As we all know, Manny Pacquiao now stands on the brink of doing something that has never been done in the history of the sport.
It took him 14 years to do it, but nonetheless, many careers have been started and have finished with no other man to ever walk the planet accomplishing this optimal feat of winning 7 world titles in 7 different weight divisions.
As we sit at the gates of this amazing feat, boxing pundits, (both left and right wing), have began to now examine the depth of this historical feat up close (and personal).
No one can deny Manny Pacquiao the great feats he accomplished of the past, but with Miguel Cotto adamantly denying Pacquiao this shot at greatness by refusing to stake his WBO welterweight strap and Arum having limited options to change that, the WBC has entered the equation by CREATING what they call the WBC DIAMOND BELT, which is awarded to fighters who find themselves attempting greatness by fighting at a catchweight.
In this equation, whether Cotto's belt is up for grabs or not, Pacquiao would be able to accomplish his same historical feat by winning a belt that no one in history has ever been awarded.
Now, think about what I just said ---- "No one in the history of the sport has EVER BEEN AWARDED".
This is a strap that was created out of thin air by an organization who has had Pacquiao as a major ambassador over the years, once carrying their version of the boxing strap in the Lightweight, Super-featherweight and Flyweight divisions.
WBC President Jose Sulaiman has adamantly professed a certain level of "affinity" to Pacquiao over the years, but many around the sport find the creation of a title which supports something (catchweights) that many of the boxing public have hated from day one to be a shot in the dark which fails miserably to hit the target.
Right now it means little, but looking forward, if Pacquiao were to win this newly created title, and Cotto's WBO strap isn't on the line, what would this do for Pacquiao's stellar legacy overall - as it relates to this historical feat.
The accomplishment is 7 world titles in 7 different weight classes, but the catch here is that a catchweight isn't a weight class, so would the proverbial 'asterisk' be forever summoned to Manny's name if he never wins a more official strap above the jr. welterweight limit?
This is where the division begins. To the Pacquiao faithful, this would be monumental, but trouble is, to those that prefer to stay more neutral on the matter, the catchweight title hasn't truly caught on, so the end analysis would be that Pacquiao indeed dropped the ball when it comes to achieving history.
Both sides of the fence have legitimate points. For Pacquiao fans, it's a strap above the previous weight division that he will have onw; While for his detractors, it would be a title that isn't in an actual weight class.
For now, there are no answers to how this will all pan out, but in the end, I surely wonder whether fight fans who talk about this to their grandkids one day will give a tale of history, or simply HIS-STORY.
Stay tuned.
(Vivek Wallace can be reached at vivexemail@yahoo.com, Youtube (Vivek1251), Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter - V747)
Comments
Title will not be for the WBC DIAMOND BELT. It will be for the WBO Welter weight title. Is this reliable source:
www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=494775&publicationSubCategoryId=200
To invent a "WBC DIAMOND BELT" is a desperate move to make money. Pacman has a rare chance to make history and should not agree with these cheap tricks.
He will be fighting for the WBO belt. Check your sources. Anyway, that WBC belt will just be a show piece not recognized as an actual title. I'm sure if someone gave you a diamond crusted trophy for writing something you would have no problems taking it.
BTW, what's with the "It took him 14 years to do it, but nonetheless". Are you saying he's been a professional boxer since he was 16?
wbc diamond belt huh? w*** da f****
ride on manny. no matter what, you have the cahnce to make history. belt, no belt, diamond belt, or whatever, it won't matter because manny would have done other fighters may just dream about - winning multiple fights at seven different weight classes. pbf, eat your heart out.
Your facts are all wrong. The WBO belt will be official yon the line as confirmed by multiple reputable news sources. Not too mention a guarantee by Arum (as shady as he may be). The WBC belt is simply a show piece and is more like an honorary degree than a real one, everybody knows that, except you. Go back to writing blogs bro, your research sucks.
