De La Hoya- Pacquiao, Why?
By Ralph Rimpell
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 07 Dec 2008
Tonight the 'Golden Boy' Oscar De La Hoya (39-5, 30 KOs) will face Manny 'Pac Man' Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35 KOs) in what the fight promotion is calling a 'Dream fight' at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This is an intriguing fight because Pacquiao, the WBC lightweight champion, fights at the weight limit of 135lbs and De La Hoya who has won world titles in six different weight classes recently fought at the 147lbs weight limit. Both are hugely popular, great fighters, and are destined for the boxing hall of fame.
Those of us who follow boxing know De La Hoya's resume. This is a fighter who gained international attention as an amateur back in 1992 when he was able to capture a gold medal for his cancer stricken mother. He used the gold medal to launch what has thus far been a very profitable professional boxing career as a fighter and Promoter. Many of his critics believed he would be more hype than a true fighter when he came into the professional ranks. He debut in the 130lbs division where he won, at the time, the lightly regarded WBO Jr. Lightweight title. It wasn?t until he defeated the tough Rafael Ruelas for the IBF lightweight title that he demonstrated he was capable of being a force in the boxing world. As his body grew he continued to move into higher weight classes. Along the way he fought great fighters such as Julio Cesar Chavez, Pernell Whitaker, Felix Trinidad, Bernard Hopkins, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. In all these fights something was missing. He beat a faded Chavez twice, but Chavez had seen better days. With Whitaker, he didn't take the title from him, but rather it was a very close controversial decision win. Some believe Whitaker defeated De La Hoya. When he fought Trinidad, he outboxed him for nine rounds, then ran from him for the final three rounds and lost by decision. When he fought Hopkins he quit after receiving a body punch even though he was leading on the scorecards. His best performance was against Mayweather who he lost to by a split decision. So its safe to say some of De La Hoya?s fans are still looking for that great ?signature fight? before he finally retires from boxing. After negotiations for a rematch against Floyd Mayweather Jr. imploded, he choose newly recognized ?pound for pound? best fighter in the world Manny Pacquiao.
Who is Pacquiao?
Manny Pacquiao started his boxing career in the obscurity of the Philippines. He became world champion in the flyweight division (112lbs). He gained world wide attention when he unexpectedly destroyed Marco Antonio Barrera on HBO?s ?Boxing After Dark? series in 2003. This is a fighter who truly brings ?it? and leaves nothing home when he steps in the ring. He is not concerned with protecting his record like some fighters. He fights the ?best of the best? and is truly a gift to the fans who spend their hard earn money on the fights. He has beaten, lost, and had a draw to great fighters such as Marquez (draw and win), Barrera (defeated twice), and Morales (lost and won). For about a year and a half before Mayweather retired, this boxing critics and writer boldly placed Pacquiao ahead of Mayweather on his ?pound for pound? list. Is this why De La Hoya choose Pacquiao, a fighter from a lower weight class? What does Oscar stand to gain from this fight as a fighter?
Pacquiao is in his prime and is very popular. De La Hoya may no longer be in his prime, but he can still fight. He is still a top ten world rated fighter, who has not been through many boxing wars. This fight may break previous pay per view records set by Oscar. So when the question is asked De La Hoya-Pacquiao, Why? There are 100-150 million reasons why the fight should take place. Also for the De La Hoya camp, a Pacquiao fight is not perceived as being as tough as a Margarito or Williams fight. This match up has caused a buzz in the boxing world simply because of the size difference between the two fighters. First realize Oscar has a size, reach, and (probably) punching power advantage over Pacquiao. Oscar will likely be the favorite going into this fight. Pacquiao will bring speed, excellent conditioning, and punching power, throw multiple punch combinations, and try to dictate the pace. Make no mistake about it; Pacquiao has a good chance of winning this fight though this writer believes Oscar losing by knockout is unlikely. Pacquiao would have the boxing world at his finger tips if he defeated the bigger De La Hoya. There is a rumor if Pacquiao wins tonight another mega fight awaits him against Floyd Mayweather Jr. If Pacquiao should lose by a decision or stoppage he would likely keep his ?pound for pound? status because of the size difference between both fighters. Pacquiao could go back to lightweight and have a big fight against fellow champion Nate Campbell or have another mega fight at junior welterweight against Ricky Hatton. Out of all the talent in boxing's 147lb division (Margarito, Williams, Cotto, Mayweather), De La Hoya chooses boxing ?pound for pound? best fighter Manny Pacquiao who is not in his weight class. If he defeats Pacquiao and really hurts him in the process, critics will say this fight should have never taken place. This will do nothing to enhance De La Hoya's legacy, but rather add more zeros to his bank account. If he loses to Pacquiao he will be severely embarrassed and probably retire. Look for Oscar to score a split decision victory or late round stoppage. Maybe after this fight he will finally fight Margarito or Williams. Don't hold your breath.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ralph Rimpell.
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