Tuesday, November 04, 2008 Escudero: Hollow win By Edcer Escudero Wit or without
MEX-AM boxing superstar Oscar de la Hoya is not just an intelligent prizefighter, but a wise and shrewd boxing promoter as well. He has magical Midas touch that turns his own fights into multi-million business propositions.
The Golden Boy Promotions, which he co-owns with former ring adversaries Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley, is a megabuck business venture that is in the same league with Bob Arum's Top Rank Inc.
Last year, Oscar engaged Floyd Mayweather in a much-ballyhooed but highly boring 12-round wrestling-like bout, and they both walked away millionaire 20 times over. The Golden Boy and the Pretty Boy of boxing growled and jeered, jostled and rattled, and then laughed all the way to the bank.
With Mayweather out of the ring for good, Oscar then trained his sight on Manny Pacquiao for another green buck harvest. Manny is the new pound-for-round king, the most bankable world champion. Oscar sees the dollar sign on Manny's fists. This is the reason why he picked Manny as his punching partner.
De la Hoya knows pretty well that he can lick Pacquiao any given day. Manny is too small, too light, and less skillful. Oscar's vast experience, ring savvy, and multi-dimensional skills will be too much for Manny to handle.
Oscar at 35 is not too old, contrary to the opinions of some boxing experts and analysts.
It may be recalled that Muhammad Ali was 33 when he knocked out George Foreman who was 25 and regained the heavyweight crown. And only last October 18, 41-year-old Bernard Hopkins outpunched 26-year-old Kelly Pavlik, and won the middleweight title once again.
In 1951, Jersey Joe Walcott won the heavyweight title at age 37, outlasting 30-year-old Ezzard Charles in 15 rounds. In 1996, George Foreman recaptured the heavyweight title at age 45 by knocking out Michael Moorer who was 26.
Trainer Freddie Roach might have misjudged De la Hoya's capabilities. With proper and adequate preparation, 10-time world champion Oscar will most likely defy father time on December 6 and give his younger and smaller foe a neat boxing lesson.
But whether by decision or KO, Oscar's demolition of Pacquiao will be a hollow win because of the huge difference in size, skills, and experience.
The Manny and Oscar megafight is symbolically like the David and Goliath face-off. But the result will be a reversal of that biblical showdown.
Racial consanguinity compels me to root for Speedy Manny, but my gut feel tells me Big Oscar will prevail on the night of December 6.
Ramon Revilla Sr. is said to have placed 20,000 dollars on Pacquiao, prompted by a dream when he was operated on last month. If you agree with him, put all your marbles on Manny, too, - and pray to your favorite saint for a Pacquiao miracle.
