LONDON—One of the many quotes which allegedly came from the lips of baseball icon Lawrence “Yogi” Berra is that the mental aspects of the sport are underrated. Or, as they say the Yogster put it, “ninety percent of this game is half mental.” With that in mind, I wonder how Oscar de la Hoya, who used to playing the conquering hero-matinee idol role, is going to handle it emotionally come Dec. 6 when he will have be chilling like a villain. Because that is what Oscar will be when he climbs into the ring to face Pinoy National Fist, Manny Pacquiao. I was reminded of this twice Monday as I stopped here on my slow way back from the Mikkel Kessler title bout in Germany. I mean, you Pacnuts didn’t think I had abandoned you, did you? First, I noticed the four middle-aged ladies who handle the gift shop/newsstand in my Kensington hotel were Pinays. I mentioned Pacman’s name and they started swooning like bobbysoxers at a Sinatra show or, maybe more properly as I am here in the UK, like the girls used to go wild for those four Beatles. I have them some snappy Megamanny patter and one lady looked at me and said, “You like Pacquiao. You know about Philippines. You got Filipino wife?” “No, ma’m,” I answered, “not yet but maybe soon. Got any photos?” I had another reminder that, for the first time in his storied career, Oscar will be facing an opponent who really has a worldwide following. Besides the six million or so OFW (Overseas Foreign Workers) who are scattered like the four winds in remote places such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc., there are the big population of Pinoys in the U.S., in Canada and just about everywhere. How does Oscar, who pretends to be an emotional boxer but is really not, compartementalize that? When he gets booed in December, it won’t be because he is intensely disliked unless you count the Antonio Margarito fans. It will be because of the intensity of the national pride that exudes from even the most casual Pacquiao fan. Which brings me to my second reminder of Pacman Fever, deep here in the heart of Ricky Hatton Land. I’m on the lift going up to my ninth floor room with a group of younger Filipinos who appear to be tourists. There is one exceptionally pretty Pinay in the group. “Mabuhay,” I say in greeting. “Manny Pacquiao fans…you all must be.” The cutie pie looks over her shoulder and says brightly, “Manny Pacquiao, he will win the big fight!” Pacman's Worldwide Army is on the march. Face it, Oscar. Deal with it, Oskie Dolla Hoya. It’s Manny Pacquiao’s world. You and I, amigo, we’re just living in it.
Face It, Oscar: Manny Pacquiao's Wordwide Army Is On The March!
ESPN delves into Pacquiao’s life spacer
By NICK GIONGCO
Just about everyone can’t get enough of Manny Pacquiao.
On Tuesday night (Wednesday in the Philippines), E:30, ESPN’s only primetime newsmagazine show will delve into the life and times of Pacquiao, who battled poverty at an early age to become a boxing icon in just a short span of time.
ESPN tapped ace chronicler Jeremy Schaap, son of the distinguished late scribe and broadcaster Dick Schaap, to spend some time with Pacquiao, who has a date with destiny when he battles Oscar De La Hoya on Dec. 6 in Las Vegas.
ESPN even dispatched a crew to the Philippines to get pieces of footages a couple of weeks ago at around the same time a team from HBO was also present to do the same thing as part of its 24/7 programming.
The decision to feature Pacquiao is obvious.
Pacquiao is the current toast of boxing and the 29-year-old left-hander is to boxing what Kobe Bryant is to basketball.
Following the retirement of Floyd Mayweather, Pacquiao became the recipient of the mythical title of pound-for-pound king, having defeated three of Mexico’s premier warriors — Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez.
The first Asian to be voted Fighter of the Year (2006) by the Boxing Writers Association of America, Pacquiao has also been named by the prestigious Ring magazine as its top puncher in the same year.
Pacquiao is also the first Asian to win four world titles in the same number of weight classes.
In his usual eloquent style, HBO Pay-Per-View senior vice president Mark Taffet describes Pacquiao as an athlete extraordinaire.
"Pacquiao weighs 135 lbs (but) his PPV numbers look more like heavyweight numbers,"
said Taffet, citing of course Pacquiao’s trilogy with Erik Morales and his rematch with Marquez as prime examples of his drawing power.
Top Rank big boss Bob Arum said the Pacquiao-De La Hoya welterweight war dubbed "The Dream Match," has what it takes to break the 2.4 million buys set by De La Hoya against Floyd Mayweather last year.
Roach: Pacquiao-Hoya will be over in 9 rounds
DOMINIC MENOR, GMANews.TV
MANILA, Philippines - The Dream Match won't go the distance, if Freddie Roach is asked.
In an interview with GMANews.TV on Friday, Manny Pacquiao's trainer was asked to predict what round the Pacquiao-Oscar de la Hoya bout would end. He had a terse reply.
"Ninth round."
Pacquiao finished a five-round sparring session with light-middleweight Rashad Holloway and Roach was pleased with what he saw Thursday afternoon at his Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles.
"It was a great day," Roach said. "Manny handled the jabs very well. It was a great workout overall."
Team Pacquiao has expressed confidence that its main star would be able to overcome de la Hoya. Roach said he was going to leave no stone unturned.
"We're covering our bases, that's right. Whatever [Oscar's] got, we're prepared for it. Whatever he's bringing, we'll be ready for it."
Meanwhile, Pacquiao was impressed with the reality series "24/7" being produced by cable-network giant HBO.
Pacquiao wrote in his online column that he didn't mind the side gigs.
"I wanted the training to be exclusive and private but we just couldn't ignore the TV production side of the fight," Pacquiao said.
"I'm just enjoying every minute of my preparation, both the training aspect and the TV aspect. I know our match is a big event and big events entail big promotions," he added. - GMANews.TV
"TATAY" FREDDIE
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PhilBoxing.com
LOS ANGELES — Pitong taon na pala ang nakakaraan mula nang ako ay dumating sa Los Angeles at kumatok sa pinto ng Wild Card gym ni Coach Freddie Roach. O kay bilis ng panahon.
