Experience to carry Manny, Nonito vs foes

MANILA, Philippines – A pair of Jessies will try to steal the thunder from two of the greatest Filipino fighters ever in a blockbuster card at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas this morning (Manila time) but the odds are heavily stacked against the men out to thwart Manny Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire Jr.

Jessie Vargas, born in Los Angeles to Mexican immigrants, is the reigning WBO welterweight champion and it’s his seat on the throne that Pacquiao, the challenger, intends to claim in the main event. In the undercard, Donaire stakes his WBO superbantamweight crown against unbeaten Jessie Magdaleno who like Vargas, was born in the US to Mexican parents.

The similarities between Vargas and Magdaleno make them out to be like brothers. They’re both signed to Top Rank and they’ve enjoyed rich amateur careers. Vargas posted a 120-20 record as a simon-pure and represented Mexico at the 2008 Olympics while Magdaleno compiled a 120-16 mark and was a US Golden Gloves bantamweight titleholder. The two Jessies are determined to make history as underdogs against Filipino legends.

Pacquiao is a 7.5-1 favorite and Donaire, 4-to-1. It will take a $750 bet for a Pacquiao win to earn $100 and $400 to make $100 for a Donaire victory. Conversely, a $100 wager will rake in $475 for Vargas and $275 for Magdaleno.

Vargas was only five years old when Pacquiao made his pro debut in 1995. Vargas, 27, is 10 years younger than Pacquiao. Vargas has logged 189 rounds in 28 fights over eight years as a pro while Pacquiao has compiled 431 rounds in 66 bouts over 21 years. The difference in longevity is stark. Vargas has scored 10 KOs in 27 wins for a 37 percent rate, compared to Pacquiao’s 66 percent rate in notching 38 KOs in 58 triumphs. The disparity is glaring even as Pacquiao hasn’t scored a stoppage in his last 11 outings or since Miguel Cotto in 2009.

Magdaleno was only nine years old when Donaire turned pro in 2001. Magdaleno, 24, is nine years younger than Donaire. Magdaleno has logged 87 rounds in 23 fights over six years as a pro while Donaire has compiled 233 rounds in 40 bouts over 15 years. In terms of knockout ratio, Magdaleno has the edge, 74 percent to 65 percent. Magdaleno has never lost as a pro. Donaire has been beaten by Rosendo Sanchez, Guillermo Rigondeaux and Nicholas Walters.

Vargas has lost only once in racking up a 27-1 record. That was to Tim Bradley whom he nearly knocked out with 15 seconds left in their bout last year. Vargas turned in his most impressive performance as a pro in flooring previously unbeaten Sadam Ali twice en route to scoring a ninth round knockout for the vacant WBO 147-pound title last March. Vargas displayed unusual power in his overhand right, the weapon that dropped Ali twice. The same right nearly bowled over Bradley. For Vargas to beat Pacquiao, he has to exploit his 71-inch wingspan and take control from a distance. The right hand is the key to breaking down a southpaw’s defense and it’s something Vargas’ trainer Dewey Cooper will surely keep in mind.

Cooper will be in Vargas’ corner for only his second fight. Vargas’ previous cornermen were Roger Mayweather, Cornelius Boza-Edwards, Ismael Salas, Erik Morales and Roy Jones, Jr. Shifting from trainer to trainer has its pitfalls because a fighter could lose his consistency in the transition. Cooper made his debut with Vargas in the Ali fight. In contrast, Freddie Roach has been a constant in Pacquiao’s training camp since his first fight in the US against Lehlo Ledwaba in 2001. Roach has transformed Pacquiao from a raw jewel to a polished gem through the years.

Pacquiao is getting on in years but Roach said age hasn’t slowed his reflexes too much and his power remains potent. Former lightheavyweight contender John (Iceman) Scully of Connecticut said he isn’t surprised that Pacquiao continues to fight at 37. “Not only are boxers able to compete at higher levels into their later years more effectively than at any time in our sports history but the money to be made by a select few men in the sport is usually too hard to pass up,” said Scully. “Manny’s place in boxing history as a legend is already secure so at this point, he can add to that much more than he can take away from it. In my opinion, Manny has looked well enough in his most recent fights to justify carrying on with his career.”

Pacquiao scaled 144.8 pounds and Vargas, 146.5 at the weigh-in last Friday. Donaire tipped the scales at 121.8 and Magdaleno, 121.25 for their fight. The numbers are a clear indication that the four fighters put in the work at the gym.

Donaire will mark his first appearance with new trainer Ismael Salas, a Cuban who has worked the corners of at least 10 world champions. Salas, who used to coach the national amateur boxing teams of Cuba and Thailand, is a ring scholar. Donaire said Salas has brought the best in his ability, honing his technical skills without compromising his power.