Pacquiao can bounce back, you say? First, Pacquiao needs to address the problem that led to his devastating loss (Marquez 4). It seems the consensus opinion here is that, DISTRACTIONS led to his destruction. It makes sense then that his # 1 priority in staging a comeback is to GET RID of all these DISTRACTIONS. His main goal then should be, FOCUS! FOCUS! FOCUS! Distractions and focus cannot co-exist. They are 180 degree of each other. Once Pacquiao has established and accepted these, then he must set measures to reach his main goal (Focus) by getting rid of the main problem (Distractions).
I) WHAT ARE THE DISTRACTIONS?
A) His new-found religion - 1) Get rid of the pastors. Easy said than done. But if he wants to really reach his main goal (Focus), it MUST be done. As they say, by hook or by crook. 2) Stop Bible studies, night prayers, etc. They serve no purpose for achieving the main goal. they are nothing but distractions. Pacquiao can still fulfill his Catholic, oops, Christian responsibility by going to Sunday Services.
B) Stop politicking. Take a leave from Congress, if necessary. No campaigning in behalf of other politicians. May even have to ask wife to temporarily hold off her plans to run for public office as it most likely will interfere with his training.
C) Trim Pacquiao Team to bare minimum. In training, less is more. Get rid of the kibitzers, smoochers, hangers-on, shadows, etc. They serve nothing to improve once training but only cause more distractions. Long-line entourage also create distractions and MUST be trimmed to a trusted few.
D) "If you train hard, the fight is easy," Pacquiao's very own words. He should live up to his own Golden Rule. He can only train hard if there are no distractions. No more part-time training in the Philippines and part-time training at the Wild Card Gym. Train from start to finish at the Wild Card Gym. Period! Except for the scheduled media contacts, have training sessions CLOSED to public. Be a good pupil. Listen to Roach and the experts of the Team Pacquiao. Make them earn the big money you're paying them for.
II) ABOUT THE COMEBACK PREP:
A) LEARN - Defense! Defense! Defense! Pacquiao should watch the Marquez fights over and over and over, again especially the 4th fight. Marquez exposed Pacquiao. The word is out, "Don't fight toe-to-toe with Pacquiao. Watch for an opening, then boom. Just be patient. Pacquiao will eventually show it."
B) SEEK help from a professional therapist. Family and friends can console you but a professional therapist (not a pastor) can help you go through all the emotional letdown (eg. depression) from that devastating KO loss. It's not a sign of weakness. That devastating KO loss won't be easy to overcome alone. Not only Pacquiao should be physically prepared but also psychologically to stage a comeback. Boxing is not just show of brute and force. It's 50% physical and 50% psyche. They work together, in unison. They are the "yin and yang" of boxing.
Pacquiao has reached a fork in the main road. One leads to the Retirement Road, the other to the Comeback Road. Which one will Pacquiao choose, only he knows. IMHO, Pride will prevail and eventually Pacquiao will choose the Comeback Road but it won't be easy. Whether he chooses the former or the latter, All the Best for him.
Just my 2 cents.
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