As the most anticipated show on the planet draws closer, a lot of speculations are being thrown around from opposing schools of thought.
Many of the so-called boxing experts call this fight as a freak show, a circus, etc. They say this is nothing but a money-earning venture of the Golden Boy and Pacman. Well, that may be partially right, after all, this is a professional boxing match and the boxers get paid—handsomely, in millions of dollars.
But this is more than that . . . This is a fight for pride, bragging rights, and both fighters will be carrying the weight of their very-loyal fans at their backs.
For Oscar, a win against a pound for pound champion will raise his stock and extend his shelf life as a fighter. This means, he will continue to earn big bucks in the immediate future with multimillion-dollar paydays and laugh all his way to the bank.
For Manny, this is the big chance to crossover to the mainstream of the American sports scene. This fight will put him into the consciousness of ordinary Americans. But blocking his path is the imposing figure of Oscar dela Hoya.
Does the Filipino icon really have a chance, or are the experts absolutely correct that this is a mismatch?
I would have to say that Manny Pacquiao has a good chance of winning this fight. The thing with Pacman is that he fights best when the odds are stacked against him. He is an absolute tornado when the challenge is perceived to be too great of a hurdle.
Now let’s review his previous fights:
versus Lehlohonolo Ledwaba
In Manny’s U.S. debut, he was actually a late substitute, on a few weeks notice, for this bout and was a big underdog leading into the fight. “Hands of Stone” Ledwaba was supposed to win this fight, but somehow, they forgot to tell that to Pacman. The rampaging Filipino superstar just cannot be denied and demolished the South African fighter in six rounds.
versus Marco Antonio Barrera
The “Baby Faced Assassin” Marco Antonio Barrera was a high-ranked pound for pound fighter when he faced the Pacman. He was the most feared boxer among the smaller fighters as he just beat a 41-0-0 Erik “El Terrible” Morales. Pacquiao was just supposed to be a stepping-stone fighter in his road to greatness. But, again, the force of nature Manny Pacquiao came to spoil the party and completely destroyed his much-heralded opponent. Barrera’s trainer Rudy Perez had to step in to rescue his hapless fighter.
versus Erik Morales II
Just when everybody thought that the Pacquiao-puzzle was solved by Morales after their first encounter, Pacquiao had surprises of his own by fighting a methodical game and sticking to it in the entire fight. This is the fight when Manny first displayed his boxing skills and proved his critics wrong that he is just a one-dimensional fighter. In this fight, Morales was stopped for the first time in his career, and the star of the Filipino sports hero was shining brighter than ever.
Manny’s best wins are in the fights where the odds are stacked high against him. For the nonbelievers, you have got to remember that Pacquiao is a prime fighter whose got the rare combination of knockout power and dynamic hand speed. Although Oscar is definitely a bigger guy, it won’t be as big a factor as it looks once the punches start blitzing—after all, he is past his prime.
Mark my words, Manny Pacquiao’s determination and innate boxing talent is a sure-fire hit to beat Oscar dela Hoya. Wanna go with a sure bet—go for Manny.
