Preview & Betting Tip - Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao
Published December 5, 2008 by Martin Bean
The Dream Match......or is it actually the Dollar Filled Farce? One of the richest fights in boxing history takes place tomorrow night (Saturday December 6th) as boxing’s Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya (39-5, 30 KO’s) takes on Filipino superstar, Manny Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35 KO’s).
Whilst it’s a dream match in terms of both fighters being future hall of famers, having fanatical supporters and supreme boxing talents, the size differential between the fighters has led to many calling this fight a joke – one Pinoy lawmaker even trying to have the fight stopped on grounds of Pacquiao’s safety.
Pacquiao started his career as a Flyweight whereas De La Hoya has won world titles at six weights, one of those up at Middleweight. Naturally bigger, taller and with a longer reach has left many wondering how the ‘Pac Man’ can possibly hope to win. This fight is made at 147lbs (10st 7lbs) – Pacquiao’s previous highest weight was Lightweight and De La Hoya will make the Welterweight limit for the first time since 2001.
Freddie Roach is adamant his fighter will prevail though – even offering to forfeit his fee for this fight if his charge loses. Bold words and supreme confidence then from Roach, which is no doubt borne out of the fact that Roach has worked closely with De La Hoya in the past (for the super fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr.) so he feels he knows all Oscar’s strengths and weaknesses.
For De La Hoya, Nacho Beristain will be in his corner for this fight. This could also prove a significant factor as Beristain trained Juan Manuel Marquez for his two thrilling battles against Pacquiao (one draw, one Pacquiao win) and that knowledge will have aided De La Hoya preparatoions. Also brought in as a ‘consultant’ for this fight is the legendary Angelo Dundee. Although not working the corner on the night, Dundee will have brought some colour and frank talking to De La Hoya’s camp out in Big Bear.
So, can the good little man actually beat the good big man? If Pacquiao can somehow win this fight then it will rank up there amongst the biggest shocks in boxing history. Whilst he is only 15/8 for the win with many book makers, hardly anyone in the fight game believes he can overcome his experienced opponent.
Boxing Capital briefly got caught up in the pre fight hype this week and did start to think that maybe Pacquiao could pull this off with a slight change of strategy - if he moves in and out of range whilst firing his sharp combinations maybe he could prevail? Oscar has stamina problems after to boot as well. Having reconsidered that judgement in the cold light of day (and after watching reruns of both fighters recent performances) there can only be one outcome – an Oscar De La Hoya KO victory.
Pacquiao will be competitive in the first two rounds and will shock Oscar with his speed when catching him early – but expect Oscar to smile at this, as if ready to swat away this fly. A gutsy Pacquiao will give his all for the first these first two rounds but a stronger, more determined De La Hoya will land the more significant punches to take command.
With control asserted Oscar will start to really let his punches go and Manny will simply have no answer. Many believe Oscar’s powerful left hook is the key to ending this fight but I think it’s his right hand and volume of punches that will make the difference.
Expect Oscar to land solid right hands from the outside, which will hurt Pacquiao sooner or later. Once hurt, remember that Oscar does not let anyone off the hook – he will simply unleash punch after punch until punch until the referee intervenes. That intervention will come inside four rounds.
For those feverous Pacquiao fans, you’re best hope is that Manny can stay out of trouble through the first six rounds and that Oscar begins to tire. If that happens, Manny has every chance of maintaining a high work rate to take the late rounds, possibly sneaking a close and controversial decision. But I’m afraid I just can’t see it happening.
The Golden Boy will reign supreme and Ricky Hatton may be up next in another contest where he will take on a naturally smaller fighter.
BOXING CAPITAL TIP – Oscar De La Hoya to Win by KO @ 6/4 with Skybet (Odds Correct as of 5th December 2008)
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