By: Alon Calinao Dy

After the devastating effect of super typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines on Friday, former pound-for-pound king and eight-world division champion Manny Pacquiao is focusing on his upcoming battle against former WBO light welterweight champion Brandon “Bam-Bam” Rios at The Venetian Macao resort and hotel in Macau, China on Nov. 23, 2013.

We have seen many exciting fights of Pacquiao before, winning major world titles from WBC flyweight (112lbs.) champion to WBC light middleweight (154lbs.) champion in the world. He also sent into retirement some of the legendary boxers such as Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Shane Mosley, and many others.

Despite his great achievements in boxing, some labelled him using illegal substance or steroids without any clear evidence. Others would question him why he didn’t agree to the early proposal of Floyd Mayweather, Jr. for some blood tests before or actual day of the fight. Actually, Pacquiao did agree to be tested right after the fight, because he never wanted his trainings to be interrupted. For this reason, they disagreed at each other’s terms and conditions. That’s why, the long-awaited feud between these two best fighters, didn’t materialize.

Manny Pacquiao then became a global icon, “fighter of the decade,” actor, singer, politician, and long-rated best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, while Floyd Jr. maintained his perfect record. Pacquiao turned out to be the beast in the ring, but gentleman outside. He fought every fighter in front of him without throwing demeaning words to everyone of them. He even prayed for his rival after the bout. That’s make the sport of boxing so exciting and entertaining because fighters have respect for each other.

On the other hand, Brandon Rios is a young, fearless and hungry warrior, who planned to derail the career of the Filipino boxing hero.

When Rios face Mike Alvarado at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California on October 13, he came with a lot of fireworks and defeated Alvarado in the 7th round by knockout. Just like Pacquiao, he wanted to fight toe to toe and didn’t care much who is going to be eliminated. In short, he’s an exciting fighter to watch in boxing.

There are so many speculations now about the chance of Rios against Pacquiao. Many people don’t give him enough credit to win this bout. Rios, as what he said in one of the interviews with the sweetscience, was prepared for any situation in this fight. He also intended to follow the blueprint of Marquez when he faces the great Filipino boxer on Nov. 23.

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