Philippine Sports: Can Miguel Angel Cotto Stop Manny Pacquiao?

Being a biased Filipino – my simple answer is NO.

I haven’t been the best fan of Manny Pacquiao. When Manny Pacquiao rematched Juan Manuel Marquez, my money was on Marquez. Well – the payout for the odds was much better, but even at the end of the fight, despite Juan Manuel Marquez kissing the floor, I still believed Juan Manuel Marquez did enough to win the fight. But oh well.

When Manny Pacquiao faced Oscar De La Hoya, I expected it to be a bloody battle that would push the fight to the last round, and eventually the judges favoring Oscar De La Hoya. And while I cheered for Manny Pacquiao, I didn’t feel that confident. I mean Oscar De La Hoya is THE Golden Boy. Well, I was wowed by Manny Pacquiao, and certainly I’m not alone there.

When Manny Pacquiao faced Ricky Hatton, I was thinking that Manny Pacquiao might be a bit too over-confident, and that he would eventually get tagged by the famous Ricky Hatton body shot to the liver. Once again, I was proven wrong.

But don’t get me wrong – it’s not that I don’t want Manny Pacquiao to win. It’s just that I’m never 100% on Manny Pacquiao because he can be careless at times, and of course there are the equally awesome reputations of the fighters he’s faced.

Miguel Cotto Rocking Shane Mosley

But now – against Miguel Angel Cotto – I’m 100% behind Pacquiao. Miguel Angel Cotto may have an impressive 34 wins and 1 loss with 27 KOs – with some big wins against the likes of Shane Mosley, Zab Judah Oktay Urkal, Carlos Quintana and Alfonso Gomez, but in the world of boxing, you’re only as good as your last fight.

In the case of Miguel Angel Cotto, his last three fights include a TKO loss to Antonio Margarito, where he gave up his WBO Welterweight belt. Of course, Miguel Angel Cotto gained the WBO Welterweight belt back again when it was left vacant. This time he KOed Michael Jennings in the 5th round. In his last fight, Miguel Angel Cotto was able to defeat Joshua Clottey, but in a split decision. So, it’s not really that impressive.

Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao has been more than impressive in his recent wins. And well, Miguel Angel Cotto looks to be another victim that will soon be added to those that Manny Pacquiao will run over.

The Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Angel Cotto is scheduled for November 14, 2009 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The two boxers will be fighting at the weight of 145 lbs., which falls under the welterweight category. And although there has been no announcement that Miguel Angel Cotto will put his WBO Welterweight Title on the line, it is expected that the WBO Welterweight belt will definitely be on the line. Firstly, if Miguel Angel Cotto refuses to make it a title match, then he will be stripped off the belt, and the title made vacant, and eventually free for Manny Pacquiao to win. If Manny Pacquiao wins – it will be another championship in a record-setting seven weight classes.

Incidentally, Miguel Angel Cotto has expressed his intention to retire from boxing before he hits the age of 30. Currently, he is 28 years old. According to reports on Miguel Angel Cotto’s website, Cotto would like to retire to enjoy fatherhood.

“I have four little ones between the ages of 3 and 13 who require a father… because one wants to play an instrument, another wants to play tennis, if you ask another, golfing, and the small child is three years old and I do not know what he wants to do, but I need to be there,” Cotto explained.

As for Manny Pacquiao – he has a new sitcom TV series coming out on local Philippine TV called Show Me The Manny which will co-star the Philippines’ Queen of Primetime Marian Rivera.  I guess if Manny retires, then he’ll have showbusiness to fall back on.

But in the case of the Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Angel Cotto, I just hope I’m not wrong again. But something is telling me this could be a trilogy.

Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Angel Cotto Tickets Available Here.

Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto Odds Here.

Online tickets tip: If you buy early, it costs less. If you buy closer to the date, it will be very pricey.

Philippine Sports: Manny Pacquiao TKO’s Oscar De La Hoya

Oscar De La Hoya congratulates Manny Pacquiao

I won’t bother to give an update on the fight as I’m sure every Filipino out there already had the chance to see the fight, or at least the highlights. Or if you didn’t watch the fight, then at least you should know by now that Manny Pacquiao defeated Oscar De La Hoya via TKO at the end of 8 rounds.

