Wishing very much to be wrong on Manny Pacquiao

Intuitively, the imminent defeat of the Pacman in the hands of Brandon Rios in their forthcoming November fight at Macau appears predictable enough. He could be done in the seventh round.

The odds at this point against Manny Pacquiao are formidable, to wit:

1. He is not getting any younger.

1. He has awesome responsibilities as congressman of the Republic of the Philippines. And with his shameful record as the No. 1 absentee of Congress, he cannot but be tremendously disturbed. Because he knows that for many Filipinos, Pacquiao is, by nature, a good man.

3. Catholicism is deeply etched in Pacquiao’s psyche, what with Aling Dionisia’s proddings since childhood; but, now, he is a born-again Christian. Don’t discount Mommy Dionisia’s wrath!!!

Intense focus on devotion is sine qua non. For it is indispensable in conditioning not only the mind but also the heart, and this is especially a long and arduous process. A self-hype no less. Failure in this could discombobulate the entire persona and screw up agility and speed—and sap power.

4. Financial concerns. Lots of them reportedly. These could translate into lots of headaches for an instant billionaire.

5. Opulence and celebrity status go subliminal and deep. In big ways, it could adversely affect Pacquiao’s mental-toughening regimen. And his physical fitness, eventually. Hence, the daily grind in the gym whether in Baguio, Saranggani or Roach’s for three months without letup could drain the Pacman’s body and spirit, already spoiled for quite a time now by the good life.

6. And Rios’ aggressiveness was supposedly tailored for the Pacman’s devastating power prior to Pacquiao’s “Marquez debacle.”

Yet, wishfully, I hope very much I am wrong.

—RUDY B. MEDENILLA,

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