Records:

Their respective records speak for themselves. One is undefeated and the other has not tasted defeat since early 2005 when he lost to Erik Morales (who he later stopped twice). Pacquiao is 31 with a record of 48-3-2 and has not had a tough fight since early 2008 when he beat Juan Manuel Marquez by SD. Pryor’s record is 34-0 with all but 3 wins coming by way of KO. In fact, after his UD win over Johnny Summerhayes in 1977, Pryor won 26 fights in a row by knockout— one of the longest knockout streaks in boxing history.

Styles:

Their styles are strikingly similar. In fact, The Hawk’s style might have been the blueprint for Freddie Roach in training Pacquiao. They both attack from different and odd angles in a whirlwind type of approach and carry power in all of their punches. Manny has developed the full arsenal while The Hawk honed his skills in a legendary amateur career. Pryor throws better uppercuts and straight leads while Manny uses hooks more effectively. Some say Pryor method of attack is undisciplined. I say it is controlled mayhem. Both have uncommon hand and foot speed.

Pryor also is a killer closer and dispenses with tapping gloves with his opponent before each round. Once he had his man hurt, he closes the show quickly and savagely. Pac Man has shown a respect for his beaten opponents that is somewhat out of character with the business of boxing. However, as someone recently pointed out to me, aggression unleashes the Pac-Monster; retreat brings out the Congressman. Pryor is the epitome of aggression.

I do give Manny the edge on defense because Aaron always holds his head and chin too high, but both are such offensive machines, defense hardly seems a factor in this match-up.

Chins:

Both have been down, but both have great chins. However, I give the edge here to Pryor because anyone who can handle straight and flush shots from Alexis "El Flaco Explosivo" Arguello has to have a granite chin. Sure The Hawk was decked a lot, but that was due more to being off balance than to having chin issues. And the balance issue was due to his wild style. If Juan Manuel Marquez could give Pac Man hell for 22 out of 24 rounds, Pryor can introduce him to Dante’s fifth ring.

Ring IQ:

Both know the ring as if they were born in it. Both have high ring IQ’s.

Level of opposition:

The distinct edge goes to Pac Man (notwithstanding shrew matchmaking) as he continues to beat big names at an astounding pace. Opponents like Hatton, Marquez (twice), Morales (thrice), Barrera (twice), De La Hoya, Diaz, Larios, Solis, Fahsan 3K Battery, Julio, Ledwaba, and Sasakul dot his resume. However, Pryor beat many tough men in his own right including the great Arguello (twice), Gary Hinton, Sang-Hyun Kim, Akio Kameda, Dujuan Johnson, Antonio Cervantes, and Alfonso Frazer.

Corners:

Panama Lewis vs. Freddie Roach. Each is top notch. Despite the later and unforgivable Resto-Collins scandal, Lewis has always been considered one of the best trainers of his time. Each has great symbiosis with his fighter.

Dimensions:

Pryor is 5’6 1/2." Manny is 5’5 1/2." One is 31; the other is 32. Pryor usually tips the scales at 140 pounds and is a natural junior welterweight. Manny will be coming off his fight with Ricky Hatton and also will be a fit and ready 140. While he has moved up to 140 from as low as 106 back in 1995, he amazingly has carried his power with him.

Who wins??