I’m pretty certain everyone has their take on what happened about the fight – what went right for Manny Pacquiao and what went wrong for Oscar De La Hoya – and I also have my own opinions. And while I might not be a boxing expert, all I can say is that Manny Pacquiao was just too quick for Oscar De La Hoya. No matter how big you are or how far your reach is, if you can’t tag your opponent with a meaningful punch, then how do you ever expect to even win a boxing match? Well, in the case of Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao was just the faster chicken, and he just couldn’t be touched.

But more than the highlights of the fight and Manny Pacquiao‘s excellent boxing form, what I appreciated most about the outcome of the fight was the end of the fight. When Manny Pacquiao told Oscar De La Hoya, “You’re still my idol.” and Oscar De La Hoya replied, “No, Manny, now you’re my idol.” – that for me was the defining moment which capped off an awesome promotion for the fight. After all was slugged out, that little bit of pride, respect and honor was definitely the icing of the Pacquiao-De La Hoya circus. It sounded like that scene in the movie Top Gun – Iceman says, “Maverick, you could be my wing man anytime.” to which Maverick replies, “Bullshit, you could be mine.”

Of course, I had expected so much from the fight, and was expecting bot fighters to be bloodied up. I didn’t expect it to be the one-sided massacre it turned out to be. I mean – Oscar De La Hoya was a clear favorite, and what took place against Manny Pacquiaob, I didn’t ever think that would happen to someone as talented as Oscar De La Hoya. But then, I guess Freddie Roach was a bit correct in saying that De La Hoya couldn’t pull the trigger. Anyway, there’s more to be said than what wasn’t said, but I leave that up to the real boxing columnists and critics.

On a personal note, I had a ball watching the fight. I watched the fight at noontime in the Philippines, waking up at 7am to make it to Handle Bar Makati early enough to grab our chairs. My huge thanks to Dustin Derkinderen for taking the initiative in reserving a table. I had so much fun just cheering with my 6 year-old son Kaj, shouting at the top of our lungs and banging on the table top. Then, of course, the chance to be with some awesome people like Albert Gaw, Angelo Alvendia and Dustin Derkinderen. Looks like we’re the Handle Bar regulars for fights, whether it be Manny Pacquiao or UFC. Cheers, boys!

Anyway, so now they’re saying Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton. All I have to say – Did you see what he did to De La Hoya?

Manny, maraming salamat sa maligayang pasko.

Philippine Boxing: Can Manny Pacquiao Knock Out Oscar De La Hoya?

Manny Pacquiao Training With Freddie Roach

The Filipino People are getting excited with the upcoming boxing match between WBC Lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar De La Hoya.

Oscar De La Hoya, who has won 10 world titles in 6 weight divisions, is a slight favorite to win against Manny Pacquiao when these two great boxers clash on December 6 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, while the odds makers are favoring Oscar De La Hoya to win over Manny Pacquiao, boxing critics and boxing fans are excited of the prospect that Manny Pacquiao can certainly knock out Oscar De La Hoya.

Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao will be fighting at the 147-pound welterweight limit. Speculations by boxing critics are saying that Manny Pacquiao will be out of his comfort zone at 147 pounds since Manny Pacquiao is so used to fighting at 135 lbs. Meanwhile, Oscar De La Hoya should be able to dominate the fight, considering his size and reach advantage, plus the fact that he is comfortable fighting at the 147-pound welterweight limit.

However, Manny Pacquiao is also expected to knock out Oscar De La Hoya, who hasn’t had a professional boxing fight since May 5, 2007 when he lost a split-decision to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and also lost his WBC welterweight championship title in the process. Oscar De La Hoya doesn’t seem to have the steam he’s had during his younger years, and it might be difficult for De La Hoya to even keep up with the energetic Manny Pacquiao, who is at the prime of his boxing career.

