Pound-for-Pound

They are two of the best boxers in the world right now, and their titanic battle (which is somewhat of an ironic statement when it’s a 147-pound weight limit) will take place in Las Vegas this Saturday.

It’s no Ali – Frazer I’ll put it that way.

The World’s Greatest Boxer, Manny Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35 KO’s), and the Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya (39-5-0, 30 KO’s), square up for the first time in their careers. An estimated $100 million is expected to roll around Sin City and through the media waves in pay-per-view purchases. It seems like enough dough for me to have my face pounded in.

What’s most interesting, though, is this will be the first time Pacquiao fights at this weigh-in. On the contrary, De La Hoya hasn’t boxed at this level since 2001. And to think there’s actually a size advantage? Well, yes there is. The Golden Boy, at 5-foot-10 inches, is a full four inches taller than Pacquiao. He’s also six years older. Such an old man…

This is it though. It’s De La Hoya’s farewell fight. His last hurrah. The final stand.

Or is it?

Boxers, since the power of Jack Johnson in the 1920’s and the productivity of Mohammed Ali in the 1960’s, seem to always have that one last fight in them. One more round figuratively speaking.

It’s the longevity boxers seem to pride themselves in having.

It’s never wanting to back down from a challenge until enough is enough. Until you can’t walk anymore. Until the referee has to call the fight because someone can’t see out of an eye and their nose is halfway across their face.

You’ve seen it with George Foreman who came back at 45 to become the oldest boxer to win the World Heavyweight Title against a 26-year-old. Michael Moorer I guess felt like going soft on the big man. A little too soft. Big George found grills, though. He’s set for life. There’s no need to return to the ring for this man.

What about the ‘Real Deal’ Holyfield? Evander ‘retired’ from boxing in 2004 at the a

ge of 42, but he’s since returned in 2007. However, a little rust still remains on the gloves. He lost is last bout and barely lasted through the previous four. He’s been criticized for putting his career and desire in front of his health, which people fear will deteriorate in the ring before he has a chance to see 50. His missing ear is evidence he might not make it there.

Let’s bring it to someone more modern. Roy Jones Jr. was considered the ‘Fighter of the Decade’ in the 1990s. His absence from the ring in 2005 took him to a ringside position, but that wasn’t satisfying. He was fired. However, he’s since entered the ring every year up till now fighting wherever and whenever he can get a good deal. Felix Trinidad was his latest victim this past January. He’s 40 years old. Did I just say he was modern?

Ok. Here’s someone who’s at least more recent. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is only 31, but he also shied away from the ring early last year after his fight with Ricky Hatton. A two-year layoff he said. Well, at least he didn’t fudge retirement into waiting around for another fight to keep himself out of debt. Maybe the smartest of them all (or at least the brightest money-maker), Mayweather Jr. appeared in an array of other ventures like World Wide Wrestling and music singles with famous rappers. The ‘Pretty Boy’ can keep his face pretty a few years longer. His undefeated streak remains intact. That is, until he comes out of ‘retirement’ he declared earlier this summer.

That brings me back to De La Hoya.

Is this REALLY the last fight for him? Can anyone honestly believe that he’s done with putting on the gloves?

Sure there are countless other names I forgot to mention who still haven’t hung the gloves up for good. Mike Tyson may be one that jumps to the front of your mind, but he’s not even fighting professionally anymore. He can’t even fight on a school playground without giving up a round in a two-round fight.

The MGM Grand along with Golden Boy Productions (De La Hoya’s promotion company) will host the 12-round bout in front of another sell out crowd. The fight of the century it’s being called. Boxing has been able to slip a few big-name fights onto what would otherwise be another poor fight card these past few years. When are they not these days though? Whatever keeps the sport alive I guess…

The historic art is giving way, but just like all the old and out-dated boxers who keep coming back for more punishment, boxing will always be hanging around until it’s put down for good by something bigger and better at making the big bucks.

Unless you see another Ali, Foreman or Sugar Ray walking the streets, you’re much better off catching these bouts in your nearest bar than shelling out the $60 to sit at home to watch another lopsided, uneventful slap fight. Who’s the face of boxing? I’m pumped for the speed and precision I expect to see Saturday night, but maybe I’m just wishing upon a star.

Nothing lives up to the hype these days…