PACUIAO VOWS TO PROVE HIS CRITICS WRONG
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 03 Oct 2008
In a highly successful launch of the dramatic ?Dream Match? at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on December 6th, Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao who faces ?The Golden Boy? Oscar De La Hoya, vowed to prove his critics who claimed it was a mismatch and that he was taking the fight only for the money, dead wrong.
Pacquiao?s lawyer Franklin ?Jeng? Gacal told www.insidesports.ph, Manila Standard and Viva Sports that Pacquiao was ?applauded several times during his remarks when he told fight fans who had gathered at the Statue of Liberty that ?the fire and intensity fans loved and enjoyed will be doubled? against De La Hoya.
Gacal said that Pacquiao effectively answered critics such as Congressman Rufus Rodriguez who branded the fight a mismatch and cited the height, reach and size advantage of De La Hoya and claimed that he would ?kill the smaller Pacquiao.?
Gacal quoted the world?s most exciting fighter and recognized No.1 in the pound-for-pound rankings as saying ?people should not be deceived by the height and reach advantage of Oscar because the prayers and support of the Filipinos will give him more inspiration and determination.?
Gacal said Pacquiao was warmly received by the fans with Filipinos out-numbering Mexicans.
Pacquiao stressed that the showdown with De La Hoya would be ?a great fight.?
De La Hoya echoed the same sentiments saying it would be a good fight and an exciting one but according to Gacal, De La Hoya speaking in Spanish ?predicted a knockout.?
The formal launch was carried out against the backdrop of the historic and imposing Statue of Liberty in New York. During the press conference De La Hoya announced that the battle with Pacquiao will not be his last leading some people to speculate that De La Hoya may be leaving options open for a rematch if he loses or it turns out to be a close and exciting fight.
De La Hoya said "there's no doubt about it. My mind can still do it, my body can still do it. I'm going to ride the wave for a little while."
The December 6 clash between the ten-time world champion and Olypic gold medalist and the four-division world champion Pacquiao regarded as the all-time greatest fighter out of Asia had an amazing kickoff when tickets went on sale and were sold out in a couple of hours. The gate receipts of $17 million make it the second highest grossing fight in boxing history, second only to "The World Awaits" between De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
With the economic turmoil in the US showing signs of abating hopes are high that the pay-per-view buys will top the two million mark which would all mean that in the end the devastating southpaw from poor beginnings in General Santos City would earn a cool $20 million.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
JIM LAMPLEY'S BOOK TOUR IS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS WEEK!
Wed, 07 May 2025CAPITO IGNITES TITLE DEFENCE IN STYLE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Wed, 07 May 2025Sol Levinson: The Man Whose Gloves Elevated Boxing
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 06 May 2025Undefeated Cuban Heavyweight Prospect Dainier Pero Finishes Intense Las Vegas Training Camp Ahead of May 9 MVP Main Event on DAZN
Tue, 06 May 2025The Past Week in Action 5 May 2025: Inoue-Cardenas Saves Historic Boxing Weekend; Canelo-Scull Sets New Record for Fewest Punches Thrown
By Eric Armit, Tue, 06 May 2025Sampson Lewkowicz Congratulates Cardenas, Romero and Espinoza and Vows to Make Next Year's Cinco de Mayo Unforgettable, Highlighted by David Benavidez Facing the Winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev
Tue, 06 May 2025Saving the Best for Last: GSW Upstages Raw Rockets
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 06 May 2025Antonio, Bagamasbad face tough competition in Woman FIDE Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao Open Rapid Chess Tournament on May 18
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 06 May 2025Andres “Savage” Cortes Finishes Strong Training Camp Ahead of Crucial May 10 Clash Against Salvador Jimenez at Pechanga Arena San Diego
Tue, 06 May 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS and ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT PRESENT HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT
Tue, 06 May 2025IBA embraces Bare Knuckle Boxing
Tue, 06 May 2025Monster Dynamite: Inoue Crushes Cardenas in Eight
Mon, 05 May 2025"THE MONSTER" SURVIVES EARLY SCARE, DESTROYS CARDENAS IN THRILLING WAR TO RETAIN UNDISPUTED CROWN
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 05 May 2025Dana White to Promote Canelo vs. Crawford: UFC Boss Set to Elevate Superfight to Historic Levels
By T. Chin-Te, Mon, 05 May 2025Bata Reyes impressed with upcoming young players during exhibition in Libis
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 05 May 2025