In the ring

On the eve of another epic fight, Manny Pacquiao’s most distinguished biographer weighs in. ‘He will have to make a serious mistake, or three, to lose. I think Marquez will be in trouble early.’

Gary Andrew Poole is the author of Pacman, the best book about Manny Pacquiao so far. He’s done extensive reporting about the man, covering him from his fights to where he lives. As one senior editor says of Poole, he doesn’t need to interview Pacquiao to write about Pacquiao.

A contributor to the New York Times, Time, The Atlantic as well as Esquire Philippines, Poole gives Young Star an exclusive about the National Champ’s chances for tomorrow, his skills as a fighter, and also his future.

YOUNG STAR: Why does Manny Pacquiao seem to hold a fascination over the public that no other boxer enjoys today? Is it just his abilities in the ring?

GARY ANDREW POOLE: There is a fascination with Manny that goes beyond the ring. No matter what he does, people just seem to find him interesting. It’s like a Bruce Lee thing. People are intrigued at the paradox of Manny: a gentle man with a warm smile and a hearty laugh who punches the hell out of people for a living; the uneducated kid from the streets who is a Congressman and wants to be president. I know some of the public write him off as simple, but the reality is that his different stories weave together into a complex narrative that makes him constantly interesting.

Is there anything else to write about him?

Manny is a young man with big ambitions. If he continues to box and continues his political career, I think there is a lot more to write about Manny. 

Are you doing another book?

A new, updated version is coming out soon. I’m not planning another Pacquiao book at this time. Maybe when he fights Mayweather, or runs for president.

How has the experience been like for you covering Pacquiao?

A blast.

What do you think he should do after the fight with Marquez?

Fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. Who else?

When was the last time you met or talked to him?

I talked to Manny a week or so ago. I talked with him about his upcoming fight, and some other stuff, for about 10 minutes as he wrapped his hands. He seemed relaxed and focused on the fight. I also watched him spar. He looked incredibly sharp.

In your honest opinion, is he as great a fighter as he’s touted to be?

In the modern era, yes, he is a great fighter. He is also a very unique boxer. What he does in the ring, especially his ability to create “impossible” angles, feels like a privilege to witness.

But what are his weaknesses?

His incredible speed and quickness and volume of punches mask his mistakes. One thing: until recently, after he threw a combination he wouldn’t always get under and out — he was too stationary. But he seems to have corrected that flaw, and his escapability is off-the-charts.   

What’s the most interesting Pacquiao story that you’ve heard or experienced?

Going to the southern Philippines and seeing people lined up and holding their hospital bills — and Pacquiao paying them — made a big impression on me.

Will he win tomorrow?

Yes. He will have to make a serious mistake, or three, to lose. I think Marquez will be in trouble early.