Kaya naman kahit na anim na linggo na lang ang nalalabi bago kami magkaharap sa ibabaw ng ring sa December 6, alam kong hindi na matagal at mangyayari na ang pinakapinananabikang laban ng taon. Magsasagupa kami ni Oscar Dela Hoya sa MGM Grand Arena sa Las Vegas at excited na ako.
Kahapon, araw ng Biyernes, nang kami ni Coach ay nagsasanay sa punch mitts, hindi ko lubos maisip na napakarami na naming oras, araw at taon na magkakilala. Parang magkasama na kami sa napakatagal na panahon at sa bawat laban ng aming buhay, magkarugtong ang aming landas.
Malayo na ang aming narating ni Ginoong Roach at malalim na ang aming samahan, isang bagay na hindi na mabubuwag ng panahon at ng ano mang ibang mga bagay. Tiwala ako sa kanya dahil alam ko, ang pagtrato niya sa akin ay para na rin niyang sariling anak. Sa kanya nakasalalay ang aking buhay at buo ang tiwala ko na maraming beses na niya ako naitama ng landas, lalong lalo na sa ibabaw ng ring.
Kahit na hindi naman malaki ang agwat ng aming edad, para na rin kaming mag-kuya dahil sa ang turing namin sa isa't-isa ay binabalot ng respeto at paghanga sa aming bawat kakayahan. Pero sa mga interview, mas gusto kong iturinng na "tatay" ko si "Coach Freddie."
Sa simula pa lang, nang kaming dalawa ay nagsimulang mag-mitts may pitong taon na ang nakakaraan, alam kong siya na ang matagal ko nang hinahanap na trainer. Pati rin si Coach, matapos daw niya akong i-mitts noon unang pagkakataon, nakita na niya sa akin ang kakaibang potensiyal.
Nagsimula kaming bumuo ng isang sistema ng pakikipaglaban, isang bagay na pinagkakasunduan naming dalawa. Siya ang guro, ako ang estudyante. Pero, sa pagdaan ng maraming panahon, kaming dalawa na ang bumubuo ng aming mga plano para sa isang laban, magkakaiba mula roon sa nakaraang laban o kung sino ang susunod na kalaban.
Kahapon, walang-pigil ang aming ensayo sa mitts. Kahit na pagod ako, pinipilit ko pa ring ibigay ang lahat ng aking lakas at kahit na si Coach Freddie rin, kahit nababakas ang pagod sa kanyang anyo, kahit na malalim na rin ang kanyang paghinga at pawisan na rin kaming dalawa, walang-tigil naming ipinagpapatuloy ang ensayo. Alam ko rin na sa sobrang lakas ng mga suntok sa katawan, malaking hirap at sakit din ang dinaranas ng aking pinakamamahal na guro.
Nakita kong hinihimas niya ang kanyang kamay dahil sa sakit matapos naming mag-mitts. Pero gaya ko rin, si Freddie ay isang mandirigma na hindi marunong umayaw at hindi tumatalikod sa mga pagsubok at kahit na anong laban. Pareho namin sinusubukan ang hangganan ng aming kakayahan at kahit na kapwa kami pagod, bigay-todo pa rin ang salpukan ng aming mga kamay. Kapag sinusuntok ko sa tiyan si Coach, alam kong masakit din ng kaunti ang ginagawa ko pero tinatanggap niya ito dahil kasama ito sa aming trabaho. Palagi ko siyang tinatanong: "Are you tired?" Kapag "no" ang sagot niya, wala na kaming 30-second break at tuluy-tuloy na ang ensayo papunta sa susunod na round.
Para kay Coach Freddie, Thank you very much. I owe you a lot.
Hanggang sa Muling Kumbinasyon. God Bless Us All.
Boxing News: Manny Pacquiao gets National Spotlight before Oscar De La Hoya
By Media report on DoghouseBoxing
Manny Pacquiao, will be in the national spotlight next Tuesday night, October 28 when ESPN's only primetime newsmagazine show, E:60, airs an in depth story on him at 7:00 PM (ET) on ESPN.
Reporter Jeremy Schaap takes a look at Manny's rise from poverty to national hero in the Phillipines and, some would say, a fighter who is carrying boxing with his success and potential. Schaap is willing to do interviews with any media who might be interested in hearing about his time with Pacquaio - and thingsthat might not make the final cut due to time restraints.
Here's a brief overview of the piece: Manny Pacquiao holds many titles. He is currently the WBC Lightweight Champion, was formerly the WBC Super Featherweight Champion, IBF Super Bantamweight Champion and WBC Flyweight Champion but as the first Filipino and Asian boxer to win four world titles in different weight divisions, his most prominent role might be as a hero/icon in his native country. This 29 year old from General Santos, Philippines rose from the poverty of his country to be named by Ring Magazine as the top pound for pound boxer in the world in June, 2008 and is poised to become even bigger if he wins his December fight with Oscar De La Hoya. E:60 reporter Jeremy Schaap sits down with the world's number one boxer to talk about Pacquiao's big break in June, 2001, when he stepped in as a late replacement and beat IBF Super Bantamweight champion Lehlo Ledwaba by technical knockout. He has virtually destroyed most pugilists that have dared to step in the ring to face him since then and right now many experts agree Pacquiao is carrying boxing. With eight straight wins and a record of knockouts in terms of revenues from his recent pay-per-view fights, Pacquaio may be worth more than his weight in gold. According to Mark Taffet, senior vice president for HBO PPV, Pacquiao weighs 135 pounds (but) his PPV numbers look more
like heavyweight numbers." Tune in and find out why this fighter was able to generate a record $20.2 million in revenue for a featherweight class bout.
E:60 is ESPN's only primetime multi-subject newsmagazine show. It features in-depth reporting, long-form stories and a roster of award-winning reporters. For complete E:60 features and expanded versions of the reporter-producer meetings, http://www.e60.com.
WHATEVER THEY ARE DOING SEEMS TO BE WORKING
PhilBoxing.com
Los Angeles, CA: - Yesterday is the third consecutive Wednesday I have been to the Wildcard Gym to check on what is going on with regards to the training of Manny Pacquiao for his up coming “Dream Match” with Oscar de la Hoya on December 6th.