Manny Pacquiao might certainly be able to knock down Oscar De La Hoya, but might not have enough power to actually keep De La Hoya down for a ten count. In his previous boxing fights against the likes of Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez, Manny Pacquiao was able to successfully send these boxers to the canvas, and it was only Erik Morales who really felt the sting of Manny Pacquiao and was not able to recover from getting up on time to beat the ten count.

Manny Pacquiao has been KOed twice earlier in his career but that was way before he gained enough experience to become the boxing champion that he is. Meanwhile, Oscar De La Hoya has already suffered one KO against Bernard Hopkins Jr., who tagged De La Hoya with a left hook to the liver which was just unbearable for Oscar De La Hoya to recover from. As seen in Pacquiao’s previous fights, he turns into a monster when he gets hit, and when he gets fired up, his frenzy of combo punches are very solid. In the fight, if Oscar De La Hoya gets to hit Manny Pacquiao with 2 to 3 punches, you can expect Manny Pacquiao to come back with 4 to 6 punches of his own, and that area of Pacquiao’s fight strategy might be difficult for a slower De La Hoya to fend off. Definitely, Manny Pacquiao will be throwing more punches, and if a lot of them get in, it won’t be a surprise if Oscar De La Hoya will be seen picking himself up from the ring.

In any case, The Dream Match between Oscar De La Hoya vs Manny Pacquiao will be underway on December 6, and bets are available for the fight! Tickets for the fight have long sold out, and the only place left to get them are here.

De La Hoya-Pacquiao Tickets Are Only Available Here.

Philippine Sports: Manny Pacquiao Striptease!

Manny Pacquiao and fan Sofie Garrucho

It’s confirmed! Manny Pacquiao is involved in a striptease scandal!

Well, the big boys from the World Boxing Council (WBC) are getting all hyped up over Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, and have got Manny Pacquiao involved in a strip tease. The WBC is charging Manny Pacquiao $130,000 total to cover a $30,000 fighting fee or something, and another $100,000 for some other boxing fee. If Manny Pacquiao fails to comply with the request at a given deadline, then the WBC will have no choice, but to loosen the WBC Belts of Manny Pacquiao and strip him off it.

The WBC has made every effort to get in touch with Manny Pacquiao, who has been very busy training for the fight against boxing great Oscar De La Hoya, in what many boxing fans and boxing experts have dubbed as The Dream Match.

The Dream Match between Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar Dela Hoya is a non-tile fight, and takes place on December 9, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao-De La Hoya Tickets and Ringside Seats are still available, but they’re getting to be more expensive as the date grows nearer. Why is that?

Anyway, Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar De La Hoya may not be a title bout, but then if Manny Pacquiao doesn’t settle his bill with the big boys of the World Boxing Council, he may not even have a title at all. Certainly, Manny Pacquiao has the cash to afford the $130,000. That’s just about the same budget Manny Pacquiao uses for his poker bankroll, and just about the same amount he gambles with at the billiard tables.

Dear Manny Pacquiao – neighbor, idol, champ – please pay your bill to the WBC. On behalf of the Filipino people, we don’t want you to get involved in a Manny Pacquiao stripper, strip-tease scandal involving the stripping of your belt. Di ka na champ niyan? Baka maging chump ka na lang!

Philippine Politics: The Philippine Presidentiables for 2010

This Is What They're Fighting For

The year 2008 is ending, and by the time Christmas 2008 hits, we’re going to be receiving a lot of 2009 Calendars from so many people, and I’m pretty sure that a bulk of them will be coming from politicians who are hopefuls to become the next President of the Philippines. By 2009, we’re going to have a lot more politicians making campaigns and hoping to get a lot of media mileage to highlight their achievements over the years in order to prepare their good reputation for the 2010 national election in the Philippines.

As early as now, there are already intentions being stated by many Philippine politicians as to their campaign plans for the upcoming 2010 Philippine elections. And of course, the big election post being sought after is none other than the position of President of the Philippines. Among those who have pretty much given their intention to take the seat from Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo include: Senator Dick Gordon, Vice President Noli De Castro, Senator Kiko Pangilinan, Senator Mar Roxas, Senator Loi Ejercito, Senator Ping Lacson and maybe even former ousted President Joseph ‘ERAP’ Estrada.

