aggressiveness.
Both are primarily brawlers. Pacquiao may have shown that he has evolved into a boxer-puncher since his destruction of Barrera but his instincts for offense are still intact. Margarito, on the other hand,
is expected to do what he does best and that is to attack with relentless pressure. However, the Mexican should also be smart and take advantage of the size disparity.
Here is a breakdown of their match-up:
Size
This one is obvious. Margarito is almost five inches taller than Pacquiao and the Mexican will enjoy a whopping six-inch reach advantage. Moreover, Margarito is physically bigger than Pacquiao in almost
all aspects—from bicep size to calf size.
Huge Advantage: Margarito
Speed
Pacquiao is famous for his fast in-and-out attacks and blazing combinations. His footspeed is second to none and it will be hard to catch him flush if decides to run and box. It is only fortunate for fans
that he doesn’t do it often as he prefers to use his speed primarily to create angles for both offense and defense.
Huge Advantage: Pacquiao
Strength
Pacquiao is a physical specimen but the bigger man is likely to be the more physically imposing and stronger. Margarito has been fighting comfortably at welterweight for more than ten years and he is also
known as one of the strongest brawlers of the division. Pacquiao started at 106 lb. He may reach his limit against Margarito.
Advantage: Margarito
Stamina/Workrate
Margarito is capable of throwing hard punches all night. He is a volume puncher and you can expect activity from him up until the final bell. Margarito’s work rate may edge Pacquiao a bit in terms of number
of punches thrown but the Filipino’s pace is frenetic and overwhelming and he can also do it the whole twelve rounds.
Slight Advantage: Pacquiao
Chin
Margarito is known for his granite chin. He has a tendency to rely on it too much which proved costly against the more accurate Mosley. It will be hard to knock him out with one punch but he can be put
down with an accumulation of good hits. He had survived solid punches against huge welterweights and light-middleweights. Pacquiao has also proven that his chin can take powerful shots but the Mexican has a superior chin resume.
Advantage: Margarito
Skill
Pacquiao is the better boxer, counter-puncher, and tactician. People often overlook his ring smarts because of his very energetic style of fighting but he is capable of dictating where the fight should
go.
Huge Advantage: Pacquiao
Power
Pacquiao was known for his left knockout punch. When he went up in weight, it’s his speed and volume punching that made him formidable. Yet, he exhibited his power one more time against Hatton by knocking
the Briton out cold. Margarito can also punch but not as explosive as Pacquiao.
Slight Advantage: Pacquiao
Experience
Pacquiao has more fights under his belt and he has gone against top pound-for-pound fighters more times than Margarito.
Advantage: Pacquiao
Corner
Under the tutelage of Freddie Roach, Pacquiao has been winning fights in dominating fashion. Margarito is coached by an excellent trainer, Robert Garcia, but Pacquiao has Roach for crying out loud.
Huge Advantage: Pacquiao
Styles
Fighters can adapt new strategies and fighting style but based purely on their preferred style and comfort zones, Margarito’s forward attacking approach will play perfectly into Pacquiao’s skill set.
Advantage: Pacquiao
Intangibles
Margarito is hungry and seeking redemption. Pacquiao has actually nothing left to prove and his new career as a legislator may distract him. However, the world title in a new weight division is good enough
motivation for the Pacman.
Slight Advantage: Margarito
Conclusion: Bet on Pacquiao
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