Veteran Filipino boxing analyst Ed Tolentino explained to dismayed Filipino audience who thought that Manny Pacquiao won against Floyd Mayweather Jr., during the “Fight of the Century” held on Sunday morning (Manila time) on May 3, 2015. According to Ed Tolentino, the Filipino boxing icon would have won against Mayweather if the vintage version of himself showed up during the fight.
In an interview with various news media organization in the country, Atty. Ed Tolentino noted that Manny Pacquiao showcased not his usual old fighting self during his fight against the undefeated American boxer at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The veteran boxing analyst stated that Manny Pacquiao should have pressed the action at the early stages of the fight when Floyd Mayweather was still “feeling out,” because the American boxer is notorious in the boxing world for starting slow in his fights.
Manny Pacquiao did not capitalized on his strength during the early rounds, as a result, the Filipino boxing icon was forced to a catch up in the lattter rounds when Mayweather gained confidence, who wisely used his range against Pacquiao, poking the Filipino boxing icon with stiff jabs while piling points.
Ed Tolentino also noted that Floyd Mayweather used the amateur style of fighting wherein boxers are preoccupied with scoring points rather than going for the knockout. Manny Pacquiao and his coaching staff did not overcome the amateur fighting style of the undefeated American boxer who suffered his sixth career defeat in 65 fights.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. on his part successfully defended his crown and even unified the Welterweight belt and on his way to break Rocky Marciano’s record of 49 consecutive wins during his boxing career.
Despite the unanimous verdict, Tolentino thought the fight was close. “Dikit pa ang laban eh. Dikit pa after nine rounds eh. Had there been a knock down or two the fight would have been very interesting,” he said.
