BATTLE OF CUTMEN LOOMS IN PACQUIAO-DE LA HOYA MATCH
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 28 Nov 2008
LOS ANGELES--It will be a battle between two of the world's best cutmen when Oscar De la Hoya and Manny Pacquiao swap leathers on December 6 in the main event of the "Dream Match" at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Working on De la Hoya's corner will be the legendary Joe Chavez who, apart from being one of the best cutmen in the world, is also arguably the best hand wrapper in the business.
?I mold it to the hand. I use my imagination to think of ways to wrap a hand. I make changes. You have to protect their hands. You wouldn?t send a soldier to war with a dirty rifle,? Chavez once told the media.
Ironically, Chavez was also Pacquiao's cutman in his previous fights against Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, David Diaz and Hector Velazquez.
This time, however, Chavez opted to work with De la Hoya, citing that he had been with the Golden Boy longer than he'd been with Pacquiao.
"Joe Chavez is family to us, to the Wild Card Gym. We have no problem with him working with Oscar. It's all business, nothing personal," clarifies Eric Brown, Roach's assistant at the Wild Card Gym when interviewed yesterday.
Pacquiao, meanwhile, will work with another legendary cutman in Miguel Diaz, whom Roach hired for "Manny's biggest fight of his life." Diaz had worked on the corner of more than 40 world champions either as a trainer or a cutman.
Diaz, 70, of Las Vegas said he was honored to be asked for the job.
"This will be one of the biggest events I've ever been in," Diaz said. "I will do all I can to help Manny. He's a real warrior who fights with all his heart every second of every round. Every member of Manny's team, including me, is convinced we will win on Dec. 6," Diaz told the media recently.
"De La Hoya viene gastado (De La Hoya is spent)," Diaz was quoted as saying by ESPN Deportes when asked about his thoughts about the highly-anticipated 12-round welterweight bout on Dec. 6 in Las Vegas.
"Of course Pacquiao will win over Oscar," said the 70-year-old Diaz, who has worked the corners of more than 40 world champions either as trainer or cutman.
"Manny has shown that he didnt lose power when moving up in weight. His speed will be decisive because Oscar will not be able to adjust to it. Pacquiao is exceptional," said Diaz, who visited the Wild Card Gym the other day and discussed strategies with Roach.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Paul vs. Chávez Jr. is a Go: All Fighters Make Weight in Anaheim Ahead of High-Stakes Bout
Sat, 28 Jun 2025IIEE Chessmasters Overall Champion in the International Bundesliga with GM Joey Antonio
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 28 Jun 2025Kittipong of Thailand Battles Bhavesh of India in Brico Santig's Exciting Show in Bangkok
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 28 Jun 2025Weights from Philadelphia
Sat, 28 Jun 2025Alekhine Nouri and John Jerish Velarde struck gold and bronze
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 28 Jun 2025Would OKC Still Win the West If Dallas Had Not Traded Doncic?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 27 Jun 2025Asenso Ozamis Open chess tournament on July 12 and 13
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 27 Jun 2025MOST VALUABLE PROMOTIONS’ JAKE PAUL VS. JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 27 Jun 2025Guro Dan Inosanto: Guardian of the Filipino Fighting Spirit
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Fri, 27 Jun 2025Weigh-In Results: Christian Mbilili vs. Maciej Sulecki
Fri, 27 Jun 2025Unbeaten Philippines Top Prospect Criztian Pitt Laurente Signs with Sanman Boxing
Fri, 27 Jun 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS SIGNS PROMISING AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT SARDIUS SIMMONS
Fri, 27 Jun 2025Madoka Wada Halts Chay Rivas in Tokyo, Retains OPBF Belt
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 26 Jun 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: The Grand Prix a Grand Concept
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 26 Jun 2025PHOTOS: Pacquiao Showcases Vintage Form During Media Day Workout at Wildcard Gym
By Dong Secuya, Thu, 26 Jun 2025