On Dec. 6, 2008, there will be millions of people receiving an early Christmas present when two of the best fighters of today meet in the ring. At 147 pounds, Oscar De La Hoya moved down from a 154 pounds and Manny Pacquiao moved up from 135 pounds, although that weight was for only one fight. Manny Pacquiao is more natural at 130 pounds.
Both fighters have a large following from loyal fans, critics, and sports analysts, and every one has the same question...how will the biggest fight of the year turn out? Now, I know you've read and heard everyone covering or talking about this fight say, "this is a dream match." They would say that it is the most anticipated match up of the century, but lets get real. Although I'm excited to see this fight as much as the next guy, De La Hoya has had many dream fights that turned out to be nightmares.
An example is Oscar De La Haya vs. Trinidad, De La Hoyo vs. Hopkins, De La Hoya vs. Mosley, and De La Hoya vs. Mayweather. Now don't get me wrong, I watched each fight waiting for Oscar De La Hoya to make history out of these fights. They were the best against the best, and you rarely see that anymore. But, lets face it, I just named dream fights that ended up nightmares and added up to Oscar Da La Hoya's five defeats.
Oscar has fought and defeated many strong opponents and he has been robbed on at least two of those fights I named. But, for the last 13 fights, De La Hoya hasn't closed a complete 12 rounds. On the other hand, you have Manny Pacquiao, who is known and good at fighting the 12th round just as fast and strong as the first.
Manny Pacquiao is a fighter from the Philippines that fights like he came straight out of Tijuana, Mexico. He fights with heart, speed, and power and both hands showing dominating power over great top ranked boxers like Barrera, Morales, Marquez, and Diaz.
Pacquiao's camp stated that Pacquiao is having the best camp ever and it will show on Dec. 6. We will see if the distractions from his popularity has caught up with him or if he is still focused on his fighting. He has had past camps where Freddy Roach has had trouble getting him focused, and he will need to be focused on fight night.
He will be going against Oscar De La Hoya, a champion caliber fighter that is naturally 14 pounds heavier than he is with a strong chin and heavy hands.
So, my prediction if it goes 12 rounds, is "The Pac Man" Manny Pacquiao will take the victory. If it is a knock out, De La Hoya has a 90 percent chance in having the victory from his size and skill alone. But, good luck to two of the greatest boxers of our time, and I hope it is the fight of the century.
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about 1 month ago
Never thought I would go against De La Hoya!!
about 1 month ago
90 percent chance?
too small for the big guy
it should be higher
about 1 month ago
Manny Pacquiao is a great boxer and as an Asian, I wish him the best and coming from a developing country, the Philippines, Asians hope to see "Pacman" to win. However, to beat Oscar will be extremely difficult, especially fighting in his back yard. Oscar is a smart boxer with all kinds of techniques and experience that will embellish in the boxing ring in Las Vegas. "Pacman" does have the skills but does not have the finesse Oscar has. The momentum will carry Oscar to win the fight. "Pacman" will have to hope he lands a lucky jab or uppercut to make a miracle and "undo" Oscar's confidence. I hate to say this but Oscar is in a different level of boxing. I believe the match will be a good experience for "Pacman" and hope he realizes that an American opponent is a different one. Once "Pacman" returns home (after the defeat) he will understand what it will take to fight an American boxer on American turf. I wish both boxers the very best and most importantly, I hope the "Pacman" will move up the ladder in small steps rather than going full speed.
The prediction: Oscar by knock-out - in the "later rounds" because of "Pacman's" confidence and expectations (responsibilities) from every Filipino back home
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