Buhain: Pacquiao by KO in Seven
By Emmanuel B. Villaruel
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 17 Sep 2007
Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chairman Eric Buhain doesn't think Marco Antonio Barrera will last 11 rounds against Manny Pacquiao this time, predicting that the revered Filipino sports hero will terminate the "Baby-Faced Assasin" from Mexico within seven rounds.
Buhain, who served as head of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) before taking over the reins of GAB two years ago, is in town to oversee how far Pacquiao has gone through with his training in preparation for his October 6 rematch with Barrera at the Mandalay Bay Hotel Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Buhain was all praises for the work ethics of Pacquiao, leaving no doubt in his mind the Pacman will tame Barrera anew in more convincing fashion.
"Manny Pacquiao will definitely win. He has the confidence of being in the advantage coming from their previous encounter. I think he's more prepared psychologically. He knows he's the guy to beat," said Buhain. "But I know Manny as being a very professional guy. Despite knowing he's the topdog, he's still here grinding it out."
When pressed on his fearless forecast, Buhain answered: "Manny will win by knockout, of course."
Buhain was obviously referring to the number of rounds Pacquiao brutally dismantled Barrera during their first bout on November 16, 2003 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
"I don't think Barrera will last 11 rounds against Pacquiao this time. Pacquiao most probably will finish off Barrera on or before the seventh round. Seven is the number to look at," said Buhain.
"Manny's power is there. Physically, he looks very, very sharp. It's going to be a good fight though. I just hope Barrera won't get hurt too much," added the former swimming Olympian in jest.
Buhain, on the other hand, said that Pacquiao's training here is one of the best things that ever happened to Cebu boxing.
"What happened here in Cebu is a welcome for the community in general. This is the first time we see how our Pacman trains. I believe some of Cebu's boxing aficionados have also learned a lot from being able to see and witness what Manny is doing," said Buhain.
Meanwhile, Buhain said everything is in place with regards to the country's hosting of the 45th World Boxing Council (WBC) Convention set from November 11 to 17 at the Manila Hotel.
"So far, everything is on schedule. Right now there's 300 individuals who have made reservations already and it's still two months to go. I expect probably a thousand participants who will be part of the 45th WBC Convention in Manila," said Buhain.
Buhain bared some boxing greats who are expected to grace the annual event in the likes of Mike Tyson, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Ken Norton, Erik Morales, Oscar de la Hoya, Julio Cesar Chavez, and Roberto Duran.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Emmanuel B. Villaruel.
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