I asked people who are privy to the very details of the training camp and this is how they replied without tipping the opposite camp:- “All’s well and things are going as planned.”
I was also told that certain incidents that allegedly happened last Monday, October 20th (that had nothing to do with the actual training per se) were not exactly how they were described by an article on the Philippine Inquirer.
One thing that stands out when one takes a close look at Pacquiao is his increasingly visible magnificent built. He seems as solid as can be with muscle bulk on the right places. His chest, deltoids and biceps are in terrific shape and his calf muscles are as Joe Ramos would describe them, “power legs”.
What was so amazing is the added bulk does not seem to slow him down. On the contrary, he never lost his speed and it added more zing to his punches.
Truly, Pacquiao is an outstanding human specimen. Credit that to his genes and whatever they were doing behind closed doors. Clearly what ever it is seems to be working.
There were reports about the possibility that Pacquiao is peaking to early. When we brought that up to the Team, we were assured that Pacquiao is just exactly where they want him to be at this point in his training. “Talagang ganyan, pag nasa training bigay lahat,” said Buboy Fernandez. ( It’s really that way. When he is in training, he does it to the max.)
HBO was at the gym today filming segments of what they will later use for the promo for the fight. And, the gym was literally empty allowing Pacquiao and Roach to focus on their game plan.
Incidentally, Bobby Pacquiao was at the gym too. He was engrossed in training for an up coming fight towards the end of the November in New Mexico. “Nothing sure yet,” he said, "but I was told to train and be ready.”
A few minutes after Roach and Pacquiao completed their mitt sparring routine, Roach returned to the ring and did the same with his new boy in the gym, Amir Khan of the Great Britain.
Top photo: Pacquiao bulking up his body in preparation for his upcoming fight with De La Hoya on Dec. 6.
Bobby Pacquiao poses at the Wildcard Gym Wednesday.
Roach, Pacquiao and Khan at the Wildcard Gym Wednesday.
Photos by Dr. Ed de la Vega.
Pacquiao will 'kill De La Hoya's body and the head will fall'
PhilBoxing.com
Like British mauler Bob Fitzsimmons who used body shots to tear down to pieces James "Gentleman Jim" Corbett to claim the world heavyweight title in 1897, Manny Pacquiao is also expected to zero in on Oscar De La Hoya's body from the opening bell and destroy the Golden Body in the later rounds.
Fitzimmons was also the underdog when he knocked out Corbett with body blows where he became famous for the cliche: "Kill the body and the head will die."
Freddie Roach is reportedly making sure Pacquiao can roll past De La Hoya's fences and once inside, deliver the hardest blows in the body that could make De La Hoya grimace in pain and force him to surrender or fall like a sack of potatoes.
Roach has reportedly "solved" De La Hoya's height puzzle and is extremely confident the 29-year-old Pacquiao will make history on December 6 in Las Vegas, Nevada when he inflicts the Golden Boy probably his "most embarrassing defeat."
De La Hoya stands five feet and 11 inches as against Pacquiao's five feet and six inches.
"There will be no mismatched because Manny has studied how to befuddle a taller foe," remarked a prominent ring physician who requested anonymity because he holds a "sensitive" position in a world boxing body.
De La Hoya's body is now reportedly a suspect because of long period of inactivity despite edging on points a little-known foe in May this year. He as not fought in 2005 and picked up only a win apiece in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
"De La Hoya's mind may still be willing, but his body will tell him enough is enough," added the ring doctor.
Against the "smaller" Pacquiao, De La Hoya, 35, is expected to utilize his reach advantage to prevent Pacquiao from entering the "forbidden" territory which is the space between his elbows and breadbasket.
He is also expected to use his left jab as often as necessary to prevent Pacquiao from throwing combinations in the body.
FEAR NOT RECAH, ROACH IS FOCUSED!
PhilBoxing.com
Los Angeles, CA: I just came from the Wildcard Gym to watch the training of Manny Pacquiao. I am glad to report that all is well at the training camp!
For that reason, I beg to disagree with my good friend, Recah Trinidad who expressed his concerns about the directions Roach has taken in so far as the training of Pacquiao is concerned.
I do not necessarily disagree with Recah’s comment regarding the “role as a lead salesman” of the Dream Match that Roach has allegedly taken. After all, that is the function of the promoters. However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Roach trying his best to help drive up the hype for as long as it does not neglect his lead role as a trainer.
And, I know he does not.
The toy gun and “can’t pull the trigger” as well as the taping of Oscar’s photo on the front side of Roach’s body protector should be taken for what they are worth. Nothing but to drive up the hype. More importantly, they are just “feeds” for writers who cover the on going details leading to the event on December 6th.
In fact, if Roach didn’t pull those stunts, we would not be discussing them now.
Nor do I disagree with what Roach is doing about what Recah has referred to as the “rivalry slug out” with Nacho Beristain. That to me, is also all part of the hype. Read: More PPV.
Recah, nor anyone for that matter, should have no fears that Roach is not fully focused on the tasks at hand. On the contrary, Roach is so focused on everything that concerns the training camp that he even keeps a closed tab on such details as the taping of Pacquiao’s hand. I know for I see it as it happens.
Those of us who are privileged to have access to the gym and watch the training see the many things that occur in the training camp. I only wish I could write about them, particularly the pointers Roach gives to Pacquiao as they go through the punch mitts. I know they surely make good reading. They would also without doubt help allay the concerns of Recah .However, they could benefit the opposite camp as well. Something I would not like to happen.
And, I can’t violate the trust the Team has given me in allowing me to be amongst the few that are allowed to witness the training.
Suffice it to say, Roach and the whole Team for that matter are focused on what they are supposed to do. No more and no less.
So, to Recah, I say: - All is well at the training camp. Fear not my friend, Roach is focused on the tasks ahead!
Top photo: Roach (L) doing mitts with Pacquiao at the Wildcard Gym today.
Rashad Holloway.
Pacquiao shadow-boxing.
WEIGHTS ADD EXPLOSIVENESS NOT MUSCLE MASS!
