Analyst: Pacquiao needs tune up before Mayweather

If 7-division champ Manny Pacquiao still wants to go after Floyd Mayweather Jr. after his triumph in “The Event”, he would have to take it slow.

“I think he needs a tune up fight,” said seasoned boxing analyst Ed Tolentino.

Tolentino said the world welterweight champ has been thoroughly tested in his last 2 fights that he would need a “breather” should he decide to face Mayweather.

“He has been taking one tough fight after another,” stressed the analyst. “This Clottey fight came just a few months after he rumbled with [Miguel] Cotto for almost 12 rounds.”

Pacquiao went the full route against the durable Clottey, firing 1,231 punches in 12 rounds. He retained his World Boxing Organization (WBO) crown after securing a unanimous decision over the Ghanaian “Grandmaster”.

Elections looming
Tolentino also pointed out that Pacquiao also has other things in mind, which could affect his focus should he fight Mayweather.

Pacquiao is running for Congress this coming May to represent Saranggani Province.

“He's going to make a foray to an election campaign, he needs to get back his focus, he needs to get back his rhythm after the elections,” said Tolentino.

To do this, Pacquiao would have to face a boxer with lesser caliber.

“We also want to take care of Manny Pacquiao, he is our national treasure… we will appreciate if he slows down a little. He has been on high gear since the Cotto fight,” said Tolentino.

With the big guys now
Pacquiao has to be more careful now that he is fighting full-grown welterweights at the peak of their careers, said the analyst.

The Filipino champ won the WBO crown while challenging Cotto at a catch weight of 145 pounds. Although he fought Oscar de la Hoya at 147 pounds, the boxing great was already past his prime during the fight.

“Pacquiao ended the [Clottey] fight with some noticeable marks on his face. Before [that] he was dominating the fight. With Ricky Hatton, he was virtually untouched,” said Tolentino.

“This only shows that in a heavier division, people are not going to fall down and play dead at his command. They're tough they can take your punch and you have to improvise,” he said.

Source: Author Unknown  | abs-cbnnew.com