Foreman with promoter Bob Arum (Photo: Chris Farina)
There’s always something new in the life of Manny Pacquiao. One of this week’s many rumors going around is the possibility that a Pacquiao-Mayweather bout won’t come to the surface for a while and that both men may be looking at different opponents right off the bat. According to a Boxingscene.com interview with Bernard Hopkins and a follow up by Maxboxing.com’s Steve Kim, the ‘Executioner’ feels that we will be seeing Mayweather vs. Mosley and Pacquiao vs. newly minted WBA Jr. Middleweight champion Yuri Foreman next.
While Pacquiao against Foreman isn’t the bout we all saw coming nor particularly wanted, it is at least a contest worth assessing. Foreman isn’t the most explosive fighter you will come across but he does have some skills and in his last fight against Daniel Santos he showed some much needed hunger that had been lacking, enough to win a decision and snatch the WBA babble from the well traveled Puerto Rican.
With Pacquiao being on a hot steak as of late you will be hard pressed to find many picking against him in a potential Foreman clash, but if anything Yuri deserves a quick nod of respect. From my best memory here are some things that stand out about the newly crowned champion.
First interview
I first interviewed Foreman in April of 2005 as he was getting ready for a Showtime television showdown against undefeated Kevin Cagle. At the time Foreman was a wide eyed 24 year old with a 17-0 record which including 7 knockouts. Foreman and I had a deep talk about his upbringing, his move to America, and his thoughts on the sport.
What I noticed in talking to Foreman was that he was a man who had to adapt very early in his life. Born in Belarus, Foreman would later immigrate to Israel and start his training out of an Arab gym. In Israel he would start a successful amateur career and eventually make the move to Brooklyn, New York.
Foreman talked of Brooklyn with great respect and amazement. He remembers initially being taken back by the fast paced lifestyle of his new environment but soon grew to appreciate the opportunity that came with his new surroundings. Foreman spent his time training out of the legendary Gleason’s gym and spoke openly about the competitive environment that existed within the facility.
Foreman and I also discussed his diet, religion, and hobbies as a person. At end of the day he was beyond respectful and seemed grateful for the chance to just have someone talk to him about his career. I sensed that spotlight and media side of things were new to Foreman and I wondered exactly how his career would play itself out. If anything I found him to a genuine soul worth rooting for.
Inside of the ring
My fist glimpse of Foreman was the above mentioned meeting with Cagle in Mashantucket, Connecticut. In the bout Foreman showed solid boxing skills and the ability to move in and out with relative ease. He frustrated Cagle with his elusiveness but he wasn’t able to produce the type of performance that would make you feel he was destined for greatness, as he coasted to a unanimous decision.
In the following years Foreman had continued building upon his undefeated record but he had also garnered his share of critics along the way. Up until the Santos fight he had wins over recognizable names such as Donny McCrary, Anthony Thompson, and Corneluis Bundrage but fought in a less than fan-friendly style that left many wanting more. Boxing is full of tough critics and no matter how genuine a person is in real life they will be chastised if they can’t excite inside of ropes and such was the case with Foreman.
When his fight against Santos was announced not too many gave Foreman a shot at winning. He hadn’t had any defining wins against top flight opposition and Santos was seen as being too battle tested and dangerous for Foreman to handle. It goes without saying that everyone was in for a little bit of a surprise.
As one of the chief undercard attractions to the November 14th Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto showdown, Foreman put on perhaps his best display as a professional by outboxing and surprisingly outslugging his older foe. Foreman would go on to drop Santos with an awkward right hand while also slightly seeming to push him and from that point forward he seemed to settle in. Santos simply looked noticeably older and flatfooted as Foreman showed enough fortitude to steal the show. Scores of 117-109 twice and 116-110 were read in Foreman’s favor, as he became the first boxer by way of Israel to be crowned a world champion.
At the end of the day it has indeed been a long ride for Yuri, one that has come with its share of sudden change and detractors along the way. Still, he has found a way to claim one of the organization’s belts at 154 pounds and that alone will keep his name freshly in the mix.
