Saturday, December 06, 2008 Oscar’s special surprise
LEGENDARY six-time world champion “Golden Boy” Oscar de la Hoya has a special surprise for Filipino ring icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao when they set foot in the ring in an epic battle this Sunday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Special consultant Angelo Dundee, who trained boxing legends like Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and “Sugar” Ray Leonard, has formulated a strategy to defeat Pacquiao.
“We found out stuff he can do against Pacquiao,” Dundee said in a report posted at Philboxing.com. “Exactly what we did, that’s our business, and you’ll see on Saturday night (Sunday RP time) .”
Dundee believes the 29-year old Gen. Santos native is a unique fighter because he has an unpredictable style and never stops punching his opponent.
“Nobody fights like Pacquiao,” he said. “He’s got his own style, he’s an awkward guy, and he’s a busy guy.”
In the meantime, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach feels that his ward can take the former Olympian’s punches but what he is worried about is his patented left hook that has victimized a handful of boxers.
“I think Manny can take his punch, yes, but we’re planning on not getting hit by the left hook,” said Roach. “The right hand we’re not worried about. We’re working on getting away from the hook.”
Roach also believes that the size disparity is not a factor in this fight and the speed, which Manny has, is the main issue.
“I don’t think size wins this fight, I think speed does,” said Roach. “The bigger guy doesn’t always win. The reach advantage is taken away so easily just by getting close to the guy. (De La Hoya) needs room to punch. Oscar’s a long puncher, Manny’s a short puncher. We get inside on him, then we have an advantage.”
Historic
On the other hand, Pacquiao’s former nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez, who is rooting for de la Hoya, believes this will be a historic fight of two great boxers.
“This should be a very good fight. It’s going to be interesting to the fans. They are going to be on the edge of their seats. Both are very good fighters,” Marquez told BoxingScene.com.
He also believes that the hiring of his coach, Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain, by de la Hoya should be an advantage in the fight.
Meanwhile, British brawler Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton feels that this clash will go either way.
“It’s 50-50, but I think it all depends on how well Oscar’s made the weight and if he can get to Pacquiao. I think it’ll be Oscar if it’s over within the first six rounds or Manny if it goes the distance,” Hatton told 411mania.com. (EKA)
