 |
|
Photo © HBO
|
Over that last few years boxing has experienced a renaissance in its lighter weight divisions. The junior lightweight division is no exception to this rule, as it is currently staffed by three of the top boxers pound for pound today. Manny Pacquiao, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Erik Morales have spent years kicking ass and taking names, and over this time they have established themselves as national heroes and all time great fighters. The one confusing thing about the junior lightweight division is who is the true champion? Is it Barrera with his two belts and wins over Morales, but what about his un-avenged loss to Pacquiao? Or how about Morales with his wins over both fighters despite his recent set backs? But what about Pacman, who holds dominating wins over both fighters? Depending on who you are and where you are from, you have your preference.
Marco Antonio Barrera is the current WBA and IBF title holder, a veteran of 66 fights, and a sure fire Hall of Famer when he retires, but is this enough to make him the best of the best at 130? Barrera has won four straight since losing to Manny Pacquiao, including a rubber match with Morales and a ten round drubbing of Paulie Ayala. He has defended his titles twice, with dominating wins over Mzonke Fana and Robbie Peden. He has one of the most impressive resumes of any active fighter, and an activity level more akin to fighters of an earlier era. His great skills, tremendous warrior heart, and solid punch make him one of the most complete boxers in the game. At almost any other weight he would probably have done enough to be considered the champ, but unfortunately for him he is at 130 pounds and his still un-avenged loss to Manny Pacquiao leaves his status as ’the Man’ up in the air.
Erik Morales has not had the best of luck lately, losing to Barrera, Zahir Raheem and recently to Pacquiao. Morales, like Barrera, has had a Hall of Fame career. His willingness to take on all comers, plus his sometimes underrated skill and warrior persona, has made him a fan favorite and a hero in Mexico. The Tijuana warlord spent years visiting destruction on his foes, only recently suffering multiple setbacks. Is Morales still the same ‘El Terrible’, or has the grueling fight schedule, countless battles, and his recent foray to 135 pounds finally taken away some of the luster? It is hard to write off anyone who has wins over Barrera, Pacquiao, Ayala and Jesus Chavez. One more big win, against either Barrera or Pacquiao can easily put Morales back in the running for consideration as the top man at 130, while another loss might spell the end of his career. Right now Morales has to be considered the underdog when taking into account who is the top fighter at junior lightweight, but when a dog has a bite like Morales you can never count him out.
Manny Pacquiao is the biggest thing to come out of the Philippines since Manila Galleons, and he has quickly collected more titles than Imelda Marcos had shoes. One has to consider Manny to be the front runner for the top spot at 130. From the time he exploded onto the scene with his dominating stoppage of Marco Antonio Barrera, to his recent dismantling of Erik Morales, Pacquiao is quickly becoming one of boxing’s hottest stars and its official slayer of Mexican fighters. In his last fight with Morales, Pacquiao showed an expanded arsenal, incorporating his hook and never before seen concerted body attack. Pacquiao is blessed with blazing speed and amazing power, and with his ever improving skills might become one of the most complete fighters in recent memory. His charisma, power, and willingness to dig deep to get the W are all attractive to fans, and his status as hero in the Philippines is something that can only be likened to that of Julio Cesar Chavez.
So who is the number one fighter at 130? Well if you had to ask me I would have to say Manny Pacquiao, who is the only fighter that holds definitive wins over his two closest rivals. Depending on where you are from, or what you like, a case could probably be made for any of the fighters mentioned above. The only thing that will truly settle any debate is a second fight between Barrera and Pacquiao. Until then, I cast my vote with the power punching Pinoy. |
|
|
|
© Copyright / All Rights reserved: Doghouse Boxing 1998-2006
|
By Julian Kasdin (Februaury 10, 2006) 
