Could the 47-year-old Manny Pacquiao actually beat Teofimo Lopez?
Of course he could.
Have you seen the decline in Lopez from the Barboza fight, to the Shakur Stevenson hammering to the recent majority decision scraping by victory on points for Lopez?
Pacman came back last year and had a stalemate against a young Mario Barrios but most thought he deserved to be victorious and champion.
Some notes to jot on this fast for a second;
- Lopez looked vulnerable, getting hurt by Rolly Romero
- Pacquiao held Barrios to a draw in his return
- Blurring speed and volume trouble counter-punchers like Lopez
- Lopez loads up, leaving openings for Pacquiao’s combinations
- Pacquiao’s footwork still cuts off the ring effectively
- Lopez barely beat Romero, proving he’s beatable at 147
- Pacquiao thrives as an underdog against younger champs
- Constant pressure breaks Lopez’s rhythm and forces brawls
- He throws enough volume to win rounds on points
- Rankings give him a clear path to a title shot
Styles make fight also, in technical boxing.
Lopez gets hit at a lot at times and he does not have the speed of foot, head movement or in his fists he used to.
His gas tank is not the same.
If Pac gets in shape and gets that engine going, he has enough speed and ability to absolutely outbox and become a champion again at an old age.
No doubt.
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