Manny will be fine, if anything this should motivate him.
It's tragic what happened in the Philippines, but fact is people can't use that as an excuse as to how bad Nonito looked last week, and use it as preemptive excuse in case Pac looks bad.
These dudes are professionals, not to sound like a douchebag or insensitive, but once they're in the ring and getting punched in their face, nothing else except fighting will be on their mind, no matter what tragic thing that may have effected them in recent days.
It's a weak excuse to say what happened is going to be a major distraction. If Rios smashes Pac with a big right hand, is his reaction going to be, "oh man, those poor people in my country, this is so horrible".
Hell no, Pac's going to be like "oh sh*t, I just got caught, I'm about to f*ck Rios up and try not to get hit like that again."
Pac is a warrior. I'm sure the fact that his country was just devastated is on his mind, but when he's in the ring, the only thing that will be on his mind is tearing Rios apart and winning.
Michael Katsidis brother died, and he went to war with JMM, no excuses about it after losing. Same goes with Antonio Margarito, his brother died like two days before one of his fights and then he proceeded to fight and do his job.
As a prizefighter, your job is to show up, win your fight and get paid. Sh*t happens in life, but you can't let it effect you in the ring, simply b/c you're in a fight and can't afford to let outside distractions mess with you.
Plus (as I said), it's hard to think about something other than not getting your assss whooped and winning your fight, especially when you're constantly getting punched in the face.
Obviously it can't help, with all the death and destruction surrounding such events, it has to have an effect. Given Manny's position as a political figure, he cannot help but be distracted. A boxing match isn't really a priority under such circumstances and if a politician has any emotional attachment or commitment to the public he serves, such tragedy must take precedence over a sporting event. Most people in the U.S. forget that Pacquiao is much more than a boxing champion outside the ring, he is also a political leader, and at times like that, a leader steps up. It is all but impossible to stay focused on training for a boxing match under such conditions.
Manny is a good man, and he has to be concerned with the state of his country after such a disaster, the event is a detriment to Pac''s boxing match and it is a benefit to Rios because of the emotional burden Pacquiao must shoulder, it is a burden that Rios doesn't have to concern himself with. This fight is a watershed moment in Pacquiao's career, it will speak volumes to the type of individual Manny Pacquiao is, if Manny can use it for motivation, he will win, if not Rio will end Pacquiao's career. The result of the fight will be your answer, a pre Marquez KO victim undistracted Pacquiao would have overwhelmed Rios, if this version of Manny doesn't the effect will be glaringly obvious,
On the contrary, I think Pacquiao will be more fired up for that fight. A Super Typhoon from the Pacific devastated much of Eastern Visayas. Super Sports Columnist Recah Trinidad has once called Pacquiao the "Pacific Storm" but one that emanates from the Philippines impacting on the American West Coast which I think he will do once again by beating Rios.
There is no way to know but it can happen.
For example; Andre Berto cancelled his fight with Mosley after the earthquake in Haiti. He lost many family members and would loose his 0 in his next fight.
man, pacs town is 300km far below haiyan when it hit RP, and the supertyphoon is just 150km radius wide, all his kin were safe
if anything, you should worry about pacs condition... a fighter whos been into so many wars can grow old overnight, specially if he just came out from a concussion...
He's affected, just like any Filipino citizen, but not distracted.
The last 2 weeks of training before a bout is the most important ,is Brandon Rios going to put a little bam bam on Pacquiao due to this big distraction?
