The fight is finally over after 8 rounds. It’s obvious to see that Manny Pacquiao had a very difficult time. That is, answering the interviewer’s questions at the end of the fight with Oscar de la Hoya. Other than that, especially the 8 rounds of boxing greatness display, the whole task of whipping Oscar’s ass looked really easy for the Philippines’ Manny Pacquiao. It was a pleasantly surprising (mis)match, not in favor of Oscar as originally predicted by experts, but for the Pambansang Kamao.
From the first bell at the first round, it was very clear that Pacquiao found Oscar’s Achilles heel — or maybe Oscar simply wasn’t able to find the correct fight plan to neutralize the speed, power, accuracy and fighting style of Pacquiao. Whatever the reason is, it’s painfully difficult to believe, especially those who don’t know the Golden Boy (which is close to impossible), that he is a world-class boxer and a future Hall of Famer.
Indeed, it’s unbelievable, nay, shocking, to see DLH being badly beaten by Manny. I mean, I was more worried about Manny when the fight started. DLH is bigger and more experienced, I was just hoping Manny could finish the 12 rounds without getting getting knocked down. Turned out DLH succumbed to a TKO before the 9th round started. He was outboxed, outpowered, outmaneuvered, outdanced and all the “outs” you could spit out as fast as Manny’s hands. Freddie Roach predicted that Manny would knock out DLH in the ninth round, something which may have figured in his corner when he refused to continue the fight after the 8th round.
As far as I can remember, this is the first time so many are saying they should have accepted those betting for de la Hoya. This means so many believe that Manny will lose and Oscar will win. This means that there are so many unbelievers this time around.
And for good reasons. Oscar has the advantage in terms of height, reach, bulk and experience. His team included boxing legends like Berastain and Dundee. Heck, I even entertained doubts on Manny. This is the first time that I preferred to watch the REPLAY of the fight, so I first know who won through SMS or text message (in this text capital of the world, somebody is bound to send you a text proclaiming Manny’s victory).
Yet, for some strange reason, I found myself in a pay-per-view location just as the opening bell of round one sounded. I didn’t see the intro or the singing of the national anthems. I didn’t hear the “Let’s get ready to rumble” shout. What I heard, and gladly joined, was the jubilation every time Manny makes Oscar a little less golden (or, in the words of my wife who watched the fight with me, a little less pogi).
The rest is history. The “Mexicutioner” finished the dirty job with class.
I’ve said it before, I’m no boxing expert, but I’ll say it again, the fighting style seen in great boxers became very clear in Manny during the David Diaz fight. I’ve seen Manny fight during his bleached-hair days. It doesn’t take a genius to see that Manny relied more on his speed and power to win in previous fights. This time Manny added superb style to his arsenal. In the fights against Diaz and de la Hoya, Manny has joined the ranks of boxing greats. He floated like a butterfly, stung like a bee (with apologies to the great Ali). He is, after all, the pound-for-pound king of the boxing world and the undisputed People’s Champ of the Philippines.
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Boxing: The Pacquiao-De La Hoya Dream Match at PinoyDad.com -
Break a Leg! at PinoyDad.com
