Boxing in 2019: Top 5 bouts to kickstart the new year

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 19: Manny Pacquiao (L) and Adrien Broner face off during a press conference at Gotham Hall in preparation for their upcoming match on November 19, 2018 in New York City. The match is set to take place on January 19, 2019 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, USA – NOVEMBER 19: Manny Pacquiao (L) and Adrien Broner gave a pose during the press conference at Gotham Hall in New York, United States on November 19, 2018. (Photo by Atilgan Ozdil/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner (Saturday, Jan. 19 on Showtime PPV)

Manny Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs) isn’t the same fighter he was eight years ago, but he should still be feared by the other boxers in the welterweight division. He’s 40 years old, and his skills are diminished, but they’re still good enough to humiliate younger competitors. Adrien Broner (33-3-1, 24 KOs) might find that out the hard way when they meet on Saturday, Jan. 19 on Showtime PPV.

Pacquiao put Lucas Matthysse into retirement in July of 2018 when he stopped them in the seventh round. Pacquiao looked outstanding, but he was fighting a faded Matthysse. That brings into question if Pacquiao was that good or if Matthysse was that bad. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

Broner challenges Pacquiao for his WBA welterweight title. Broner’s professional career has been marred with lackadaisical work habits, erratic behavior and numerous personal problems outside of the ring. Will Broner have his mind right when he fights Pacquiao? That’s the million dollar question.

Broner is only 29 years old, but in his last three bouts, he suffered a loss, draw, and one victory. He’s a lot younger than Pacquiao, but he hasn’t done enough to earn the level of respect Pacquiao enjoys.

Asking people to pay for Pacquiao vs. Broner might prove to be too demanding. Pacquiao has a strong following, but it has definitely dwindled over the years. Numerous sources are reporting that the pay-per-view cost is $74.99. That’s a high price tag for this fight. Ultimately, the undercard bout between Badou Jack and Marcus Browne might prove to be the most entertaining.

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