The Greatest?

Caught an episode of Hardball on ANC last week, and they had a segment which discussed whether Manny Pacquiao can now be considered as one of the greatest boxers of all time. This was, of course, in the context of Manny's recent 12th round demolition of Miguel Cotto, and the acquisition of his 7th world title in 7 different weight divisions.

That had me thinking: "Where is Manny Pacquiao in the list of all-time Filipino and World boxing greats?" While sorting out my hogdepodge of ideas I found it easier to answer this question by breaking down Manny's career and identifying certain milestones:

a) KO victory over WBC flyweight champion Chatchai Sasakul in 1998

This was his first world title and it placed him on the level of champions who were one hit wonders such as Morris East and Rolando Pascua.

b) Victories over the legendary Mexican triad of Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez, the last of which was in 2008

These wins earned him the monicker "Mexecutioner", and got him to the level of multiple division champions like Luisito Espinosa and Gerry Penalosa.

c) TKO victory over boxing superstar Oscar Dela Hoya

This placed him on the map as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, and installed him, together with Hall of Fame legends Pancho Villa and Flash Elorde, as among the best Filipino fighters of all time.

d) TKO victory over WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto

By solidifying his hold on the pound-for-pound title and getting a record-breaking 7th crown, he makes a case as one of the best boxers of all time, competing with the likes of Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali. 

A more detailed analysis of where he stands among the all-time boxing greats to follow.

Rumble in the Jungle (NCAA Finals)

The NCAA Basketball Finals will finally commence at the Araneta Coliseum tomorrow, in what has been a historic and looong 85th Season. This matchup, which could also be dubbed as the "Battle of the Saints", will feature the top seeded and 3-time defending champions, San Beda Red Lions versus the upstart and second seeded San Sebastian Golden Stags. On the sidelines, Red Lion coach Frankie Lim is seeking to stretch his championship run to 3; while rookie coach Ato Agustin is seeking to translate his success on the basketball court through his mentorship of the Stags. Interestingly, this is also a grudge match of the pre-season Nike Summer League Finals, which the Red Lions handily won. 

This early I will go out on a limb and predict that, despite so many other possible factors, the result of this series will depend on the gimpy knees of Red Lion Borgie Hermida. Let me explain.

Crime and Punishment

No, this has nothing to do with the robbery/shooting that occurred earlier today at Greenbelt 5. (or the Dostoyevsky novel, for that matter)

Was going to write about the ongoing NCAA Final 4, as I was in the Arena last Friday watching the matchup between San Beda and Letran. The game turned out to be better than I expected with the Red Lions, 3 time defending champions, barely pulling off a win against the Rey Guevarra-less Knights, and advancing to the NCAA Finals in the process. Little did I know that while this was ongoing, action of a different kind was taking place over at the Araneta Coliseum.