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Pacquiao-Mayweather

I've now seen the much-hyped fight. And for free, thanks to the hackers who ruined the US providers the night of the fight.

I had the fight 9 rounds to 3, in favor of Mayweather. (I like the "10-point must" scoring system; I just don't feel like doing math.) It was really almost uninterrupted domination by Mayweather; it's hard to hit a guy who moves that fast, even at 38. Manny Pacquiao didn't jab; a double-jab more consistently would have allowed him to get inside Floyd Mayweather's longer reach. It did certainly seem like Manny was concerned about counter right hands, and he ate a few, anyway. I wouldn't mind a rematch; no one will do better than Manny, and plenty have done worse.

I can appreciate the desire not to in any way support Mayweather's violence against women, even indirectly. But alas, I didn't pay anything. I think most of the world was rooting for Manny, also. He seems like a good person.

I can also respect those who might think it's un-Christian to watch boxing itself. In my view, though, boxing is a brotherhood; rare is the fight between two men with true malice. It's a sport of tactics and strategy more than brute force, and we anticipate both men will emerge no worse for wear, in the long run. Each person must weigh the benefits and the risks associated with making a lengthy career of it, but I'm not likely to stop watching football, either. Frankly, however, I would not raise a fuss if professionals began to wear safety helmets common to amateur boxing.

Boxing is still my second favorite sport, behind baseball. There is very little better in sport than a great fight. Most people who say boxing is dead have never loved the sport, truly.

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