What made this a little different from those in the past was that this fight was held in Macao. Yes, you read it right. Macao, the former Portuguese colony that has now returned to mother China. And why was this event held in Macao? Well, Top Rank wanted to promote big time boxing in Asia, particularly in the gambling kingdom of Macao. He also wanted to make sure such fights were more accessible to those in this part of the world. He even included an upcoming, former Olympic Chinese boxer as an undercard bout to draw more interest. These were all great reasons why the fight was held in Macao.
But were there more? Absolutely!
The main reason this fight was held in this part of the world was all about money -- much, much more money..... for Manny, Bob, and everyone else. And why was this so? Well, taxes are (much, much) less in Macao than in anywhere in mainland USA. Can you imagine all the monies that Pacquiao reportedly had made all these years fighting in the US, and how much he actually took home after taxes? I was surprised he didn't do it much sooner. He could have probably bought the entire province of Saranggani (of which he is the congressman of) with what could have been his earnings. Now I don't really know if it mattered for Rios because he would have paid US taxes anyway, regardless of where he fought since he is an American citizen. But not Pacquiao.
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| Manny Pacquiao (left) & Brandon Rios (right) |
And the promoter had also figured out the pay-per-view aspect of this bout and how it was important that this fight be viewed in the evening, at prime time, in the US and in most of the Western world. All they had to do was to have the fights in the morning. So, the first undercard, scheduled to air at 6:00pm PST, Saturday, was fought at 10:00am, Sunday, Macao time. By the time Pacquiao got on the ring with Rios, it was almost 9:00pm PST, or almost 1:00pm. Seemed a bit unusual, but it's the just way it is. And these boxers don't really care what time of day they fight. If they're ready, they are ready.
I will not do a blow-by-blow of the fight. But I'll share with you what I saw. Pacquiao no longer has the same aggressiveness and appetite he used to have prior his terrible knockout. He was a smarter fighter, at least for this bout. He knew that he couldn't risk another careless approach, as he did the last time, and be stung by one lucky punch. I was expecting a brawl, as his opponent was one. But Pacquiao wouldn't have any of it. He would come in, throw his punches, then pull back and dance around. Very not-so-typical of him, or at least, from what I have seen of him in past fights. This was why the match went the distance, and he didn't even shake Rios one bit. His knees never buckled. It's either Rios just had a really tough chin or Pacquiao no longer has the strength to pull out a winning punch.
I didn't realize that a welterweight belt was up for grabs, but her got one. With his victory, I would expect more fights lined up for him. Will there ever be this dream match against Mayweather? Probably not. Pacquiao's win wasn't convincing enough. Not for me, at least. Are there anyone else tougher and stronger than Rios? I don't know. But he should start lining up better fighters if he wants to gain back lost prominence. Will another Pacquiao-Marquez be worth it? For the money, certainly! Will it really mean anything? Who said it mattered.
At the end of the day, it is all about MONEY -- lost of it. Is that right, Mr. Congressman? How much more money do you need? And have you asked your pastor about this? I am sure he will say, it's OK.
Note: Author wishes to acknowledge the New York Daily Times for the use of the photograph in this post.
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