If i had a low self esteem you'd bother me. Trouble is, i don't. You do the research. Pacquiao and his camp already contacted the WBC to let them know they are interested and people are saying with or without the WBO strap, Pacman will make the historical feat with a win over Cotto b/c he will get the Diamond belt. You guys get so touchy when it comes to Pacman. Get over it. I love the guy too, but i reported what is well known. You're looking into the circle im already in my man. I've been doing this for years. I have the sources, you have to look for them. Big difference. Get educated.
Free: If you're questioning what I said, do your research my man. Pacquiao started his career in 95'. Half the guys on here apparently just started watching the sport this year so they didn't know that.
The previous post was for FREE and the one before the was for CISCO. I (VIVEK WALLACE) failed to identify myself as i tried to direct those post to them.
Who the heck is saying that it would be historic without the WBO belt because of winning that fake WBC belt? Whoever says that should'nt be allowed near the keyboard again.
"You're looking into the circle im already in my man. I've been doing this for years. I have the sources, you have to look for them. Big difference. Get educated."
"Half the guys on here apparently just started watching the sport this year so they didn't know that."
Get off your high horse son, no need to try and put people down. Looks like you forgot how to use the comment box in your boiling rage.
The fans are totally rejecting the idea that this diamond catchweight belt is an "official" title, no matter if the WBC sanctions it as a title bout. Corrupt boxing organizations and their silly little belts don't impress them. Most often the great fighters are recognized and rewarded by high ticket sales and PPV numbers in a sport devoid of any integrity.
Does anyone remember or even care about the WBA Super Championship? No. Scarcity increases value.
"Asterisk" what a dummazz,pacman hater.
Nobody will even remember this fight was at a catch weight. They've been fought since 1900 (the earliest I've found). In a catch weight, both fighters assume additional risk, thus, making it more even on both sides.
Don't forget, Cotto weighed 146 against Clottey; he will have no problems making 145.
If PaCman beat Cotto at 145 pounds do you think his belt at 147 pounds can still be legitimate for him? He will look like a paper champion and with a belt with no value since people will regard PaCman the champion. He should stake his belt and be man enough to relinguish that title for the sake of sportmanship. No need to create another Catchweight belt since many great fighters agree to fight on catchweight. Cotto was the one who wants it 145 and not PaCman. PaCman wants it 142-143 but agreed to Cotto's demands just to make the playing field a little bit level. Anyway, I know PaCman will just blitz through Cotto with amazing speed and knock him out in the 10th.
ONE DAY OF THESE DAY, VIVEK WILL GO TO HELL, OVER 90 MILLION FILIPINO AROUND THE WORLD WILL KICK YOUR ASHH VIVEK, REMEMBER THAT UGLY BIG MOUTH GORILLIA ASSHHOLLLLLL...............
This article ain't no BULLS#IT..... It's HORSES#IT !!!
X-Face: Boiling rage. There's no boiling rage. I'm just well beyond people coming here using ignorant terms like "racist", or being personal because I touch a subject that they're sensitive about. I bust my can and sleep less than 4hrs a night covering various obligations for this sport. To have someone who doesnt have a clue tell me that im wrong is an insult in and of itself. I dont go to Hardware store for a pair of sneakers. I go to the source. So likewise, if you want the truth reported w/out a slant, you're in the right place. If you want to hear ONLY what you want to hear, don't read my material, b/c i don't sell my soul to promoters or fighters for favors, i pour my soul out to the average fan. The ones who want straight scoop w/out a spin.
...a killer!
ringside-news.com
Mayor Lim: I don't only write for the Filipino fans, i write for all. Perhaps if you saw the world from a broad scope you'd realize that there's more to the world and this sport than what you have in front of you. A rainbow wouldnt be beautiful if it only consist of one color. Blend them together and you get the big picture. Think about it. So I'll be whatever you want me to be (gorilla included) but i'd rather you hate me for being honest than love me for telling lies. Get over it dude. It ain't changin' no time soon. Peace.
