DE LA HOYA ADMITS MAKING 147 WILL BE A STRUGGLE
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 08 Sep 2008
Oscar De La Hoya is now changing his tune. A couple of weeks ago in an exclusive overseas telephone conversation with www.insidesports.ph De La Hoya said he?d have no problems making the agreed upon 147 pound limit for his showdown with Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao. But now, he?s changing his tune.
In an interview with Bernardo Fallas of the Houston Chroncile, De La Hoya admits that making 147 will be a struggle.
Discussing the Pacquiao fight De La Hoya said ?Manny is very complicated, he?s awkward, very explosive with both hands and fast. The fact is yes, I?m older and I have to come down in weight to 147 which is going to be a struggle, is going to benefit him.?
?The Golden Boy? reiterated his reason for fighting the smaller Pacquiao saying he chose the fight ?obviously because he challenged me and his trainer (Freddie Roach) challenged me."
De La Hoya said it was a big challenge for him to take the fight and accept it realizing that ?its going to be a battle.?
De La Hoya left the door open for a possible rematch if he loses or if he wins a close fight stating he would retire only if he puts on ?a perfect performance against Manny and all the stars are aligned that night. That would be a perfect moment.?
Roach who needled De La Hoya by claiming he was too old, couldn?t pull the trigger and would be knocked out by Pacquiao who was younger, faster and stronger, continued to add fuel to the fire over the weekend.
In an interview with Dennis Principe on his dzSR Sports Radio show ?Sports Chat?, Roach stoked the issues even further when he said "believe me the true Mexican fans are going to be on Manny Pacquiao?s side because you know what, Oscar?s never been accepted by the true Mexican fans from Mexico. Mexican/American fans yes, but not Mexicans.?
Roach added ?believe me, the Mexican fans will be cheering for Manny that night. I believe that with my heart.? At the same time the celebrated trainer who steered Pacquiao to rousing victories over a roster of Mexicans including legends Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik ?El Terrible? Morales said the Mexicans loved Pacquiao?s style.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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