PACQUIAO WATCH: SLAY him Manny
By Edwin G. Espejo
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 03 Dec 2008
This will probably be my last piece before I will again pound the keyboard of my still serviceable desktop for the result of the Dream Match between Manny Pacquiao and Oscar dela Hoya.
Like my friend eminent photojournalist Bobby Timonera, working on the desktop is still the most relaxing, stimulating and trusted piece of equipment ever invented for anyone who likes to churn out stories ? real or fantasy.
Laptops are handy but it makes your neck stiff and your back ache pounding the not so friendly keyboard.
So what brought the desktop and laptops in this piece about Manny and his date with destiny?
It is the keyboards, stupid.
And there are several keys for Manny to score a monumental upset against the bigger, taller and stronger Oscar dela Hoya.
Pound the S key. Speed, stamina and strength. It is crucial for Manny to maintain his frenetic pace even when not engaging Oscar in close combat. Let Oscar earn every million he will take home by boxing 3/1 (three full minutes every round). Oscar may still pack a punch but his reflexes and stamina are now suspect. Manny's advantage over Oscar is his speed and stamina. No fighter, all weight categories considered, can keep up with Manny's pace. And his being a southpaw has created fits against all comers who have thought they could handle Manny's quickness.
The L key. The Lefts. Both guys are lefties but Oscar is a converted southpaw. His jabs still carry so much strength and had kept opponents at bay during his heydays. Take away those left jab and Manny will only have only the left hooks to contend with. Occasionally, Oscar will throw his right leads but this is only to set up his lefts. Manny of course packs so much power with his left but it is dangerous for him to throw his left lead straights against a taller dela Hoya. Manny should use his right crosses and hooks more often, preferably to the body of Oscar to take away those left jabs. Add luck, of course. Manny will need plenty of them.
The A factor. Manny has to adapt to what Oscar will offer on the table during fight night. Both camps have devised their own strategies to offset each other's advantages. Oscar will press for the kill in the early going. So it is crucial for Manny not to even consider testing Oscar's strength in the early rounds as he is wont to do in the past. Manny has to be active and keep away from Oscar's bullying tactics. In all his fights against top caliber opponents in the mold of Tito Trinidad, Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather Jr., Oscar showed tendencies to jumpstart his offense only to fade in the latter rounds. That would be one crucial thing to remember.
The Y key. Youth is on the side of Manny. Younger fighters have the ability to recuperate and recover faster. They are also easily coachable. Should Manny gets tag early on, he should not panic and pay attention instead to what Freddie Coach will tell him in between rounds.
Of course, this corner's take is that this is an unsolicited advice. Manny is better off doing what he does best atop the ring.
For whatever this is worth, however, how about the SLAY slogan come fight night?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Edwin G. Espejo.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Boxing Golden Age Comparison - Philippines and Japan
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Kittipong, Magdalena, Kim, Kritiphak Claim Wins in Brico Santig's Show in Bangkok
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Kremlev, Crawford, Fury Launch IBA's Golden Era of International Boxing
Fri, 04 Jul 2025International Master Angelo Young stays on course for GM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Robby Gonzales and Yoseline Perez Progress to Semifinals at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Fri, 04 Jul 2025Fireworks Ahead: Magsayo vs Mata in Prelims of Pacquiao vs Barrios
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 03 Jul 2025Japan's Boxing Golden Age Remains Limited to the Lower Weights
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 03 Jul 2025No issues with fight ref
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 03 Jul 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Grand Muay Thai event in Verona
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 03 Jul 2025Morelle McCane and Rene Camacho Advance to Quarterfinals of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Thu, 03 Jul 20253 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
Thu, 03 Jul 2025ESPN Original Series The Fight Life Returns for Season Two on July 7
Wed, 02 Jul 2025TOP-RATED LIGHTWEIGHT KO ARTIST ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI RETURNS
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Amazing Muay Thai WBC Festival 2025
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Borromeo Leads Winners of the Philippine Speedcubing Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 02 Jul 2025