Dick Gordon has already started his campaign in Facebook with a profile page called Dick Gordon for President. Dick Gordon was once the controversial former SBMA Chairman, who battled it out against ERAP when he was told to step down as SBMA Chairman. Dick Gordon even had his own little People Power in Olongapo to prevent incoming SBMA chair Felicito Payumo from taking over when then President Joseph Estrada appointed Felicito Payumo for the position to replace Dick Gordon. Apart from that historical memory of Dick Gordon, many will remember how he inspirationally brought back Olongapo City and the rest of Pampanga as a city mayor just after Mt. Pinatubo erupted and devastated that part of the country. Of course, Dick Gordon will also be remembered as the Department of Tourism Secretary and his amazing Wow Philippines! campaign that put the Philippines back as one of the top tourist destinations in Asia. As a senator, Dick Gordon has been a loud voice in national issues that the senate had to address over his term, and many believe that his bullish charisma is the kind of leadership that Filipinos will want for the Philippine Presidential seat.

Vice President Noli De Castro is also looking to replace Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as president, and will hope for Arroyo’s blessing and nomination to be the party representative to run for President. Of course, at this moment of the Philippine republic, it’s not certain if a Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo endorsement might actually be enough for VP Noli De Castro to win, but it might be the only shot he has apart from his popularity as a former newscaster.

Senator Kiko Pangilinan has somehow given his intention to run as a presidential candidate for 2010. However, I have this eerie feeling that if Kiko Pangilinan does become the President of the Philippines, it’ll not be because most Filipinos would love to see Sharon Cuneta as the First Lady of the Philippines more than they want to see Kiko Pangilinan as President. Well, behind every great man is a woman, and definitely Sharon Cuneta has a big pull as a great woman behind a great senator as Kiko Pangilinan. And of course there’s also KC Concepcion.

Mar Roxas For President in 2010

Senator Mar Roxas has also given his intention to run for Philippine President in the upcoming 2010 elections. In fact, Mar Roxas already has a blog, showcased as the first blog on the 2010 Philippine Presidential elections. History may favor Mar Roxas as the grandson of former Philippine President Manuel Roxas and son to former Philippine senator Gerardo Roxas. Undoubtedly, Mar Roxas has Philippine politics in his blood, and will be hoping to make use of all that genetic political wisdom to impart on the Philippines. It might also help that highly acclaimed, popular newscaster Korina Sanchez is having a relationship with Mar Roxas, although the two have yet to get married if Korina Sanchez would become the First Lady of the Philippines. Mar Roxas was also a very instrumental Department of Trade & Industry Secretary, and did much to shape the economy and growing industries of the Philippines.

Senator Ping Lacson has not been as vocal as Mar Roxas or Dick Gordon in his intention to run for President in 2010, but the Philippine rumor mill has put out his name as one of the hopefuls to run for President in 2010 probably because Ping Lacson can afford to run. Of course, not just because of Ping Lacson‘s extensive financial resources, but also because of his keen connections in the ranks of the Philippine military and Philippine National Police, which are very essential in maintaining order and discipline in the country. As we’ve noticed in our history, without the backing of the military, it is easy to establish a coup d’ etat which eventually will have long term effects on the growth of the Philippine economy, and not to mention the distrust with with foreign investors and the ill-perception around the globe as a result of such ugly moments. In fact, military control is so important – that without it, a President can actually lose power as seen in the history of both EDSA People Power revolts. With former PNP Chief Ping Lacson in power as President, then perhaps the issue of law and order, and even civil unrest with the likes of the MNLF or Abu-Sayyaf, can be thoroughly addressed to promote a lasting peace in the Philippines, which all sectors definitely wish for.

