The 'Philippine Typhoon' Cliche Works

Commentators have started to refer to Manny Pacquaio as a 'Philippine Typhoon'. It's a bit of an obvious cliche. Yes, there are typhoons in the Philippines. And yes, Pacquiao is a fast. destructive fighter. Let's put the two together!

There is one thing this cliche does nail though: Pacquiao's unpredictability. This is one of his major weapons. Most fighters punch in a rhythm; Pacquiao doesn't. One moment he'll throw one punch. The next he'll launch about twenty. Combine that with his speed and, as Cotto said himself, you really don't know where the punches are coming from.

What A Difference An 18 Months Makes

In the middle of 2008, Manny Pacquaio was a great super-featherweight whilst Miguel Cotto was a great welterweight. Back then, people weren't talking about a fight between the two because Cotto was too big. This weekend when they meet in the ring, Pacquaio is the favourite .

Of course, one went on to astonish the world by moving up in weight, stopping Oscar De La Hoya then poleaxing Ricky Hatton. The other took a terrible battering from Antonio Margarito and hasn't looked quite the same since.  

Pacquiao may be an exceptional little fighter, but to what extent were De La Hoya and Hatton defeated by the scales and Mr. Guinness respectively? And how likely is it that Margarito used illegally loaded gloves to beat Cotto? We'll find out more this weekend, but it might just be that the views of 18 months ago aren’t as out of date as most people seem to think. 

Haye Holds All The Aces, Except The Big One

Haye holds most of the advantages over Valuev for this Saturday's freaky heavyweight fight. He's faster, more skillful, more athletic and I reckon he actually probably hits harder. 

But there is, of course, one thing that Valuev has over Haye: sheer size.

Valuev isn't a big hitter but he knows how to use his mountainous size to good effect. Will Haye be able to get inside and inflict damage, then get out before being mauled by this beast of a man? I hope so, but I don't think he'll be able to do it consistently or for long enough to win. But the great thing about boxing is: you just never know.