Pacquiao is fans’ top pick for Ring Mag’s 'Fighter of the Year'

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao is the top choice to become Ring Magazine’s 2010 “Fighter of the Year” based on the publication’s fan poll.

Based on the poll conducted by Ring Magazine, which is called “the bible of boxing”, Pacquiao is the runaway winner for the award, receiving 71% of the total votes.

Argentine boxing champion Sergio Martinez, who was chosen by most boxing websites as their Fighter of the Year, only received 24% of votes.

“Sergio Martinez’s decision over Kelly Pavlik to capture the middleweight championship of the world and one-punch knockout of Paul Williams clearly were more impressive than the accomplishments of any other fighter,” said Ring Magazine writer, Michael Rosenthal, in his blog.

“We’re in the era of Manny Pacquiao, though. The world’s greatest fighter is so popular – particularly among his passionate countrymen – that we knew with certainty that he would be the runaway winner of the award. Facts be damned,” he added.

Rosenthal said that although 2010 was not Pacquiao’s greatest year in terms of achievements “it certainly was a productive one”.

The Filipino champion forced Ghana’s Joshua Clottey to a defensive mode last March 13 to score a lopsided decision and retain his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title.

Pacquiao also demolished Mexican “giant” Antonio Margarito in 12 rounds on Nov. 13 to win his 8th world title in 8 weight classes: the World Boxing Council (WBC) super welterweight crown.

“We don’t think much of the alphabet titles but to be a dominating fighter in 8 of the 17 weight classes is remarkable,” said Rosenthal.

Martinez, however, had the more challenging fights in 2010.

The Argentine champ decisioned Pavlik to win the capture the WBC middleweight title on April 7. He followed this victory up with a smashing one-punch knockout of Williams on Nov. 20.

Fans’ role
Rosenthal said fans play a great role in picking the magazine’s Fighter of the Year awardee.

“Boxers don’t perform in a vacuum,” he said. “The fans are part of the equation, which is why many of us believe a fighter’s ability to entertain the masses is one factor in determining greatness.”

Rosenthal cited that fans were always in awe each time Pacquiao fights in the ring whoever his opponent was.

“We love to watch Pacquiao fight, regardless of the opponent. Pacquiao was never in danger of losing to Margarito, for example, but we were in awe of what we saw in the ring nevertheless. This is what Pacquiao gives us fight after fight after fight, which is why he has become a worldwide icon,” he said.
source: abs-cbnnews.com/sports/