COOLER TALK - THE STATE OF BOXING

HATTON v. PACQUIAO. This past weekend, I found myself out at a bar getting ready to watch the highly anticipated fight between Hatton vs. Pacquiao. The brawl was expected to be the fight of the year, as two of the sports finest were set to go toe-to-toe, for an epic throwdown. But that wasn't the case. Following two first round knockdowns, Pacquiao dropped Hatton in the second round with a pulverizing, two fisted beat down. Methodical and destructive is the best way to describe Pacquiao's beat down of the Hitma, who never seemed to have a chance. The fight was over so fast that I, most likely among others, was left wishing for another opponent for Pacquiao to take on. Both of these fighters are champions. And Both have battled and beaten some of the sports best. But it was Pacquiao who stood above the rest on Saturday night, becoming the new junior welterweight world champion. Furthermore the win cements his status as the worlds best pound-for-pound fighter. Pacquiao has now won championships in six weight classes (112, 120, 126, 130, 135, 140) - tied with Oscar De La Hoya for the most. For now, or until Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao meet, PacMan will remain king of the world. 

STATE OF BOXING. IS THERE HELP ON THE WAY? Not sure. At this point I don't see a light at the end of the tunnel. They biggest fights always have been between the heavy fisted, heavyweight sluggers. Too many of the so-called big fights are between the lower weight classes. People have lost interest. The big characters of the past are gone, and as much as Floyd Mayweather Jr. tries to attract attention to the sport he isn't big enough. Boxing needs another Ali, Foreman, or Tyson. Another problem boxing is facing is that their are far too many weigh classes. It is too hard to follow boxing. Through the years, the amount of weight classes has inflated from three or four to a number that is closer to 20. My advice for the world of boxing... use the KISS rule - Keep It Simple Stupid! Lets just hope Mayweather in his return (in August) can win so that the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight won't be just a dream fight. Pretty Boy Floyd taking on the Pacman just sounds right, and has fight of the decade written all over it.