PhilBoxing.com
San Francisco, CA—WBC Lightweight Champion, Manny Pacquiao, is less than two months away from the biggest challenge in his illustrious boxing career, taking on former Middleweight titlist, Oscar De La Hoya. In the past, Pacquiao has been known to lack focus against certain types of opponents. That is far from the case for this fight. Not only has Pacquiao arrived at training camp a couple before his normal 8-week training grind, but also he has implemented new training techniques in preparation for this unique challenge.
Starting with his rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera back in October 2007, Pacquiao has struggled to make weight the limits for his fights. Even in his last fight against David Diaz last June, Pacquiao still had to sweat out 2 pounds to make the 135lbs weight limit the day before the weigh-in. However, for this fight, it will be highly unlikely that Manny will struggle to make 147lbs, the highest weight limit Pacquiao will attempt to make ever.
Originally, trainer Freddie Roach planned to have Manny weigh in at 142lbs the day before the fight and come into the ring at 146lbs. However, Freddie has switched up the game plan and will instead have Manny maintain the 147lbs limit throughout training camp, the weigh-in, and the night of the fight. This is definitely a luxury that 99% of today’s fighters would love to have.
Because Manny will not reduce weight below 147lbs, new strength and conditioning techniques will be implemented to take advantage of Manny not having to be on a weight reduction diet. In charged of this task is Alex Ariza, Manny’s strength and conditioning coach, who joined the team last June to prepare for the David Diaz fight.
One of the new techniques Pacquiao has been using is weight training. According to Pacman Enforcer, Rob Peters, who watches every Pacquiao training session, the weights are very light and is scientifically based that will enhance Manny’s explosiveness to a large degree. The weights training is not meant to add muscle mass in order for Pacquiao to fill into 147lbs. Also, the weights are not used everyday and Ariza likes to switch up the exercises so Manny doesn’t get complacent on any one routine.
In a sport like boxing, with a long history and tradition, weight training has been part of a new wave of training methods for today’s athletes. However, heavy lifting by boxers has hardly produced any positive results. Fighters who are built like steel statues usually do not have the same success as fighters who have traditional training methods.
Therefore, it will be interesting to see how these routines and training methods will enhance Pacquiao’s skills. Pacquiao also likes to play basketball to build up endurance and to keep active during off days. After a long cross country promotional tour, Pacquiao played 3 hours of full court basketball in San Francisco.
Top photo: Pacquiao (L) with conditioning coach Alex Ariza at the Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles.
PACQUIAO FIRST DAY OF SPARRING: "I FELT THOSE BODY SHOTS" - HALLOWAY (With Photos)
News |
PhilBoxing.com
Los Angeles, CA: As per schedule, Filipino spitfire Manny Pacquiao started his sparring sessions this afternoon at the Wildcard Gym.
Pacquiao, wearing his favorite white with red trim Nike shoes and shorts, and his custom made green colored gloves, matching groin and head protector, and a handsome brownish red T-shirt, climbed the ring at the Wildcard Gym on schedule, just before 1:30PM.
Waiting for him on the ring is super welterweight Rashad Holloway (9-1-0, 5KOs), the 5’10 fighter hired by Freddie Roach to mimic the Golden Boy and give Pacquiao a hard work out.
The sparring session was slow in the beginning with Pacquiao seemingly trying to adjust to the height and the longer reach of Holloway. Pacquiao seemed content in measuring the distance before he threw his jabs.
In a short while, Pacquiao adjusted nicely and the spirited exchange of punches begun. Pacquiao would move in, tag his opponent on the head and face and move out to avoid the counter shots coming his way. The punches that he can not avoid were blocked by his gloves. Some however, got through and Pacquiao took them in stride.
Some of those that got through appeared to be power shots and they did not seem to bother the Pacman. Although, they may not be as strong as those expected to be delivered by de la Hoya, it seem that Pacquiao has the capacity to take and absorb blows from super welterweight.
After the sparring, Halloway was quoted as saying that the Pacman “is too fast and very strong. I felt those body shots.”
As usual, only a select few people were allowed in the gym. The only noteworthy media people there were the crew from ESPN and Philboxing.
It is perhaps the presence of ESPN that kind of limited what Pacquiao showed in terms of technique and it does not take an Einstein to figure out why.
At the end of the session, members of Team Pacquiao appeared elated, particularly Buboy Fernandez. “Happy ako sa pinakita ni Boss, kahit first day pa lang (I am happy with what the boss showed today, even if it's only the first day)," he said.
Pacquiao indeed had a good first sparring day. But, that in a way. was expected.
Top photo: Pacquiao (R) tags the 5'-10" Holloway with a right during their sparring session today at the Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles.
All photos by Miguel Salazar / MP Promotions.
Pacquiao vs. De La Hoya: An Analysis of a Legacy
14.10.08 - by Shawn O'Donnell - When the Pacquiao- De La Hoya fight first was announced most boxing insiders viewed it as a huge mismatch and a large cash grab. Experts overwhelming believe that De La Hoya will dominate the much smaller Pacquiao. Normally I would agree with most of the aficionados in the game, but there are several elements in this fight that have swayed my opinion. I have learned from my years of being involved in boxing that the only way to accurately predict a fight is if you have an inside look at the training camps. I don't have the luxury of being up and close to the action, but what I can propose are scenarios and facts that exist. I believe this fight will be decided upon the issues of weight, activity, psychology and sticking to a solid game plan. This may give some direction as to what outcome this fight might have..
