In March of 2005 Freddie Roach watched Manny Pacquiao lose a close decision to Erik Morales and decided that something had to change. Morales had boxed to the best of his ability, and by doing so, had squeaked out a close, but deserved, decision. Roach's fighter, on the other hand, had more talent to burn, but hadn't yet learned how to set it on fire.
Pacquiao, typical of boxers, had grown up poor and relied on boxing as a way up and out of poverty. His natural talent won most of his fights, his lack of technique cost him two KO losses early in his career. But as long as Pacquiao racked up wins he became more marketable, and his aggressive style put butts in seats. Pacquiao's raw talent had put him in the ring with world class talent, but Roach knew that if he was going to stay there he had to learn to box.
Have the Humility to Learn
Learning isn't easy. In order to learn, one must have the humility to admit that he is either ignorant or wrong, and have the courage to change. Pacquiao has changed, and his humility has made him a superstar.
Become a Two-Handed Fighter
Roach refused to believe that Pacquiao must remain a one-handed fighter. Back in the gym, he forced Pacquiao to throw right hands almost exclusively until throwing it was as natural as throwing his left.
The Art of Tactical Retreat
Pacquiao learned that backing up, tactical retreat, is not a sign of weakness, but a necessary surveying of the landscape. By backing up, gloves held high and tight, he could gauge the power and speed of his opponents--useful knowledge to the thinking fighter.
Use Lateral Movement
Incorporating lateral movement helped Pacquiao avoid unnecessary punishment, improving his stamina and helping to avoid vision impairing cuts and swelling. By moving first, Pacquiao learned that opponents were forced to react to him, an almost insurmountable task given his natural advantage in speed.
Don't Be Predictable in the Ring
Roach taught Pacquiao that fighting in unpredictable patterns--mixing up the types and punch count of combinations--keeps opponents guessing and unable to time counterpunches.
Find a Trainer You Trust Then Trust Him
In the corner, Pacquiao listens to Roach's instruction, trusts his trainer's wisdom, and when the bell rings, does what he's told.
Pacquiao learned that talent, while a wonderful gift from God, has it's limits. At the world-class level of any profession, those who succeed honor their God-given talent by learning the skills needed to apply it. Those with talent alone will rise only so far, for only so long. Those with skill alone will be their match. The talented, who have the humility to learn, will dominate.
Bill Scherer - Bill Scherer has written for RingSports.com and TigerBoxing.com, enjoyed a stint as the Managing Editor for FightTube.tv and is a United ...
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