Analyzing Foreman vs. Pacquiao
If Pacquiao and Foreman do end up meeting in the ring one has to side with Manny. His recent run of success up the higher weight classes has been remarkable and he has beaten fighters of a higher pedigree than Foreman. Still, at the end of the day boxing is the theatre of the unexpected and there are a few things we need to pay attention to.
For as great as Pacquiao is, every fighter has their limits and maybe 147 pounds is Manny’s ideal resting place. Sometimes when a fighter continues to rise in weight they end up hitting a wall and find themselves in new territory where their strengths in the past aren’t nearly as relevant. Not to say Foreman would be the type of man to expose those things but he is a natural 154 pounder and who knows how well Pacquiao would carry the weight.
Styles make fights. I know it’s a used cliché but there have been cases in the sport of boxing where a fighter has defeated another simply because he has the exact style to give them fits. Foreman isn’t considered a puncher and he isn’t physically imposing, but he has frustrated many of his opponents with his skills and movement. Logic would say that Pacquiao should be able to figure him out but you never know until they are face to face in the ring.
Last but not least, perhaps Pacquiao would be less than motivated for a fight against Foreman. After fighting a legion of world class fighters in his day Pacquiao has seen it all and a dance with Yuri doesn’t seem like the type of contest to light a spark under him.
Whatever happens, everyone in the sport would be looking at this contest as simply an appetizer to the real fights they want Pacquiao to engage in. Not every fight in boxing is the one that we desire but if Pacquiao vs. Foreman comes off we need to take it for what it’s worth.
Chris Robinson is a freelance writer based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. He can be reached at Trimond@aol.com and www.FaceBook.com/CRHarmony. More of his work can be found by clicking HERE and below…
To read Roger Mayweather's thoughts on a Pacquiao-Mayweather clash, click HERE
To read about Pacquiao and the Philippines, click HERE To read about Jeff Mayweather's assessment of a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight, click HERE To read about the buzz on Pacquiao vs. Mayweather, click HERE To read and insider's perspective on Bob Arum, click HERE To hear Paulie Malignaggi's thoughts on Manny Pacquiao, click HERE To read about veteran boxing scribe Michael Marley's weekend in Vegas, click HERE For Pacquiao-Cotto: The story in Pictures, click HERE To hear what Manny and Coach Roach had to say about the fight, please click HERE To Read more about Manny Pacquiao's victory over Miguel Cotto, please click HERE To Hear about Bob Arum speaking on Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, click HERE To Read about the atmosphere inside the MGM please click HERE
Comments
Great level headed analysis.
MP fighting Yuri Forman and winning is legit and legendary only and if MP will face him without catch weight IMO.
Why fight Foreman because he is with top rank? Why not fight a more known champion, not a newly crowned one. It will only add questions along the way, just like when he fought David Diaz. I know Manny can handle the other Champions, why hold back.
This is also an excellent tune up fight for Pacman coz Yuri is also a runner just like Gayweather.
well im gonna tell you that this pacquiao vs moris? they wont sell ther ring cause moris is not a legitimate ppv or paper view
even half million hell no
well pacquiao you wont earn 25 million or even 1 million in moris fight hell no but fight mayweather is for sure
pacquiao should just go for that 8th tittle and fight this yuri kid, then retire...i'll be big
Mayweather stated in an interview saying that all Pacquiao has to do if he wants to fight him is to stand up to the plate.In an interview with Manny ,he stated that he wants to fight Mayweather jr on the record.Is mayweather jr not ready to face Pacman at this stage of time?After seeing Cotto who he once dodge before being brutally beaten by Pacman?I dont see any reason for him not to face Manny.Fighting Matthew Hatton who is considered as a type b or c fighter can'not bring any greatness in him considering the fact that he's claiming as the best and even the greatest in boxing.Please enlighten us about these matters.thank you.
I HOPE YURI BEATS PACMANS ASS WHICH I DOUBT IT BUT I KNOW MAYWEATHER WILL ANYDAY!!!
Not good at all... I'm very disappointed if Manny next fight is not against Mayweather jr nothing against Yuri but this is not a competition for the number of Belt or different Level that he may conquer.
though it is his eigth division title and still the first time in boxing history, still it's not a competitive match-up. it's like a walk in a park for the pacman. Pacman should fight Mosley if not Mayweather before fighting Yuri for the 8th title and then retire...