The single most significant piece to this fight is the weight. Manny Pacquiao has ascended from 106 pounds to a new fighting weight of 147 pounds. Much has been said of this massive increase, but lets judge it in perspective. When Pacquiao debuted as a professional fighter, at sixteen years of age, he fought at a weight of 106 pounds. This will equate to an increase of 41 pounds to his current twenty nine year old frame. When most fighters gain this much weight in their career they compromise movement and speed. If we look at fighters such as Duran, Tyson and Frazier they became less effective fighters as they moved up in weight. A large part of this has to do with the distribution of the weight over their torso. When these fighters added weight, it was mainly around their mid-sections. This impeded their ability to move,bend and get leverage to deliver their punches. A few years back, I had Pacquiao pegged as an energy fighter that would add weight to his frame and become less effective because of the previously stated reason. I was wrong. I believe that Manny Pacquiao is a physical anomaly. After watching him fight David Diaz this year, I was amazed that Pacquiao was rock hard at this weight and seemed just as fast and relentless as ever. When I asked Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer, about this he replied, “Manny is just filling out and adding more muscle to his body. He has really powerful legs and a large back for his size. He is just adding size to these areas.” Although Pacquiao turned pro at a body weight of 106 pounds, we must consider that Pacquiao was still a boy at that phase of his life. Not to mention the fact that poverty and improper nutrition kept Pacquiao below his natural weight. With maturity and the exposure to better food and training methods, Pacquiao gained weight in a way that has enhanced his athletic performance.
When I talked to Roach, he had just finished a tour of the country to promote the fight and was eager to talk about the issue of weight. “ Manny currently weighs 153 going into training camp. When we get to fight time we will weigh about 147. This is the exact weight he came in at the night of the Diaz fight. For us it will be a matter of weighing in and not worrying about anything. I see De La Hoya as the one having the difficulty in weight. He looks light right now, but it will be hard for him to keep his weight down that low for several months.” Roach made a point that is worth expanding on. De La Hoya has not fought at the 147 limit for eight years now. This might prove to be a difficult undertaking for him. If we look back in boxing history, the reality of fighters cutting weight in their mid thirties does not seem to favour a victorious outcome for De La Hoya. Roy Jones, Ray Leonard, Riddick Bowe, Chris Byrd and a plethora of other fighters have littered fistic history with abysmal performances after cutting weight in their thirties.
If we examine this scientifically, De La Hoya will have to shed extra weight to fight at this limit. The excess weight will probably be lost in terms of muscle mass, which is something De La Hoya cannot afford to lose. Standing at 5 '10 ½ in tall he is a lean fighter. If he strips away muscle mass, it will probably come from his torso, which is the protective buffer to his Achilles Heel: his mid-section. Punishing sparring sessions,coupled with inactivity and unnatural weight loss will make De La Hoya's mid section an especially sensitive target. Although he has a cast iron chin, his ability to take body shots has always hampered him. Look at the Hopkins, Vargas, and Mosley bouts and you will clearly see that Oscar was put in considerable jeopardy after being hit to the body. This point isn't lost on Roach either. “It is no secret that we are going to go the body. Getting in close and doing some damage will be apart of the plan, but we are also going to force him to fight three minutes of every round. This is what we did with Barrera and we will do the same to De La Hoya”.This could spell big trouble for Oscar.
De La Hoya has been plagued by a tendency of fading in fights. This is a dilemma that he has also publicly acknowledged. He has faded badly in the second half of his fights with Quartey, Trinidad,Sturm,Whittaker, Mosley and Mayweather. In an effort to address this issue he took a tune-up fight with veteran fighter Steve Forbes. De La Hoya won that fight quite convincingly and he came away with the notion that he had solved his stamina issue; in reality that problem still exists. Forbes rarely put any meaningful pressure on De La Hoya, and he isn't the type of fighter that incites fear in the hearts of those that he faces. Pacquiao is of a rare breed in this business, he is a relentless puncher; always searching and keeping alert for the right moment to unleash his fury. His shark like fighting style is what makes most fighters come unhinged, and coming unhinged from a fight plan is something De la Hoya is well acquainted with.
During his super fight with Floyd Mayweather De La Hoya was initially controlling the action with patience and clinical boxing skills. However, during the second half of this fight he mysteriously abandoned his jab. He began to mix it up and engaged in sloppy exchanges, in which the much fresher Mayweather picked him apart. One could chalk it up to a tactical error, but if we examine the Trinidad fight, he made a similar mistake as well. During this fight he abandoned his boxing strategy and ended up losing a fight he was clearly ahead in. I could list several other fights where this has happened as well, but I would be rehearsing the same point. It is not just De La Hoya's game plan that comes off at the wheels, but his ability to use his physical advantages comes up short as well. In fights against Whittaker, Mosley and Mayweather, Oscar enjoyed a considerable advantage in reach. His opponents were able to negate that advantage through their speed. I see the Pacquiao fight in the same way. Although De La Hoya has a six inch reach advantage, the difference will prove to be negligible due to Pacquiao's incredible hand speed. De La Hoya's mental strength is one of his greatest assets, but it also one of his greatest liabilities. He can be stubborn and prideful, which often leads him into trouble.
De La Hoya has showed a propensity to engage in slugging when it is clearly not in his best interest to do so. He also wastes enormous amounts of energy with unnecessary movement. These bad habits make his fights much harder than they need to be. To be successful against Pacquiao he will have to utilize a clinical, patient boxing style devoid of inconsistencies. Eric Morales proved this the first time he fought Pacquiao. When Morales veered off this path and engaged Pacquiao in toe to toe action,he was stopped both times. Juan Manuel Marquez also employed a patient boxing style, which arguably gave him the advantage over Pacquiao in their two fights. De La Hoya and Marquez are master boxers;however, it is De La Hoya's tendency to resort to slugging that causes him distress in his fights. Will he do the same against Pacquiao? If he does, he will play right into Pacquiao's hands.
A key piece of this fight will not only revolve around the ability to box, but to exploit weakness. Pacquiao's outstanding weakness is that he has a tendency to be off balance when punching. In order for De La Hoya to take advantage of this he will have to fake and draw Manny off balance. This will require quick reflexes and precise timing. I believe that De La Hoya's age and inactivity will keep him “a day late and a dollar short” on this strategy. To time Pacquiao will not be easy either. He has incredible core strength, which allows him recapture his balance in a fraction of a second. In addition to this, De La Hoya has had only five fights since 2004. This isn't in keeping with a top pound for pound fighter's schedule- to keep sharp you have to be active.
