OSCAR DE LA HOYA WANTED TO WATCH BANAL-CONCEPCION FIGHT
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 18 Jul 2008
Unknown to boxing fans, legendary Oscar De la Hoya came close to visiting Cebu City to watch AJ 'Bazooka' Banal fight Rafael Concepcion for the WBA superflyweight title on July 26 at the New Cebu Coliseum.
WBO Asia Pacific Chairman Leon Panoncillo, in an exclusive interview, said that everything was already in place for De la Hoya's unannounced visit to Cebu, which would also include visits to some tourist spots including the world-class Boracay resort.
"Everything was already in place. I've made reservations with the nicest resort in Boracay, as well as in Cebu. We prepared the best possible welcome for Oscar," said Panoncillo yesterday.
Things, however, did not go as planned after De la Hoya must have been ill-advised that the country is a security threat.
"I'm not really too sure, but everything just did not happen this time. I hope Oscar visits Cebu in the near future though," added Panoncillo.
Top photo: Oscar de la Hoya and AJ 'Bazooka' Banal pose for a photo at the former's apartment in Puerto Rico in 2007.
WBO VP for Asia-Pacific Leon Panoncillo during yesterday's presscon at the GV Tower Hotel in Cebu City.
Meanwhile, trainer Freddie Roach has indicated that a fight between Oscar De la Hoya and Pacquiao would be a much better fight than a Pacquiao-Humberto Soto showdown.
"Manny asked me if I thought an Oscar De La Hoya fight could be made. I told him yes, I think it can be made at 147 lbs. I would have Manny come in at 140 lbs and the fight be at around 145lbs. Since we can't get Hatton right now, I think we should go after De La Hoya. I know Manny can beat Oscar right now, I know it," Roach told Boxingherald.
Roach added that he asked Manny if he would like to fight De La Hoya, and Pacquiao answered in the affirmative. "He then asked me about the weight, and I told him we would make Oscar make 146 lbs, and we could make the fight."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
CUBAN FUTURE CHAMPIONS YOENLI HERNANDEZ, ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI & GUSTAVO TRUJILLO HEADLINE ‘FISTS OF FURY 8’
Wed, 01 Oct 2025USA Boxing Finishes Canada Duel Undefeated
Wed, 01 Oct 2025Dana White Seeks to Make Significant Changes in the World Boxing
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 01 Oct 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 29 September 2025: Ferreira Retains IBF 135 Belt by Outpointing Moneo; Clavel Dethrones IBF 105 Champ Cudos
By Eric Armit, Tue, 30 Sep 2025Canelo Alvarez Facing Extended Layoff After Crawford Loss; Surgery Confirms Injury Rumors
By Dong Secuya, Tue, 30 Sep 2025Dante Stone is last American standing in Inaugural WBC Grand Prix
Tue, 30 Sep 2025Age Defying Triumph: At Age 50 Toshihiko Era Wins World Title
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 30 Sep 2025TKO and Zuffa Boxing sign streaming agreement with Paramount
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 30 Sep 2025Boxing Ephemera, Pacquiao’s Mouthguard, and the Meaning of It All
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 30 Sep 2025A turning point for global sport: IBA President Umar Kremlev and Donald Trump Jr join forces
Mon, 29 Sep 2025Rosia captures PBF super fly title
Mon, 29 Sep 2025Tancontians starred 2025 Sports Heroes Night
Mon, 29 Sep 2025“Thrilla” guest list
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 28 Sep 2025Why Do So Many Boxers Play eGames?
Sun, 28 Sep 2025PH Chess Wizard Marius Constante Shines
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 28 Sep 2025