Iloilo experts predict KO win for Pacquiao
By Alex P. Vidal
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 26 Jun 2006
ILOILO CITY – For most boxing experts here, the only way for Oscar Larios to upset Manny Pacquiao on July 2 at the Araneta Coliseum is for the Mexican heartthrob to bring a pistol when he climbs the ring for Pacquiao’s World Boxing Council (WBC) international superfeatherweight title.
“Larios is not anymore in the class of Pacquiao,” volunteered Mario “Marlon” Lumacad, Jr., 51, manager of Johnny Elorde Boxing fitness center here. “At 29, he is on the way down and Pacquiao will knock him out in seven rounds.”
Lumacad, son of professional boxing trainer Mario, Sr. said the Larios that Pacquiao will be facing on July 2 is the different from the two-time world champion Larios four years ago.
Former Games and Amusement Board (GAB) Commissioner Emmanuel “Nonong” Palabrica, a native of Bingawan, Iloilo, predicted that “Manny will win by knockout in the 8th round because Larios is known as an aggressive boxer and not a defensive boxer.”
“Although he is a tough opponent, Larios will not survive Pacquiao,” said Palabrica, legal counsel of the Pan-Asia Boxing Association (PABA).
Roland Magahin, poster parent and manager of former World Boxing Federation (WBF) welterweight ruler William, said Larios will attempt to win on points while Pacquiao will try to finish him off in the early rounds.
“But it will be Pacquiao who will win by knockout,” said Magahin, regional vice president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP).
June Carlo Panela, an aspiring referee and judge, said he saw Pacquiao stopping the Guadalajara dynamo in the third round or fourth round.
“Larios’ very wide stance might also be a factor against him. On the other hand, Larios’ 1-2 combination plus his speed and long reach may initially give PAcman a hard time going in despite (Fred) Roach’s (claim of) having studied Larios’ (bouts in the) tapes,” said Panela. “I won’t be surprised if I again see that ‘Roach Uppercut’ which Pacman beautifully executed against Erik Morales.”
Panela warned that Larios’ jaw “might again be broken” as he has not fought quality fighters in the mold of Marco Antonio Barrera and Morales, both knockout victims of Pacquiao.
Veteran boxing trainer Alfredo “Pidong” Amistoso, Sr. said in vernacular: “Manny Pacquiao will knockout Larios because the Filipino boxer is strong and brave. I have not yet seen a boxer as brave and as strong as Manny Pacquiao.”
Couple Gerlie and Arnold Tinagan, owners of a popular martial arts and kickboxing gymn here, said the “Mano o Mano” fight will be a mismatch.
“If Pacquiao was able to flatten Barrera and Morales, si Larios pa?” they chorused.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Alex P. Vidal.
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