The way Manny Pacquiao broke down Lucas Matthysse before ending their world-title fight on a TKO note in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday was vintage "Pacman," no doubt.
Because of the thrilling nature of the finish — it was Pacquiao's first win that didn't go to the scorecards in the last 9 years — one fight analyst believes this should give Pacquiao a more compelling reason to hang up his gloves.
"For me, I heed for (Pacquiao) to call it a career, because not everyone gets a storybook ending in this sport," Nissi Icasiano said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
"History shows that when a legendary boxer pushes the envelope too far, the sport has a way of being harsh, has a harsh way of sending out heroes that elevated the sport in a heartbreaking manner.
"In short, boxing with its cruel nature, doesn't smile upon aging legends. We all saw that . . . when he fought Jeff Horn.
"But if he wants a good exit, this is the right time to call it a career."
However, if Pacquiao decides he wants to give the fight game a few more go's, he may want to welcome an old friend back to the team.
Pacquiao has showered Buboy Fernandez with praise for devising a sound game plan that enabled him to beat Matthysse.
But should decide to go up against more formidable opponents, he might want to consider reviving his partnership with Freddie Roach.
Icasiano believes that Fernandez deserves credit for the patient, methodical approach that allowed Pacquiao to break down Matthysse.
But the names being lined up as Pacquiao's next assignment are far more daunting.
"If (Pacquiao) plans to move on to the best of (the 147-pound division), talking about Terrence Crawford, Keith Thurman and Errol Spence (Jr.), or at 140 Vasyl Lumachenko, he needs Freddie Roach because he needs a great mind behind those fights," Icasiano said.
source: news.abs-cbn.com
