Why should Antonio get a shot at Manny Pacquiao? I think this fight hurts boxing, for many reasons. In fact I think this hurts boxing more than Manny not fighting Floyd. What happens if Antonio wins? He destroys a Floyd match up from ever happening. Plus he is legitimized as a respectable athlete if he wins. What ever happened to fighters fighting their way up to get a shot. He is not rated in the Ring's top ten at either 147, or 154. Everyone is talking about him being an 8 division champion, but that is ridiculous in, and of itself. They are fighting for a vacant belt. That would make him a paper champion because he never actually won the title from the real champion Sergio Martinez. Manny is just chasing belts, just like Roy Jones did. He wont agree to fight because of random drug tests, because he is above that. But he will fight a guy who already a disgraced cheater, COME ON. Antonio can't even get a boxing license in America because of loading his gloves. Doesn't anybody remember Luiz Resto, or for that matter Billy Collins Jr. ? They never got another chance to fight again. Why should a cheating punk, who endangered many fighters get a shot at Manny? I would love to chalk this one up to the evil Bob Arum solely, but I can't. I don't think this speaks well of Manny's character either. Why wouldn't he speak up and say wait a minute here I'm the champ I can fight someone better. A fight with Floyd for what ever reason won't happen. The next logical choice would be the best available competition. If he would have fought anyone else I wouldn't have questioned it. Lets pick a guy who is made to order, like Antonio. How stupid is that lets reward a cheating boxer who can't get a fight in America. The fight could be justified if he fought his way back and gained a little respect, but he didn't. Bob Arum wants to control all of the money. That is the biggest reason this fight is gonna happen. If Manny really wanted to be considered the best he would fight Paul Williams, Andre Berto, or Tim Bradley. I would even pay to see Alfredo Angulo, Kermit Cintron, or Saul Alvarez. They are all respected fighters who would give him a fight. I'm not here just trashing Manny, Antonio, or anyone else. I'm huge fans of all of them. Everyone is ducking Paul Williams including Manny, and Floyd. Paul Williams already beat, Sergio Martinez the Ring Champ of the division. Oh yea and he already defeated Antonio Margarito. He has been calling out Manny, and Floyd for years, only to fall on deaf ears. I'm interested to see who Floyd will fight if he fights this year. If its not someone in the pound for pound, or ranked at either 147, or 154, shame on him too. I'm a boxing purest, but this just tarnishes the sport as a whole. I just hope it is a good fight, and Manny can collect his WBC trinket. The only thing with character that will be at this fight is the Tecate beer.
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