Fighting Fan
Fight of the Year 2008: David Vs. Goliath
With what boxing fans are calling “The Dream Match,” picking a winner is debatable.
Dubbed The Fight Of The Century” by many, ‘Golden Boy’ Oscar DeLa Hoya and Manny ‘Pacman Pacquiao will battle it out Saturday, December 6, 2008, at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas.
This David versus Goliath, small man against big man match up will be the biggest fight to end the year. There are many variables to consider between these two top notch champions. Size is the first thing people think about.
The Mexican-American DeLa Hoya stands at 5’10 and the filipino Pacquiao 5’6. Both will be at 147 pound weight limit. Size is the big topic, but will size matter when all is said and done? The Olympic Gold Medalist, DeLa Hoya usually fights at 154 pounds, superwelter weight class. While Pacquiao is a super lightweight 130-pound champion. DeLa Hoya was champion in 6 different weight classes (130,135,140,147,154, and 160). Pacquiao has 5 champion belts moving up in weight each time (112,122,126,130, and 135).
Neither fighter has expressed any concern about changing weight class. Some experts believe with DeLa Hoya moving down in weight, will make him weaker come fight day. While Pacquiao will lose his speed, gaining poundage, experts say.
The orthodox stlye DeLa Hoya is known for his power and a dangerous left hook, and Pacquiao with his deadly speed, left uppercut and relentless style. With a 5-inch reach advantage, DeLa Hoya needs to utilize his jab to keep his fast and powerful opponent away. The southpaw Pacquiao needs to get close and inside to offset the jab.
DeLa Hoya says this fight is personal to him, because Pacquiao signed to fight for Golden Boy Promotion, however, reneged and went to Bob Arum’s Top Rank team. Also, Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer said, “Oscar can’t pull the trigger and always blames others for his losses and not himself. Plus, my fighter will beat him.” Roach trained DeLa Hoya in his lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and knows his weaknesses. Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Beristain is training DeLa Hoya for the first time and trained Juan Manuel Marquez against Pacquiao twice, and says he know how Pacquiao will fight. The first fight was a draw between Marquez and the next fight ended in a 12-round decision going to Pacquiao. Floyd Mayweather Sr. usually trains DeLa Hoya, but had a previous engagement to train another fighter.
DeLa Hoya’s record is 39-5-0, 30 KOs. The 35-year old’s big wins were against Julio Cesar Chavez, Fernando Vargas and Pernell Whitaker. However, he hasn’t won a significant fight since knocking out Vargas six years ago. DeLa Hoya keeps talking a knockout against Pacquiao. Boxing trainer/analyst said “With Oscar talking about knocking out Pacquiao, tells me he just wants to get it over with and not go the distance, which is dangerous.”
The 30-year old Pacquiao’s record is 47-3-2, 35 KOs. He was given the name ‘The Mexicutioner’ because he destroyed three Mexican future Hall of Famers: Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales. He’s a national hero in the Phillipines and it is said, the crime rate is at zero when he fights.
DeLa Hoya will get about $20-million, and Pacquiao half of that. Both will get a cut of the Pay Per View draw, which seems to be one of the most ordered fights yet.
An analogy of this fight, is what if you were to match up Mohamed Ali and Bruce Lee, minus his kicks. Both are fast and powerful Lee may possess faster hand speed and is quite smaller than Ali. Who will win ‘The Dream Match?’ Let’s break it down:
Punching Power- As a bigger man and having more leverage, DeLa Hoya may have the advantage here.
Speed-Well they say speed kills, and I clearly give Pacquiao the advantage.
Experience- Both have much experience in boxing top fighters. Even Steven.
Durability- DeLa Hoya has a strong chin and took alot of punishment through the years. Advantage DeLa Hoya.
Tenacity- With his non-stop relentless style, hands down Pacquiao.
Stamina- DeLa Hoya is older and knows the legs are the first to go. Pacquiao is younger and has strong legs. Pacquiao takes this one.
Versatility- When punches fly from all directions, with power and quickness, Pacquiao gets my vote.
Current Form- Pound-for-pound and his past devastating bouts- Pacquiao all the way.
Corners- Freddie Roach has been with his fighter seven years. This is Beristain’s first time with DeLa Hoya. Advantage Pacquiao.
At the end of the fight-my prediction goes to Manny ‘PacMan’ Pacquiao making history and beating DeLa Hoya by decision. A ‘Dream Fight’ indeed-could your dreams come true? One boxing match eyes will be glued to.
About the Author
With a love for writing, Moses Pascua has a degree in Journalism.
An athlete all his life, he is an avid fitness buff, and makes sure to work out 5 times a week. He is proficient in the martial arts, and well versed in sports. One can usually find him at the racetrack, watching the horseraces, in Southern California.
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