Getting Wet With Pacquiao

In the battle of Humberto’s, Soto put Toledo’s light's out! Tools to beat Pacman? Depends on whether his skin can be the dam that holds up to the rain of punches?


When I refer to Pacquiao’s “rain of punches”, I don’t refer to a slight shower, I refer to a storm from hell that would flood the Grand Canyon. With Manny, when it rains it definitely pours and for a guy with faulty skin, Soto could just be out of business at any time because he’s bound to get wet.




While Soto looked pretty damn sharp in his fight this past Thursday night, I’m not so quick to anoint him as the answer for Mexico’s drought against the Filipino slugger. “La Zorrita” showed a vast array of straight punches, head movement, and professional polish over the 3 rounds of action. He threw leather in combination and remained composed after hurting his opponent. I definitely liked what I saw.


The only drawback to the 26 year-old warrior is his tendency to cut. When getting a good look at his face, it’s evident that there’s a good amount of scar tissue that’s just waiting to crack open. Against a conventional, tactical boxer who picks his spots and looks to get out of harms way this might not play such a factor. On the other hand, against a southpaw demon like Pacquiao, the factor will be in full effect. Not only will he have to deal with a serious onslaught of punches raining down on him but the head-clash factor is always a danger.


I think a battle between the young Mexican and the Pacman would be a vicious scrap while it lasts. Unlike “El Terrible”, Soto is in his physical prime and looks to be as polished as he’s going to get. I haven’t seen his chin truly tested yet but I have a gut feeling that it’s not exactly paper mache. In looking at the tale of the tape, “La Zorrita” seems to have a very similar build to that of Erik Morales and possesses some of the same qualities that gave Manny some trouble.


Hopefully this fight can be made to sustain the Mexican-Filipino rivalry that has captivated the general public over the last few years. There have been a number of excuses made and reasons given for Pacquiao’s dominance over the Mexican kingpins such as his opponents being “unfocused”, “weight-drained”, or “past their prime.” With Soto there would be on excuses because the young lion is in his prime and ready for war.


C’mon Mr. Arum, let’s make this rainstorm happen, the fans are ready to get wet when these two punching machines open up the flood gates of leather.


jchavez