Manny Pacquiao, pound for pound the world’s best boxer, wants to be president of the Philippines some day. But Pacquiao, a newly-installed congressman from the Sarangani province of his country, first has some business to take care of in the ring.
On Saturday night, Nov. 13, at Cowboys Stadium, the 70,000 in attendance, plus millions of boxing fans watching on TV, will see history made if Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs) serves up a world championship in his eighth weight class (Super Welterweight) against Antonio Margarito (38-6, 27 KOs). Pacquiao is giving up four and a half inches in height, six and a half inches in reach and close to 15 pounds to Margarito.
Many are speculating that unless a super fight between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather miraculously comes together (two attempts have failed so far), this may well be Pacquiao’s last fight. Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum, calls his client the greatest fighter he’s ever seen—and that includes legendary former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali. If Pacquiao pulls off another victory and wins a world championship in his eighth weight class, it will be extremely hard to dispute Arum’s claim. One thing’s for sure: Manny Pacquiao, who has dedicated his life to the sport of boxing, continues to prove that if you put in hard work, the rewards will follow.
Saturday night’s fight preview is below.