Once again the sport's pound for pound champion is being referred to as the "Bruce Lee" of Boxing. Unfortunately, It's become an overused comparison when describing the success and popularity of Manny Pacquiao. In fact, people use this comparison but never truly go into detail how these two prominent figures are alike. Nevertheless, future boxing HOF'er Bernard Hopkins still thinks this is an accurate description of Manny and believes it's part of the reason that Manny deserves everyone's respect.
In a recent interview with Boxing.Fanhouse, Bernard Hopkins made the following comments about Manny:
"Manny Pacquiao is the Bruce Lee of boxing and I think and believe that he deserves everyone's respect. I mean that as the highest of compliments."
It's a bit surprising, as of late, how much Hopkins has been commenting on Manny and his upcoming fight with Shane Mosley. In one breath, Hopkins is questioning how successful Manny will be against "black fighters" and in the next breath Hopkins is praising Manny by calling him the Bruce Lee of Boxing. I'm confused as to what Hopkins really thinks of Manny. But, I'm sure Bernard won't be boycotting Manny Pacquiao anytime soon.
Now, I am a huge fan of Bruce Lee and of Manny Pacquiao. I agree Manny deserves respect, not only for his in-ring accomplishments, but for his humanitarian efforts as well. Unfortunately, I'm starting to grow tired of this comparison between the two icons. Simply put, Manny Pacquiao is the "Manny Pacquiao" of Boxing, period. There's no need to compare him to Bruce Lee anymore.
Comments
Initially, Bruce Lee wasn't welcomed into the western culture. Lee, a minority, had to prove himself as an asset before Lee was respected. Likewise, Pacquiao with all of Manny's accomplishments inside and outside of the ring....tends to have the lack of support from boxing writers. It just seems as though those negative writers are demoting the sport of boxing and giving more reason for fans to turn to MMA.
We can also say, Bruce Lee is the Manny Pacquiao of Kung Fu. But the discussion is how will Manny perform versus a black fighter like Mosley and Mayweather. Forget about Clottey and Lewbada whom Manny had beaten coz according to Hopkins they are not one of them (Honestly i'm confused). Now that Manny agreed to fight Mosley, "ughs & aghs" are being moaned from Mayweather fans along with majority of writers. They said, Mosley is too old, a bum, and the fight is a mismatch. I don't believe it one bit. Those word never showed up 8 months ago during Mayweather/Mosley fight. Mosley is a hell of a fighter. He is tall, smart and strong... although I noticed he has a chicken legs when wearing those Karl Malone oversized short. My point is... The fight will be a WAR. I think this could end up a super-fight and controversy will just disappear comes May 7. Mark my word... This is a big fight of 2011.
Og Gog the Nipa Climber says and predicts, that Manny-Roids will be exposed in 2011. His first problem will start vs The Old Folks Home Residents and spiral down hill.
B'hop is praising Pacquiao now that his buddy, Mosley is getting his payday! But He will be raising hell if Manny is fighting Marquez, and the his cry avoiding inner city AA.
WAS Bruce Lee ever suspected of enhancing or money stealing.???
Were Bruce Lee training shorts full of red stripes believed that was fire, but was $h!t for being scare of an opponent.
I have noticed this comparison quite a long time ago and it was brought about by Manny's short range power punch that is enough to knock an elite boxer out like that of Bruce's one inch punch...but what seems unfair now for Manny to be compared to Bruce Lee...is the fact that Manny fought all this ligitimate legends in the sport in front of the whole world to see while Bruce Lee's skill was not really witnessed by many...in real actual fight...Bruce Lee's effectiveness in actual combat remains to be a myth to me...although he looks fast and good in the movies....but that's another story
bruce lee's just a moviestar...you just see fight so good in the movie...because..other guy need to lost..in real life....if bruce lee fight with manny pacquiao he will be dea..d
Bruce Lee had very few challengers in real because few ever had the stones to challenge him in real life. When Bruce was told he couldn't teach westerners Gung Fu in Oakland in the early 60's, he refused and was challenged by Wong Jack Man. The 3 minute fight which Bruce won, left him winded and questioning the efficiency of adhering to a strict Wing Chun format. Thus, Jeet Kune Do was born. Bruce, while a huge star, was also challenged on various movie sets by members of gangs like the Triads in Hong Kong, when they believed he was just a "movie actor" and not a real martial artist. Bruce spent lots of money paying for their hospital bills and earned their respect. Bruce Lee was, in my opinion the greatest martial artist who has ever lived and 5 Manny Pacquiaos could not beat him in true street combat.
Also, as much as I love Manny (he's brought boxing back from the dead), Roberto Duran at 135-145 beats him also. Duran's record before he first fought Ray Leonard was 73-1 with 57 KO's and the fighters he fought were of a much better caliber. Duran KO's him and Bruce Lee beats him up....badly.
Sonny Crockett
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