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:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION DECEMBER 15 DECEMBER 2025: Gassiev KO Pulev in 6; Mikaeljan Beats Jack for WBC Cruiser Title; Pacheco Outpoints Sadjo
By Eric Armit, Tue, 16 Dec 2025Sumalinog, Castanol rule Senior, PWD fun run
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 16 Dec 2025Vargas urges boxers to defy odds
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 16 Dec 2025GIORGIO VISIOLI SETS OUT MISSION TO LAND MAJOR TITLES AFTER TENSE FIRST FACE-OFF WITH ENGLISH TITLE RIVAL JOE HOWARTH
Tue, 16 Dec 2025Kevin Brown and Yoenis Tellez Shine at Boxlab Promotions’ “Night of Champions XIII” During the 104th Annual WBA Convention
Tue, 16 Dec 2025TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Justin Cardona Shares Insights Ahead of December 19 Showdown Against Avious Griffin
Tue, 16 Dec 2025JAS MATHUR JOINS MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS AS CEO TO LEAD STRATEGIC VISION, CREATIVITY AND GLOBAL GROWTH INITIATIVES
Tue, 16 Dec 2025Split-T Management Signs Amateur Standout Adrian Salazar
Tue, 16 Dec 2025INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME REMEMBERS CANASTOTA’S MANAGER / TRAINER / PROMOTER TONY GRAZIANO
Mon, 15 Dec 2025Catubig, Prado win Suy Foods Santa Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 15 Dec 2025Junior, Youth and Elite Divisions Awarded on Final Day of 2025 USA Boxing National Championships
Mon, 15 Dec 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier Applauds Cebuana Lhuillier Ambassadors for Bronze Finish at SEA Games 2025
Mon, 15 Dec 2025NOEL MIKAELIAN DETHRONES BADOU JACK TO BECOME THE NEW WBC CRUISERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION
Sun, 14 Dec 2025FM Alekhine Nouri tops Kamatyas chessfest
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 14 Dec 2025Dante Kirkman Dominates DePriest Johnson in Unanimous Victory at Fight Club OC
Sun, 14 Dec 2025