Credit for Pacquiao if he will fight Yuri Foreman. If fight happens and Pacquiao wins against Yuri better retire and forget Gayweather. Floyd jr. is just cherrypicking his opponent just for the money and protecting his zero record.
A weak champion in Foreman would only serve as another blemish to Pacquiao's otherwise stellar list of conquests, Diaz being the other one.
people are really idiot... why not give credit to manny of fighting yuri if ever that will happen? do you think marquez,mayweather,hatton will fight yuri foreman? yuri is bigger than manny, think about it, does gayweather fight a fighter bigger than him? hell no! so please give credit to manny who will be his opponent is, as long as not shorter and smaller than him... I always give redit to manny whenever he has a fight and I know you also amazed by manny but still looking for an excuses....
While Mayweather is planning a fight with another Jr. Welterweight and class C fighter in Matthew Hatton just to ensure victory and stay undefeated, Manny Pacquiao continue his march towards the greater heights of his career by going north of his newly opened home Welterweight. Fighting Yuri Foreman, which is the WBA Jr. Middleweight champion is a tall order for the Pacman but win or loss, he is much much better than anybody else and comparing to Mayweather, Pacquiao has gone too far and just continue to overshadow the resume of Floyd. Mayweather is officially undefeated but he is not really. He had given before a Gift Win twice. These are fights with Castillo (first) and with dela Hoya.
people wont remember pacquiao for choosing the easiest tittle holders in each division, only the hardcore...they'll only remember him as an 8 tittle holder in 8 diferent divisions...his legacy has been sealed.
Sugar Ray Leonard fought & defeated Donnie LaLonde @ Lt. Heavyweight but with a catch-weight provision.
Did anyone really take notice of that feat? Hell no.
Why have Pac fight an inferior Jr. Middleweight? This is not Pac's style. Don't be like Mongo-Floyd Jr.
The reason why Roach want Foreman is for his pupil to get accustomed to a fight where an opponent does not want to engage but play defensively as preparation for Mayweather fight. They want to test the water of how to maneuver a running opponent. Yo dig?
To Lui: Then tell your boy floyd to sign that contract so he can fight manny in march or april and lets get it on.
there is only one man that can tell us what is happening to Floyd that is #1FLOYDFAN say something!!!
Roach's a genius. He knows Foreman's style and punching power resembles Gayweather. Also, it's a win-win situation because Packy will get used to fight fighters with long reach (Foreman's wingspan is 72 - same as Gay). The belt's a bonus. So this fight should be made. Mayweather knows he has to fight someone first with aggressive attack like Packy so he can simulate his fight with Packy.
ahhhhh it's all drama floyd aint going to fight nobody in england get real...pacquiaos the only fight for floyd mayweather......you can forget this yuri kid...everyone know what your doing cherrypicker
I don't think Pac will fight yuri as he said before 145 is his last div., but if Roach want it I think Paquiao can refuse him he's the master he knows whom Paquiao can beat
what's there to prove? the pacman has nothing to prove anymore. he can retire anytime. the point is, he has beaten the biggest, the great and the greatest in the sports of boxing.
forget about that floyd, his mouth is bigger than his mits.
Better not underestimate boxers, especially when they are entitled a champion. Yuri Foreman is not an amateur hes the new crowned champ in that division, a CHAMPION means that he's considered the best in that division...That's why Pac told the press after the Cotto fight that he's just a normal type of fighter, in my opinion that's why the Pac keeps on winning is he's got the attitude of a CHALLENGER, but a heart of a great CHAMPION! And again Pacman is the challenger in that division, so also for the RECORD, why not go for an 8th title. Mayweather isn't ready for Pac or avoid Pacman, he's just coming out of retirement because of financial issues and now he's picking a less type of fighter somewhere in England just to make "money" and believe me after 5 or more fights he will surely retire. Better not expect the said "former P4P and All time great" (vomit); to fight the best like Pacquiao, Mosley, or Cotto. peace
i don't know about that floyds resume looks better then cottos...6 time world champion in 5 diferent weight classes former P4P king...if pacquiao should be fighting anybody he should be fighting floyd mayweather and if pac wins i don't see any problem with him moving up to face this yuri kid...it's better to get floyd out the way first rather then go up come down......thats a big IF he can beat mayweather...am i the only one who wants to find out?