What you fail to realize is that the WBO Welterweight belt is just a stepping stone to Pacquiao's ultimate greatness and that is his 5th lineal championship. After he runs through Cotto and Mayweather or Mosley... No one will be able to deny that accomplishment.
hey, vivik, maybe you are unaware that michael koncz is on his way to deliver the finally pencilled (by the pac) contract to uncle bob, which stipulated that the fight would be for the WBO welthyweight title bout.
Click: I'm firmly aware of what has been SAID, but it's the ACTION that makes this a fight. We were told a month ago that both parties agreed in principle, yet here we are today still waiting. I dont have an issue with anyone Click. I'm cool with contrasting views and perspectives, but when someone tries to attack my ability to do my job, i have a problem with that. I had a Pacman fan tell me that Pacquiao has defeated 5 welterweights already so cotto would be easy work then attack me with racial words when i told him pacman has only fought one fight at that weight in his life and that was against a man who hadnt in about 8yrs. So that's why i get frustrated. I dont care what anyone calls me because im very confident in who i am, but to attack me personally, that's low, and i will respond. Take care dude. Peace.
clearly noted, vivek... please no offence, i like your article. more power to you.
To settle all the issues and controversies including fairness to everybody involved - let's have both fighters agreed on 147 lbs on fight night, just like the old days. Shall we all push for it? Then, that will settle who is really the best boxer at 147 lbs... no more hassles, no more alibis.
vivek don`t listen to all those idiots who do not know about boxing. Love your article man. more power.
`Manny is like a great book that you just cant stop reading, but as you race through the chapters you wonders which chapter was best; then all of a sudden it ends leaving you wanting more. But all good things will come to an end, let’s just hope Manny gives us an ending we will never forget`.
Even you put an asterick with Pacs win. he still will have at least 6 1/4 or 3/4 World titles more then Dela Hoya. He will still pass Dela Hoya. 6.5 World Titles (.5 for the catchweight)
Good article Vivek. I think you may have sensed that Arum maybe taking the Diamond Catchweight Belt into consideration for Pacman as from that interview of Konckz telling the press it's a done deal and a belt, note "a belt" is on the line. not necessarily Cotto's belt as konckz didnt particularly say that it was Cotto's belt that they will be fighting for. You are right in saying that we Pacquiao fans want a 7th title in seven divisions for Pacman but looking at the forums I have been to, the catchweight belt is trash to us. We don't want Pacquiao to aim for that belt. I don't think WBC is really saying that they care for Pacquiao's cost. In a big way they are robbing Pacquiao of that chance to make history and further put a big exclamation mark on his accomplishments.Instead they are giving Pacman a huge question mark on his accomplishments. Screw WBC, Screw Arum. whew, time to take my chill pill now...
That Diamond Belt should really be called The P4P Belt. The only way it should be on the line if the #1 P4P king defends it against any top #10 P4P opponent in which Cotto is. If PAC were to retire. Then it should be on the line again when #1 P4P rank fighter fights another top #10 p4p fighter. For example if #1 is a Heavyweight and #2 wants to challenge him but he is middleweight then they could meet at a catchweight inbetween both weights!!! Just an Example!!!
In the eyes of many. If he beats Cotto without a belt. It will still go down in history that Pac beat a welterweight Champion. At a welter-weight!!!
I don't care what weight... what important is, it's a title fight..
if he beats Cotto it is assumed that he won Cotto's belt even if it's not at stake...WBC is more prestigious than WBO with matching glittering diamond...WOW what else do you want other than diamond...
147 please...let settle the score there! manny, whats up with the two pounds difference if you does running, playing basketball at 153 lbs. We know you may only have few fights, then why not go fight with all the glorious admiration in a true welterweight class.
am more interested in watching PacMan fight than anybody else, whoever his opponent may be, and whichever title is at stake. Since Cotto is a WBO welterweight champ, why is he not man enough to stake his title? after all, 145lbs is within the DIVISION, and PacMan is way smaller than him!