Senator Loi Ejercito is also a candidate to run for President in 2010, but she hasn’t really yet stated her intentions. Of course, Loi Ejercito will be banking on the fact that several Filipinos are still loyal to former President Joseph Estrada, and having him as her endorser might be good enough to have her win the Presidential seat in 2010. However, that’s only if former President Joseph Estrada doesn’t run for President himself. Former President Joseph Estrada has already been quoted as saying that he will run for President if the Filipino people really want him to run, and if the opposition really doesn’t have a formidable choice to vie for the Presidential seat in 2010. According to former President Joseph Estrada, he hasn’t technically finished his term as President, and is qualified under the Philippine constitution’s election code to be eligible for re-election. However, becoming President again considering his tainted controversial past during his term of office, will be a hard obstacle to overcome, and thus Joseph Estrada might instead opt to endorse his First Lady Loi Ejercito instead of himself.

Let’s not also forget Eddie Gil, who just might come back in 2010 to try his luck again, probably with a different hairdo. Blonde na si Eddie Gil!

What about Manny Pacquiao for President in 2010? Well, he’ll certainly afford the campaign after his fight with Oscar De La Hoya. And maybe he’ll earn some more votes if he beats Oscar De La Hoya. However, he lost in the Congressional race last election at his home town in General Santos, and that’s already saying a lot about what people think of Manny Pacquiao entering politics. But who knows, maybe it’ll be different on a national level.

What Manny Pacquiao Can Do With $23 Million Dollars

After several huge boxing matches with the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and David Diaz, Manny Pacquiao has already earned himself quite a lot of money. I’m sure everyone has heard rumors of how he’s spent his money, including a stint to compete for a congressional seat in the Philippine House of Representatives.

We also know of his many endorsement bonuses from Nike, No Fear, San Miguel Beer, Alaxan and even Magic Sing!

Anyway, let’s just say Manny Pacquiao is very well-off (to put it lightly).

Now, Manny Pacuqiao is set to fight Oscar De La Hoya in what could possible earn him $23 Million Dollars. With a 40 peso exchange rate to the dollar (and that’s being crude), that would be something like – 920 Million Pesos. Ho hum, now what to do? At this point, you may space out for a bit and give yourself some time to imagine.

If you’ve decided to continue reading…

Manny Pacquiao – 23 million dollars/920 Million Pesos!

Eto lang iyan, Sir Pacman:

Manny Pacquiao, you should invest 20 Million Pesos to live it up in Las Vegas for a while, and work on the possibility of getting Daniel Negreanu, Phil Helmuth, Barry Greenstein, Phil Ivey and Howard Lederer to teach you some texas hold’em, and you could probably earn at least 20% investment on your 20 million pesos each month.

On the remaining 900 million pesos, Manny Pacquiao should put up a corporation that would handle a group of companies that would specialize in: (1) providing alternative energy solutions for the Philippines; (2) constructing and managing a world class 100,000 seater stadium and sports center that can host big sporting events and possibly be the kind of secure and developed Philippine venue that U2 would agree to play on; (3) building and managing a desalination plant that could transform the surrounding Pacific Ocean to drinkable, potable water for the 7,200 islands of the Philippines; (4) promoting boxing fights and not just for Philippine boxers, but the good fights; (5) managing assets on co-ownership of a professional sports team like maybe the Boston Celtics or something that could use some improvement like the New York Knicks; and (6) produce Hollywood blockbuster movies, preferably by Pixar.

Manny Pacquiao Should Invest In Alternative Energy For The Philippines

It might sound like the bills might go over budget from 900 million pesos, but then that’s where the business sense of Manny Pacquiao should kick in along with the wheeling and dealing that is needed to transform 900 million pesos into something even bigger and greater. And while my list may seem a tad bit too far-fetched and exaggerated, there are some bright ideas there that I’m sure Manny Pacquiao can start with in order to provide a positive and worthwhile contribution to the development of the Philippines, and not just build his certain legacy, but also provide a sustainable thriving business that could multiply his money.

Oh, and Sir Pacman – if you ever need anyone to help you run such a cooperation, I would be honored to submit an application.

Meanwhile, our thoughts go with you in your next match against Oscar De La Hoya. They may not be favorable thoughts for you, but at least $23 Million dollars. Manalo, matalo – malayo na mararating niyan, diba?

