Mayweather/Pacquiao: Passion meets Ego

Boxing Examiner | Vivek Wallace

The state of boxing is currently at an all-time high. Despite the several bad decisions we've seen in the sport recently, few things have been able to slow the budding momentum of the sport, as evidenced by the highly anticipated Mayweather/Pacquiao showdown.

The huge intrigue behind this fight speaks volumes about not only the fan passion for the sport, but also the greatness of the two men involved, as American Floyd Mayweather jr. and Filipino Manny Pacquiao are clearly a cut above any other talents found in todays era - (or any other recent era) - of the sport.

Although fans on both sides of the fence feel a need to stay loyal in supporting their man, there's no question, this is a pick 'em fight where either man could walk out victorious by the end of the night, as both men are known for doing whatever legally possible to end the fight with a "W".

PACQUIAO'S PASSION FOR COUNTRY

Many people recently found comical relief in the outburst of tears that Mexican heavyweight contender Chris Arreola displayed in his lost against Vitali Klitschko. The heavyweight contender was called everything from a cry baby, to a kid, to a sore loser, and worst.

Of all the comments mentioned about his weak moment, few stopped to realize that in his last professional loss a few years back to Mexican Erik Morales, we saw a very similar outburst from Filipino Manny Pacquiao, (sans the profanity), who was also completely destroyed when falling short against the better man that night.

As I think back to that night, seeing the toughest little-big man I know crying his eyes out in the ring helped me and others comprehend precisely how important it is for Pacquiao to remain on top and bring home the win for his countrymen.

The N.B.A. has Michael Jordan. Professional Golf has Tiger Woods. Both men are great, but they represent a sport in a country. Manny Pacquiao represents THEE COUNTRY, and as a walking ambassador with iconic status, clearly, a loss for him would be deemed a loss for the nation, as viewed by those of his humble homeland.

That being said, the man he'll stand across from could care less, as his ego gives him just as much pride in being the best.

MAYWEATHER'S QUEST FOR GREATNESS

From childhood, we're all taught to humble ourselves and yeild to the hunger of ego. That theory may be great in a corporate world, or everyday life, but as it relates to the ring, there's no more valuable tool for greatness, as the ego of fighters like Floyd Mayweather jr. is what literally lights their fire.

An ego for greatness is what propelled a 44 year old Bernard Hopkins to defy the odds after losing to Joe Calzaghe and destroy the career of a still-in-his-prime Kelly Pavlik. An ego for greatness is what propelled an old lion like Shane Mosley to defeat a very durable Mexican warrior like Antonio Margarito when no one else could. An ego for greatness is what compelled a smaller Manny Pacquiao to sit on the ropes and take devastating body shots from the powerful Miguel Cotto while subsequently taking his heart and his will.

Some find ego to be a self-fulfilling effort, and perhaps they're rights, as few other things can lead the blind to see monumental greatness within themselves.

ONE NIGHT TO FIND OUT

The passion of both men is what will make this fight historical. There may be many other great fights before and after this showdown, but none to match the buildup of this epic showdown.

Two Legends - One Night - No Excuses ...... is a perfect tagline when you pair "The Undefeated versus The Undisputed".

March 13th will finally settle the score!

Source: Examiner.com