I would rather see Pac fight Mosley and then retire...
Nothing more to prove...
Why is Mayweather fighting in England? Thinking that he got bigger PPV in England than Pacman that Englishmen already love him? Damn, he's view is really distorted. Of course, Ricky's fans were rooting for him; and after the loss to Mayweather they abandoned him knowing he will also loss to Pacman. What we fans are suspecting here is another round of who's gonna win the PPV if both fighters will fight unpopular opponents and will settle finally the bigger share when two collide. Yo dig?
pacquiao knows where this big PPV fight is all he needs to do is come and get it....nevermind the politics that can come later....strike while it's hot.
The problem in negotiation is not with Pacquio. Floyd is demanding too much. The road is not leading to Floyd, it's the other way around.
Mayweather wants a tune up bout before facing the Pacman and its probably Matt Hatton. Pacquiao will not wait for him.
u see how stupid money may is.
he demanded pacquiao to say that he wants to fight him….
then, when manny says he wants to fight him,
he seconded that manny is on steroid….
hahahaha… lol…
mayweather once said that 90% of the fight is done outside the ring.
and this is just a percentage of it.
dont let mayweather fool you…
March 13 is too soon for Pac to fight. From a stamina standpoint, it's probably good as he does not need much time to build up his endurance. However, he just had a grueling fight with Cotto (the first 6 rounds were and Pac got hit a lot).
Need time to recuperate plus he's been busy donating his sperm cells all over the country. He needs more time and more 'balut' to strengthen his knees.
no he didn't he said manny was on stelroids in the very same interview......so that means even if manny was on stelroids which i belive he is then he don't care he still wants to fight him.....kabesh?
To #1 floydfan: You are so brainwashed by your gay idol aren't you? Did he stuff your head with his panties.
yea im not realy his no1 fan im actualy his no1 stalker i would like to sleep with him lol im kidding you know i just like getting you mad
#1 floydfan is not getting me mad, I actually like picking on him. What a DORK.
If the talks fail, I suggest Pacquiao fight Yuri Foreman anytime while we wait for Floyd Mayweather to grow balls.
If that's the case, considering Manny has a 'Pacman Knows' shirt, would it only be fitting that Yuri makes his own tee shirt:
"Yuri Knows". Hmmm... but that sounds like your anus.
Pacquiao knows...
Your anus...
Yuri Foreman would prepare Pac to fight PBF. It would be like a long sparring session with a belt to boot. Yuri is elusive and a boxer. Pac has to see if he can beat a pure boxer thats at championship level to see if he has a chance against PBF. I think it will be a great idea to fight him first. His power wont hurt Pac even PBF has more KO's.
Matt Hatton as a tuneup hahahaha thats a tuneDOWN!! And floydfan is still showing how rediculously stupid he is by accusing of pac of steroids when he has PASSED 10X drug tests. You dont accuse someone if you have no proof. You are like those MORONS that were witchhunters that murdered innocent people just from rumors & accusations of people being witches. GROW UP MAN!! Dont be like Mayweather Sr a drug addict himself!!
my idea of how the split of money purse if ever pacquiao-mayweather pushes through... 50-50 if either wins by decision or 60-40 if anyone wins by KO/TKO
is yuri related to george foreman? if he is, then manny should kick his ass.
I agree Pacquaio needs to take this fight but with caution ofcourse!That should widen the gap if ever someone wants to break Pacquaios record.Then if Mayweather and Pacquaio meets in the future, win or lose which I doubt Pacquaio will lose, atleast Pacquaio status is still intact as the 8th World Title Holder.
Not even an interesting fight! While Yuri is a slick boxer with a decent defense, he has absolutely no power! He has nothing to stop Pacquiao from coming inside and bashing away at him with his super human strength and speed. This would be a blood bath from start to finish. This fight should be done within 4 rounds, that is unless Yuri covers and runs for his life. Even then, this would only delay the inevitable a couple more rounds. I could think a dozen better opponents.
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