De La Hoya is also working against his own DNA. When you get older your proprioceptive senses (reactivity and reflexes) begin to diminish. It will not be outwardly noticeable to the layman, but De La Hoya will notice the changes in a huge way. When he goes to fire off combinations, or move to avoid a punch, he will notice that there will be a significant disconnect between what the mind knows that it needs to do and what the body can actually perform. We saw signs of this during the last phases of the Mayweather fight. In order to shore this up, the Forbes fight was organized so that De La Hoya could work out his timing on a much slower opponent. However, the hardest thing to fight against is your own biological limitations. Freddie Roach's comment about “De La Hoya not being able to pull the trigger anymore” is not directed at his ability to punch hard per say, but more so his ability to execute a punch in a timely manner. Roach may prove to be right on the money when he speaks of this matter. De La Hoya can change fights through the actions of his iron will though. His primary tool for dealing with any form adversity is his psychological game plan. Will it be enough for this fight?
De Hoya has stated that Roach's comments have given him the motivation necessary to win this fight. Oscar uses these statements to fire up his sympathetic nervous system and keep it on the ready. Roach is very aware of this factor. “Right now Oscar has taken me aside and given me %$*# for my comments, but we are still relatively friendly. I anticipate that as fight time draws nearer it will get quite heated”.De La Hoya is motivated the most when he has inflammatory foils such as Vargas and Mayorga to push his buttons. Pacquiao is the opposite of these adversaries; he is a mild mannered character outside the ring that is respectful of his opponents abilities. Will this provide enough fuel to fire De La Hoya's psychological engine? If anyone has the motivation necessary to prove a point it is Pacquiao. According to Roach, Pacquiao is incensed with De la Hoya. Pacquiao was sued by Golden Boy Promotions over a contractual dispute regarding promotional rights. That lawsuit has eaten away his tolerance towards De La Hoya. If that is not enough motivation for him, Pacquiao has the added incentive of being his countries biggest celebrity.
Over ninety million Filipino people watch with baited breath whenever he fights. Pacquiao takes us back to the thirties when fighters represented the struggles and hopes of their cultures. He came from humble beginnings and has risen to great heights. Many people identify with him because of this, and as the calamity of the global credit crisis spreads, many Filipino people concerned about the future, will turn to Pacquiao to distract their worries.De La Hoya is probably the most popular boxer in the world, he has luke warm support from people of his own cultural heritage. Many Mexican fans resent him for beating the legendary Mexican fighter, Julio Cesar Chavez, and have not forgiven him that indiscretion. Although Pacquiao is labeled the “Mexacutioner” for beating Mexico's top professional fighters, he also draws upon that cultural fan base as well. Many Mexican fans simply admire Pacquiao's relentless aggression and combative skills. It is something that cuts across all cultural divides.
This fight may prove to be the largest grossing fight of all time, but there is something much larger up for grabs. De La Hoya wants to leave a legacy in place and feels that he can do so only by beating the professions top pound for pound fighter. Many fans point to the fact that De La Hoya is fighting a much smaller opponent that will not give him much of a challenge. I beg to differ though. De La Hoya has given himself considerable handicaps to deal with in this fight. His reduction in weight, inactivity and inability to stay focused in a fight will be his undoing in the end. If he can overcome these obstacles, he will accomplish a great feat. De La Hoya has risen to take on the best challenges of his time and for that he should be commended, but his time has passed. This sport does not dispense golden watches for service rendered to its greatest participants. To often we are left with contrary images of great fighters that held on to the past too long. And as De La Hoya so violently unseated Julio Cesar Chavez, he too will experience this sad right of passage at the hands of Pacquiao.
De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao: A Super Fight in Question
By Matthew Hurley:
In the weeks leading up to the WBA welterweight world boxing championship bout between Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito rumors abound as to whom Oscar De La Hoya would choose as his dance partner in what was alleged to be his final fight in December. After Floyd Mayweather unexpectedly retired De La Hoya went through with his tune-up fight against Steve Forbes, winning by unanimous decision, and then sat back with that omnipotent and oh-so-annoying smile on his face. In the end it really didn’t matter who he fought because when Oscar occasionally sets foot in the ring his accountants dance in glee on their desktops. An Oscar De La Hoya fight means cash and lots of it, regardless of who he is swapping leather with him. No matter who he fights Oscar will get paid and paid handsomely, and the masses will come.
Unfortunately for Oscar many hardcore fans have grown tired of his act. Make no mistake, when De La Hoya was a full time fighter his naysayers were always being more than a bit disingenuous in their disdain for him. He may have crossed over into superstardom and the Fortune 500 Club but he fought nearly everyone of note and held his own in every single bout, win or lose (the one glaring exception being his loss to Bernard Hopkins). Oscar may have been a pretty boy star with well-rehearsed sound bites but he was tough to the core – a true fighter. As time wore on though, he became more businessman than fighter and those who disliked him before now loathe his apparent money lust as he dodges true contenders in the welterweight and junior middleweight divisions.
On top of his apparent unwillingness to engage fighters like Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito his record in his past six fights, dating back to 2003 is 3-3, with his ugly unanimous decision victory over Felix Sturm in 2004 seen by many as a gift. That present was wrapped up with a shiny bow in order to keep his already scheduled pay-per-view date with middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins in check. Hopkins would knock the ‘Golden Boy’ out with a body shot in the ninth round.
So, after Cotto and Margarito finished waging war on one another, with Antonio emerging victorious by a thrilling eleventh round technical knockout, many were hoping against hope that Oscar would step up and take on the true king of the welterweight division. That notion was not just impractical it was silly. Oscar was never going to fight either one of those two 147 pound monsters. Mayweather wanted no part of them either. De La Hoya, who didn’t look particularly impressive against feather fisted Steve Forbes, was suddenly lobbying for a fight with junior welterweight Ricky Hatton. In fact he was trying to sell the bout to reporters hours after Mayweather had knocked the ‘Hitman’ out back in December of 2007. He wanted a rematch with Mayweather, and it seemed a sure thing, but he also wanted to set up the popular Hatton as a potential future opponent. That should have set off the alarm bells that Oscar had no intention of fighting anyone he didn’t outweigh by at least ten pounds, and it certainly left Cotto and Margarito out in the cold.