The WBC Diamond Belt is late. During Dela Hoya Vs Pacquiao is non title fight remember that is the perfect time to create the said WBC Diamond Belt. To announce the New Pound for Pound Champion of the World. Manny Pacquiao.....
Let us go back in time when Sugar Ray Leonard won a world title against Lalonde at a catch weight, did it diminish the glory of Leaonard's victory? Another historical title fight uunder a catchweight condition was Holyfield's victory over a heavyweight boxer whose name escapes me now. Why is there a lot of uproar over the catchweight title fight at 145 pounds between Pacman and Cotton when the latter was weighing 146 lbs in fighting Clottey. A 2 pound difference or 1 pound margin from the welterweight pound mark should not make a lot of difference. THe two pound difference should not deny the boxing fans all over the world the spectacle of a fight between two of the best boxers of this generation. From another angle, we should not ignore the offer of Mosley to fight Pacman at a much lower catch weight of 140 lbs which should support Pacquiao camp's point of view. Maybe, the two fight non-title then after Pac KO'd Cotto they have a rematch at 150 or more lbs with Cotto's crown at stake.
if manny lost to cotto he has still had several chances to get the belt from mosley and floyd or if JMM wins he can still arranged fight and get that belt?
this fight is nonsense just because Money
someone, please start a website that will show a petition or a form of virtual signature drive for boxing fans asking manny NOT TO ACCEPT this stupid belt that will tarnish his legacy and instead fight Cotto at 147lbs. fight like a man manny! ur true legacy,ur legend is merely 2 lbs away! whatever happens, u wont lose anything, and win the hearts of even more boxing fans around the world!(marquez agreed to fight gayweather at 147,u should too).
since Manny is the Real deal
Cotto should fight Manny @ 140 LBS if he can't make it
he should back out of this fight
Cotto is asking for his advantage which is obvious he is coward than PBF
Well, it's still a bigger guy afraid to stake his belt to a smaller guy. It's still a natural lightweight challenging a natural welterweight. If the lightweight beats the best fighter of the welterweight, where is the asterisk on that Vivek?
Did Cotto drained himself, fighting at 146 lbs during his last fight? He practically stake his belt at 146 lbs fighting Clottey. Will he stake his belt against Pacman at 146 lbs. Maybe not, because he want its at 147 lbs? Will the anti PacMan fans recognize this as a welterweigh bout if it is at 146 lbs. May be not again, because welterweight is at 147 lbs?
Get a life people!
manny should fight at 147lbs but the weigh-in should be on the fight day.
JMM is fighting PBF for the money for his retirement
@ 144 Lb, while Cotto is fighting for saving his ballS and afraid of losing to a smaller Man asking to fight @147 FOR THE BELT IS COWARDICE
we want to cash in the pacman-cotto fight so we created the wbc buy-amond i mean diamond belt.
vivek probably is a puerto rican.
wrong again, mister. nobody hates catchweights. actually, boxing fans love them because they make possible great fights like cotto-pac to happen.
Whether the belt is at stake or not it doesn't matter dickhead, IF Manny do his job as a fighter he will be consider one of the greats in boxing.
How come you hate catchweight so much? Is it not reasonable to meet in-between classweights. Pacquiao's last weight was 138lbs while Cotto's was 146lbs. I think Pacquiao's body, height and weight cannot go beyond 147lbs criteria during the fight night while Cotto can even reach 150+lbs. That's why catchweight is coming in just to be fair and show respect. You're not even in favor of Diamond belt. So what do you want?
its better than Gayweather's "GUESSWEIGHT", perhaps no boxing organization will do an insane weight class like that. Only Goldengay & Gayweather will do that....
That's Mr. Wallaces HIS-STORY! Your the only one who cannot understand whats the weightlimit is all about! I wonder how you became a writter! They are paying for being dumb?
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