Pacquiao vs Dela Hoya Tickets and Ringside Seats Available Here.

Philippine Sports: Freddie Roach Says Pacquiao vs De La Hoya Might Not Happen

No Fight If Oscar De La Hoya Is Overweight

Philippine boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya have already signed a contract to fight on December 6, 2008 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, there is still a possibility that the fight might not happen.

It is stipulated in their contract that Oscar De La Hoya will pay Manny Pacquiao $3 Million per pound that goes over the 147 welterweight limit. And if Oscar De La Hoya doesn’t make the weight and reaches 150 lbs. during the weigh-in, then Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach will just have to pull the plug on the fight, and that’s that.

Freddie Roach stated that if Oscar De La Hoya weighs in at 150 lbs., it will just be an unfair fight for Manny Pacquiao. According to Freddie Roach, it doesn’t matter if Oscar De La Hoya will pay $9 Million for the overweight, but fighting at 150 lbs. is a totally different story altogether. Oscar De La Hoya already has the height and reach advantage over Manny Pacquiao, and the weight will be the true equalizer for both boxers. If Oscar De La Hoya comes in heavier, then it just really stacks up the odds against Manny Pacquiao, and Freddie Roach is just being a wise trainer in protecting his boxer.

Freddie Roach thinks that if Oscar De La Hoya really wants this fight to happen, then De La Hoya should really do his best to meet the weight requirement. After all, it was Oscar De La Hoya who called out Manny Pacquiao to fight at 147 lbs., albeit after hearing that Freddie Roach said that De La Hoya couldn’t pull the trigger against Pacquiao. Hmmm… boxing trash talk.

Anyway – Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya stand to make huge amounts of money from this fight should the fight push through. In fact, after all the bills have been collected from ticket sales of the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the pay-per-view broadcasts, the sponsors and what-have-you – it is estimated that Manny Pacquiao can earn as much as $23 Million. Oscar De La Hoya stands to make more. It might come out to be the biggest purse in boxing history for a single fight.

Well, we have to wait first if Oscar De La Hoya makes the weight to see if there will be any fight at all. Yo, Golden Boy, stay away from those cream puffs!

Pacquiao-De La Hoya Tickets and Ringside Seat Tickets Are Available Here.

Philippine Boxing News: Oscar De La Hoya Talks About Manny “Money” Pacquiao

The Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya gave his comments about his upcoming 12-round non-title bout versus Manny Pacquiao on December 6, 2008 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. He had some pretty fair stuff to say about Manny Pacquiao, but of course included a bit of trash talk, and other talk about his career and the other fights that could’ve been had Manny Pacquiao backed out of the deal. I came across Oscar De La Hoya‘s comments, by accidentally stumbling upon this You Tube video.

There’s even some Floyd Mayweather Jr. trash talk on the video with him showing off  1 million dollars. “Put your money where your mouth is. I’ve got a big mouth, and I’ve got big money.”  Well, from what I recall, Mayweather did beat De La Hoya via split decision.

Anyway, Oscar De La Hoya also discusses his take on Manny Pacquiao’s style of boxing versus his own, and also talks about Pacman’s insatiable hunger for his share of the fight purse. Or can I say gluttony? Well, Manny Pacquiao just probably wants more money to make up for the few million pesos he’s leaked from “bad” investments. Kasi naman, Manny, tama na yung high-stakes betting sa billiards at sa poker.

Anyway, it’s an exclusive interview with Oscar De La Hoya who explains everything that’s going down on the fight against Manny Pacquiao, including a preview of the awesome under card for the night.

I won’t give out too much information, just listen to what Oscar De La Hoya has to say.

Manny Pacquiao – any response? Can we use this quote on your behalf – “Sana maka-chamba ulit parang kay Marquez.”

Incidentally, De La Hoya-Pacquiao Tickets and Ringside Seats for December 6 at the MGM Grand Arena are available here.

Philippine Boxing News: Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar De La Hoya on December 6

Manny Pacquiao Is An Underdog Against Oscar De La Hoya

It is now official!

