Does Manny Pacquiao Really Want to Try MMA?

In an article for BoxingScene.com today, Mark Vester recounted a recent discussion that boxer Manny Pacquiao had with his colleagues about MMA:

“Pacquiao said he watched MMA and UFC, but said it was ‘too brutal’ when asked for his thoughts on the sport.

When asked if he would ever consider trying his hand at Mixed Martial Arts, Pacquiao replied to BoxingScene – ‘I want to, but they [promoters and management] don't want me to fight.’

He said if promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank and adviser Michael Koncz said it was okay, he would consider entering the cage. Michael Koncz cut in at that point and told Pacquiao – ‘you know that you could do what you want.’”

Back in May, Manny was less enthusiastic:

“It’s too violent for me but it’s a sport that should be recognized. It’s a great sport but not the sport for me.” Source.

Manny has consistently characterized MMA as stereotypical brutality.  So it’s reasonable to assume that he either really feels that way, or that he’s part of boxing’s black helicopter marketing conspiracy to paint its competitor sport as primitive and gladiatorial.

But it’s difficult to take Manny’s interest in MMA competition seriously.  He wasn’t interested four months ago, and it may be that he’s having a bit of fun in the wake of the boxer/wrestler testfight at UFC 118.  However, it is unclear whether Manny issued his comments before or after James Toney lost quickly against MMA veteran Randy “The Boxer Killer” Couture.

Ultimately, many feel that the boxing vs. MMA debate still hasn’t been clearly resolved.  Arguably, Toney was too old to represent his sport in that sort of definitive physical argument.  So what about a Mayweather or a Pacquiao?  Surely they would qualify to end the debate with finality.

Will we ever know?  Probably not.  It is likely that Manny is just engaging in some spontaneous comedic and theatrical posturing.  It’s almost impossible to imagine that any working legend would offer to hobble his healthy career at an MMA-paycheck discount.

But thanks for the sound bite anyway, Manny.  At least you know that your competitor is real, brutal as he may be.