Was the Mayweather win as a result of Pacqiao’s damaged shoulder?

The boxing world felt a recent upset recently when Manny Pacqiao lost by unanimous decision to Floyd Mayweather.  Many believe Mayweather’s victory would not have happened had it not been for Pacqiao’s torn rotator cuff, which has now, according to reports been successfully completed and will be followed up with intense physical and physiotherapy. It is not clear when he will be ready to return to the ring, but reports predict around a 9-12 month break for the fighter.

Officials have stated that although they were aware of certain medications (including cortisone shots) that Pacqiao was taking leading up to the fight – Pacqiao and his staff did not disclose a specific injury.

Pacqiao injured rotator cuff would no doubt provide a handicap for the celebrated boxer leaving fans wondering if Mayweather’s win was a result of his superior strength and speed, or by default due to an injured opponent.

Shoulder Injuries

As far as shoulder related injuries associated with boxing goes, torn rotator cuffs are very common, due mostly to the repetition of impact that the shoulders must withstand during matches as well as during training. Other common boxing related injuries that effect the shoulder area are muscles strains and shoulder dislocation. Many boxers rely on physiotherapy to treat these injuries as soon as they occur.

Hand and Wrist Injuries

For many boxers, injuries involving the hands and/or wrists are common practice. Soft tissue damage and joint sprains can cause severe and long lasting pain if not treated promptly. Depending on the severity of the damage surgery may be required, but for the most part these injuries can be remedied through regular physiotherapy sessions and general strength training exercises.

Neck, back and rib injuries

For a boxer any injury can be a career killer if not treated immediately after the injury has occurred, injuries related to boxing that effect the neck back and ribs are probably the most dangerous and debilitating areas of the body that a boxer can experience.

The main causes of boxing related back, neck or rib injuries are over straining and repeated impact.  Most boxers consider surgery a last resort, due to the long recovery period required as well as the long term risks involved with back or neck surgery. When surgery is unavoidable, after care involving physiotherapy is relied on to increase the potential for a full recovery as well helping to speed up the healing process.

Many boxers however turn to physiotherapy first as a means to avoid abrasive and risky surgeries altogether, both as a regular preventative action and a post fight recuperation period.