When it became apparent that Oscar would look even further down the scale at current pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao his detractors smiled derisively and said, “See, I told you so.” Pacquiao had just made his debut at lightweight, winning the WBC title from David Diaz by an impressive ninth round technical knockout. Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach, who trained De La Hoya for his losing effort against Mayweather, was all for the bout. It would represent the biggest payday Manny will likely ever get and, should he win, transform the already wildly popular fighter into a crossover superstar. From the point of view of Manny’s camp it was a no-brainer. But Pacquiao waved the fight off at first. Of course it all dealt with money, but when more was put on the table and Roach put him in a headlock and explained to him in nickels and dimes what was at stake, the Filipino icon smiled, nodded and signed on the dotted line. What difference did it make that he would be adding 12 pounds from his last fight? What difference did it make that he would be entering the ring over 40 pounds heavier than his professional debut in 1995? Money doesn’t just talk, it screams and if any fighter deserves a huge payday it is Manny Pacquiao.
The fight, set to take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on December 6th, has garnered tremendous criticism from fans and pundits alike. But is it warranted? Those who believe that Pacquiao is way too small to get inside of De La Hoya’s six inch reach advantage should be reminded that the much slower and comparably sized Steve Forbes had little problem connecting against Oscar. In fact, the light hitting and slightly intimidated fighter bruised up Oscar’s face. (Forbes stands 5’ 7 ½” with a 68 inch reach. Pacquiao stands 5’ 6 ½” with a 67 inch reach.) Pacquiao is also coming off one of the best performances of his career while De La Hoya hasn’t truly looked good against a world class opponent since his rematch loss to Shane Mosley five years ago. Oscar has also come up short in several of his big time bouts – Felix Trinidad, Mosley twice, Hopkins and Mayweather. One should wonder if that plays on his mind, particularly when he’s heard all of the criticism leveled at his decision to take on Manny in the first place.
It’s really a no-win situation for Oscar. He wins, well, he’s bigger, stronger – he was supposed to win. He loses and his detractors have yet another disappointment in his career to point out.
As for Pacquiao, he’s already positioned himself into the win column. His willingness to fight anyone has endeared him to the hardcore fan base. He’s a living legend in his native Philippines (and something of an adopted countryman among Mexican fans because of his thrilling style, despite his series of bouts with Mexican idols Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez.) And at 29 years of age he’s already established himself as a first ballot hall of famer. With this fight he is guaranteed a monster payday and if he pulls off the upset he replaces De La Hoya as boxing’s biggest attraction. Not bad for a guy who was once knocked out by Medgoen Singsurat in Thailand when no one thought he would amount to anything.
The De La Hoya – Pacquiao fight will be a huge event and most of those who say they will “boycott” the fight will cave in and buy it in the end. And the reason they will is because even if it turns out to be a farce and Oscar overwhelms Manny the event itself will transcend the fight. It will become, in the weeks prior to the opening bell, must see TV to any boxing junkie because the build up will be overwhelming, and non-boxing fans will suddenly become interested – such is the appeal of Oscar De La Hoya. And the mere thought that Pacquiao might actually pull off the upset against the aging ‘Golden Boy’ is much too intriguing a notion for any true fan to pass up.
De La Hoya, Pacquiao play Lady Liberty by singing each other's praises
By George Willis
Special to ESPN.com
- Oscar De La Hoya, far left, and Manny Pacquiao hammed for the cam in the first boxing news conference held at Liberty Island.
Chris Farina/Top Rank
Play nice, boys: Lady Liberty overlooked the proceedings as De La Hoya, left, and Pacquiao kicked off their media tour.
LIBERTY ISLAND PRESSCON IS A ROUSING SUCCESS
PhilBoxing.com
Los Angeles, CA:- We just got off the phone talking with some members of the Team Pacquiao who are presently with the national tour to promote the Pacquiao-de la Hoya December 6th rumble at the MGM Grand Events Center at Las Vegas.
According to our sources, Bob Arum was exactly right. People will come to the fight, and the press conference no matter where the promoters will put it up. From the information we got, more than 500 people were at the press con no small wonder for a highly secured tourist place that is not exactly cheap to access. The photographers had a field day as the weather predicted to be somewhat rainy, cooperated thus producing an event that brought smiles to the faces of the promoters.
Pacquiao and de la Hoya came wearing “business dress down”outfits. They look so elegant standing together with Lady Liberty at the background. Pacquiao according to our sources, was just a tad more dapper in his slightly faced blue jeans, sky blue shirt, a dark coat and dark shoes. His designer shades added to his almost GQ look.
Pacquiao and de la Hoya appeared to be in very good shape and in good spirits, said our sources and they are both anxious to get it on come December 6th.
From New York, the group moves to the Windy City known as Chicago and will end the tour in Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon after stops at Houston, San Antonio and San Francisco.
Top photo: With the New York City skyline as a backdrop, Oscar De La Hoya, left, speaks during a boxing press conference as Olympic gold medalist and 10-time world champion boxer Manny Pacquiao, right, currently the WBC lightweight and WBC super featherweight champions, and promoter Bob Arum look on Wednesday Oct. 1 , 2008. De La Hoya and Pacquiao will square off in a 12-round welterweight bout on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, in Las Vegas, Nev. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) 
Oscar De La Hoya, left, Olympic gold medalist and 10-time world champion boxer, and Manny Pacquiao of the Phillipines, currently the WBC lightweight and WBC super featherweight champions, show their fist in front of the Statue of Liberty for a press conference, Wednesday Oct. 1 , 2008 in New York. De La Hoya and Pacquiao will square off in a 12-round welterweight bout on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, in Las Vegas, Nev. (Photo by Miguel Salazar)
PACQUIAO ARRIVES AT THE BIG APPLE, LET THE SHOW BEGIN!
