It seems as if the world is eagerly anticipating the boxing bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. Even Mike Tyson, who recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of his first professional fight, is weighing in.
“If you think about the fighters who gave Pacquiao the most trouble, Bradley and Marquez, threw a lot of punches. Floyd doesn’t throw 100 punches per round,” said Tyson. “Floyd’s got to fight the first couple of rounds. He is more scientific – he plots. He’s not going to be able to play that skill. That’s just my opinion.”
Local boxer Lamon Brewster, who boxed for 30 years, has spent time with both Mayweather and Pacquiao and says there are things that make the men distinctively different. In the instance of Mayweather Jr., Brewster said he’s a great defensive boxer with lightning-fast hands, has mongoose-like skills and breaks his opponent down. Pacquiao’s advantages are that he throws straight punches, he throws frequent, hard punches and he’s left-handed.
“This is really going to be something because of their styles,” said Brewster. “The one who wants it the most is going to win. The one who does their homework, trains the hardest in the gym and sacrifices is who’s going to win.”
Indianapolis resident George “Honeyboy” Blades, a professional boxer, also knows both fighters and echoes Brewster’s opinion.
“Manny’s coming. He throws a lot of punches and he’s a southpaw. He’s a strong fighter. Floyd lost to Louis Castillo, a southpaw – they give him problems. Pacquiao’s got to throw a lot of punches,” said Blades. “And if you look at Pacquiao’s legs, he’s got very strong legs. That’s where the power comes from.”
Blades also said both men have great trainers. Despite this, his top choice remains Mayweather Jr.
“I support my brotha.’ I’d like to see him retire undefeated,” said Blades.
While boxing enthusiasts have their differing opinions, they all agree that boxing is a rigorous sport that requires heart and dedication and that both Mayweather Jr. and Pacquiao worked extremely hard to get to where they are today in their careers.
Boxers are known for how they use their bodies to gain athletic advantage but Hoosier boxers say what makes a fighter great happens well before one steps into the ring.
“It takes a special person to be a boxer. If you don’t have it in you to be a fighter, you shouldn’t become one just to make money. That can only take you so far – it takes passion,” said Brewster. “You can’t fake it to get to the top.”
Brewster’s professional record is 35 wins, 6 losses and 30 knockouts. He’s also known for beating Wladimir Klitschko to become Heavyweight Champ of the World in 2004.
He said fighters also need heart, determination, sacrifice, an impeccable diet, a good sleep regimen, the ability to learn well and a good trainer.
Brewster recalls the days when good boxing trainers were ample. He said many of them have passed away and have left a void in the sport. Trainers today are about money and not primarily for molding talent.
“Trainers today are so focused on the way a guy looks and taking them to titles so they can get more money. They’re not concerned with him being a great fighter or a reigning champion,” said Brewster. “And there was a time when you didn’t really go outside of the ring to find a boxer. They came to you. Now they’re going to basketball courts or football fields recruiting.”
Blades said boxing has its negative aspects but those aspects have become even more negative today.
“It’s a dirty business. Everybody’s trying to take from you and cut your throat,” added Blades, who said he trains and promotes himself rather than working with third parties.
Brewster also said that Blacks being able to now participate in other sports has weakened the pool of great boxing champions.
Blades believes the makings of a great boxer starts within the mind.
“You’ve got to have a strong mind. The mind must control the body,” said Blades, who in addition to boxing, trains fighters.
Blades, who owns a gym on Indianapolis’ West side called House of Champions Boxing and Fitness, explains that while he can instruct a fighter how to throw a good punch, if the boxer doesn’t crave victory, coaching doesn’t matter.
Blades’ record is 26 wins and 6 losses.
For those who are interested in boxing, the boxers offer the following advice: “If you want to get into boxing, think first. It’s a very serious sport and if you’re not willing to give 100 percent, don’t do it. If you decide to pursue boxing, find a quality trainer.”
