Will Manny Pacquiao’s speed and experience prevail over Jessie Vargas’ youth and size when they clash tomorrow for the latter’s WBO welterweight title.
(AP)
With just one day left before Manny Pacquiao and Jessie Vargas duke it out for the latter’s WBO world welterweight crown, Cebu Daily News sized up Cebu’s boxing experts for their take on the possible outcome of this Sunday’s duel at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.
And we didn’t just settle for the opinion of the common Juan but from the valuable insight of people who know boxing like the palm of their hand like topnotch boxing analyst and international referee Atty. Danrex Tapdasan, longest reigning Filipino boxing world champion Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, world champion trainer Brix Flores, ALA Boxing Gym’s trainer Edito Villamor and ALA Promotions International President Michael P. Aldeguer.
Tapdasan: Tactical fight
According to Tapdasan, he expects a tactical fight between the two champions. He said that although Pacquiao (58-6-2,38KOs) has a higher (58 percent) knockout percentage, the Pambansang Kamao’s last knockout win was in 2009 yet against Miguel Cotto.
Vargas (27-1,10KOs), the younger champion has a 38% K.O. percentage but could pull off a stunner if he’ll exploit his massive, five-inch height and reach advantage and not engage Pacquiao in a phonebooth slugfest.
“Pacquiao is the clear favorite to win this fight but I will not be surprised if the young lion Vargas will beat the odds and score a shocker over the living legend,” Tapdasan told CDN.
Nietes: Sees a Pacman and Donaire victory
Nietes meanwhile, said that he is very confident that both Pacquiao and five division world champion Nonito Donaire Jr. (37-3,24KOs) will triumph in their respective bouts. Donaire Jr. is set to defend his title against unbeaten Mexican Jessie Magdaleno (23-0,17KOs) in the co-main event.
“The fights are going to be tough and entertaining because all of them are tough so we better watch their every move and support our boxers. Both Manny and Donaire will win by knockouts,”
Nietes said.
Aldeguer: A big test for Pacquiao
Aldeguer for his part, said that Sunday’s fight will answer everyone’s question whether Pacquiao has trained properly and prepared well for his fight against Vargas since juggling two jobs as a senator and a boxer is not easy.
“It’s not easy being a senator and a fighter and Vargas is a great champion but I think he’s not on the level of Pacquiao yet. Let’s watch the fight on Sunday because it will answer our question if Manny Pacquiao really trained hard for this fight,” said Aldeguer.
Flores: Pacquiao by KO
Pacquiao’s edge over Vargas will be the eight-division world champ’s experience and power, opines Flores, while the latter’s advantage will be his size.
“Pacquiao is used to fight bigger opponents so I say he’ll win by knockout in six rounds. Donaire on the other hand has power and speed advantage over Magdaleno and I think he will win by unanimous decision,” Flores said.
Villamor: Pacman and Donaire by stoppage
Villamor meanwhile, told CDN that Pacquiao and Donaire Jr. will win by knockout within five rounds. If not, the two will win on points.