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Los Angeles, CA:- Word got to us that Manny Pacquiao and his entourage landed safely in New York, a little after 6 PM EST (Tuesday). Pacquiao and his group flew via a Continental Airlines commercial flight from LAX.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, Pacquiao and the Golden Boy, Oscar de la Hoya, together with their respective camps and representatives from Top Rank headed by Bob Arum and Richard Schaefer of the Golden Boy Promotions will meet the press under a specially built event tent set at the famed Liberty Island in New York to begin hyping what could be the “biggest fight” in these modern times.
The Pacquiao entourage is composed of trainers Freddie Roach and Buboy Fernandez, legal adviser Franklin 'Jeng' Gacal, PR man non-pareil Winchell Campos, Joe Ramos, videographer Levi Gutierrez and the team’s new dashing photographer, Miguel Salazar.
This initial Pacquiao-de la Hoya press tour is precedent setting. It will be the very first time ever that a formal press conference announcing a boxing event will be held at the historic Liberty Island, the symbol of US hospitality for new immigrants to this country.
Given the security conscious US Homeland Security which also oversee and protect the Liberty Island by way of the National Park Services, the press conference will also be the most secured.
Pacquiao, the WBC Lightweight title holder will meet Oscar de la Hoya at an agreed weight on no more than 147 lbs. at the MGM Events Center at Las Vegas on December 6th. The fight has generated a great debate owing to the vast “difference in size, natural fighting weight, height and reach” between Pacquiao and de la Hoya.
From New York, the same group of people will move on to Chicago, Houston, San Antonio, San Francisco and finally at the Whittier area in East Los Angeles, the Golden Boy’s old stomping grounds. The tour is aimed to add more interest to the already much-hyped and sold-out ($17million live gate) December 6th event, and further bump up the expected record breaking PPV buys from fans across the country and places beyond.
PS: For whatever it is worth, when we got the word from our sources about Pacquiao’s safe arrival in New York, we were just getting into a concert featuring Arnel Pineda and Journey Band at the Greek Theater in Hollywood. It was so heart warming to see another ultra successful and talented Pinoy in person.
Top photo: Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao (R) and Filipina-Mexican-American singer Jasmine Villegas are in New York for tomorrow's opening salvo of the 6-city De La Hoya-Pacquiao promotional tour which opens at the Statue of Liberty in New York. Photo by Miguel Salazar.
News ROACH PLEASED WITH PACQUIAO’S CONDITION
Celebrated trainer Freddie Roach is clearly pleased at this early stage of Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao’s preparation for his “Dream Match” against “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya at the MGM Grand on December 6. Speaking to www.insidesports.ph, Manila Standard and Viva Sports from the Wild Card Gym where Pacquiao worked out yesterday, Roach said Pacquiao was coming along “great” and they had “a very good workout before the press tour” which opens at the Statute of Liberty in New York as we reported weeks ago following a conversation with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum.
Roach said Pacquiao would work out every day even during the promotional tour and said there were no problems.
He said Pacquiao went six good rounds on the punch mitts and went through the entire routine which he “normally does” in training.
Roach revealed that Pacquiao weighed 152 pounds which is just five pounds over the stipulated 147 pound limit for the De La Hoya showdown.
He said Pacquiao “looked good” and said he played basketball on Sunday and was “happy.”
When told that De La Hoya had been quoted as saying he would go for a knockout against Pacquiao, Roach who trained “The Golden Boy” for his fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr retorted “he better.”
Roach added, “if you look for a knockout it never happens. You know that.”
The promotional tour opens with a lot of fanfare in New York and then moves to Chicago for the next stop. Former WBC lightweight champion David Diaz who lost his title in a ninth round demolition at the hands of Pacquiao told us he would try to make it to the tour stop in his hometown of Chicago.
Government could halt Manny Pacquiao fight against oversized opponent
Ricky Hatton has become an icon with boxing fans in the UK, but could you imagine Gordon Brown, David Cameron, or Jackie Smith coming forward to express their fears over Hatton being hurt by a bigger opponent, with a longer reach? Hands off our boy!
Gallery Photo
Little and large: Pacquiao may be going a weight to far this time
In this case, 'Only in the Philippines', where Manny Pacquiao, the world-rated No 1 pound for pound fighter, is a national icon and treasure. He is the regarded as a living legend. He's a great boxer, and an honourable man. Such an icon, in fact, that warring factions in that country have called a truce when he fights, as the country grinds to a halt.
But now...a new level of 'Manny Idolatry', from a Filipino congressman, who has requested that the Government revoke, temporarily, Pacquiao's licence to stop him from entering into what Rufus Rodriguez insists may be an unfair mismatch with Oscar de la Hoya in Las Vegas in December.
"I'm afraid that Oscar can hurt Manny very badly. Pacquiao is destined to be a great boxer. We should take care of him," said Rodriguez. "Their fight in December is not for glory, but for money."
Pacquiao faces De La Hoya in a 12-round welterweight fight, Pacquiao is coming up two weight divisions, while de la Hoya must come down to the 147lb limit.
Pacquiao started his career at 106lbs. He won his first world title at flyweight. De La Hoya has won 10 world championships in six different weight classes.
I must admit that when the fight was first made - and there had been talk of Ricky Hatton-Manny Pacquiao at one point, in front of 100,000 in an open air fight at Wembley Stadium last year - my gut instinct was that Pacquiao was undersize and De La Hoya oversize in this one. De La Hoya has fought the likes of Bernard Hopkins - at middleweight - and is coming down two divisions. Pacquiao is moving up two divisions from his natural fighting weight.
In a TV interview in the Philippines, Congressman Rodriguez said the bout should be stopped. "Manny is a national treasure. If something bad happens to him in that fight the Government and the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) would be blamed."
It then emerged that there was actually some substance behind the request. Eric Buhain, chairman of the GAB, revealed that the board had passed a resolution in July which said they were against the fight. The board has actually asked Pacquiao to update them on his preparation on a weekly basis to appease all those supporting him. Congressman Rodriguez insists the Gaming Board should also inform the Nevada Commission that the Philippine Government does not sanction the Pacquiao-De La Hoya fight.
Pacquiao, 29 - known in the Philippines as The Destroyer, People's Champ, and National Fist - should receive between $15 million and $20 million from the non-title fight. Pacquiao is self-managed.
