BERT SUGAR'S PRE-FIGHT ANALYSIS

by Bert Sugar with Steve Small

STRENGTHS OF EACH FIGHTER

MANNY PACQUIAO

- Manny Pacquiao (pronounced Pack-Key-ow) is fast, fast, fast. Not only does he get out of the gate quickly--as witnessed by his three knockdowns in the first round against Juan Manuel Marquez--but comes at his opponent quickly in a hell-bent-for-leather manner always throwing punches.

- Well-conditioned, Pacquiao possesses bottomless energy, enabling him to maintain his almost windmill-like attack throughout, his offense being his defense.

- "The Pac-Man" moves in behind a sharp right jab from his southpaw stance, oftimes doubling it up, and then follows with a powerful left--including hooks and uppercuts--which in range tends to be very effective.

MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA

- As opposed to the earlier version of Barrera who was a one-dimensional slugger, today's version is a complete package, both boxer and puncher.

- A straight-up fighter, Barrera possesses an excellent jab which is powerful and long enough to keep his opponent at long range.

- Unlike most veterans Barrera can alter his style fight-to-fight adapting to the style of his opponents--here see his second fights against Erik Morales and Rocky Juarez--and will make adjustments to counter Pacquiao.

- Possesses one of the most debilitating, bone-rattling left hooks to the body in recent memory.

- A future Hall of Famer keenly aware of his legendary status in Mexican boxing history, Barrera looks to burnish his epic career by defeating the boxer who gave him everything he could handle and more their first time around.

WEAKNESSES OF BOTH FIGHTERS

PACQUIAO

- The southpaw Pacquiao comes in straight at his opponent with hands held too low and little head movement and rarely varies his attack or movement, although trainer Freddie Roach has taught him to use his right, especially to the body.

- After throwing a punch "The Pac Man" tends to bring his hands back in a low position leaving himself vulnerable to counters.

- Pacquiao's all-out style is built for offense, not defense, and he sometimes has trouble when his opponent moves out of range and doesn't stand directly in front of him.

- Pacquiao can be outmaneuvered and is susceptible to punches right down the pipe.

BARRERA

- No longer the "Baby Face Assassin," after 18 years of boxing and several ring wars he has been showing his age of late and there's no telling when his body might desert him.

- A below-average defensive fighter, Barrera has a tendency to stand-up too straight and tall and employs little head movement.

- Barrera is often off-balance, especially when he overreaches for his opponent, leaving himself open to counters.

WHAT EACH FIGHTER MUST DO TO WIN

PACQUIAO

- Pacquiao must move, staying on top of Barrera and forcing him back into the ropes, where it's his fight, and not stand in the middle of the ring where Barrera can stick and move all night.

- The Pac Man must keep his hands up to thwart Barrera's counters and move into range behind his right jab.

- Pacquiao must alternate his powerful left with his newfound right, giving Barrera the same difficulty he had in their first fight.

BARRERA

- Barrera cannot be lured into exchanges with Pacquiao where he'll find himself at a disadvantage.

- He must box and keep the fight at long range, controlling the action with his jab and look for openings for his right hand, moving to his right away from Pacquiao's hook which he uses to set up his right.

- Barrera cannot afford to overreach with his jab and leave himself open for a Pacquiao counter and must move his head more.

- Barrera must realize it's no crime to clinch and hold rather than trade punches with Pacquiao.

Bert Randolph Sugar is the co-author of "My View from the Corner" with legendary trainer Angelo Dundee, out in October.