The Philippines very own boxing sensation, WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao has agreed to fight six-time boxing world champion Oscar De La Hoya for a 12-round non-title bout at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds on December 6, 2008 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada!

The Pacquiao vs De La Hoya fight is expected to be the biggest fight of the year, and will be a sure blockbuster pay-per-view event. Promoters Bob Arum of Top Rank and Richard Schaefer have already shook hands, but the share of the purse for this main event has yet to be announced. The Pacquiao vs De La Hoya match took three weeks of negotiations. Initially, Manny Pacquiao wanted 40% share of the purse while Oscar De La Hoya offered 30%. Eventually, the two parties agreed to something in between. 35% maybe?

The Mirage Hotel and Casino odds makers already opened a betting line for the Pacquiao vs De La Hoya fight, and odds makers are making Oscar De La Hoya as an 8-5 favorite over Manny Pacquiao. Well, that seems normal as Oscar De La Hoya has had experience fighting at 147 pounds even though he hasn’t fought at that weight since 2001. Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao hasn’t found above 135 pounds, and it will be interesting to see how Manny Pacquiao gains the weight to match up against the size of Oscar De La Hoya.

Of course, being a Filipino – I am excited to cheer for Manny Pacquiao to beat one of the world’s greatest boxers in history in Manny Pacquiao For Oscar De La Hoya, this may be his last fight before he considers retirement at the age of 35. Oscar De La Hoya has wanted to fight Manny Pacquiao ever since he watched Pacquiao destroy the likes of Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez and David Diaz. Oscar De La Hoya‘s desire was even pushed further after reading statements from Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach who said that Oscar De La Hoya will not be able to ‘pull the trigger’ against Manny Pacquiao.

Oscar De La Hoya Wants Manny Pacquiao for

“I felt challenged, especially from an expert trainer like Freddie Roach… If he thinks I can’t pull the trigger, then we’ll see on December 6,” said Oscar De La Hoya.

Freddie Roach was in Oscar De La Hoya‘s corner in his fight against Floyd Mayweather, so maybe there is some basis of truth for the statements of Freddie Roach.

Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao thinks that he has the advantage in speed and technique, predicting that he would beat Oscar De La Hoya in the same way he clinically defeated David Diaz where Pacquiao chopped down David Diaz until he won via a 9th round TKO.

“I’m faster and stronger than him, and I’m younger… He has an advantage in the height… but I believe I’m stronger,” was Manny Pacquiao’s statement.

On a personal note, I believe in Manny Pacquiao that he may be faster and stronger, but then there is no questioning the resiliency of Oscar De La Hoya. After all, De La Hoya is a six-time world champion, and has loads of experience in the boxing ring. I doubt, however, that Manny Pacquiao will be able to send Oscar De La Hoya to the canvas unlike he’s done with all his previous opponents. I also don’t think Manny Pacquiao will be able to be as successful in getting past the reach and height advantage of Oscar De La Hoya. I don’t really want Manny Pacquiao to lose, but then maybe this is the time he finally takes a loss and ends his winning streak. Eto na yung kasabihan na ma-humble siya ni Lord. Besides, Manny Pacquiao is entering the ring as the underdog, and there’s a reason why the favorites win most of the time.

In any case, I hope Manny Pacquiao wins. It would be a good Christmas present for the Filipino people in all parts of the world. If not, then at least it’ll be a good conversation piece over Noche Buena. Whatever happens, Manny Pacquiao will have deeper pockets, and hopefully a lot of Christmas presents for all of us.

Manny, ok na ako sa limang E-Jeepney. Gamitin natin dito sa neighborhood natin sa BF Homes, Paranaque. At X-Box 360 kung may natirang barya. Palagi naman din ako nananalo kapag ikaw ginagamit ko sa Fight Night 3. Kahit si De La Hoya at si Evander Holyfield, walang sinabi!

Incidentally, De La Hoya-Pacquiao Tickets and Ringside Seats for December 6 at the MGM Grand Arena are available here.