August 30, 2008
De la Hoya vs Pacquiao: Fight of the Ages?
By Hermie Rivera
The heading is apt I guess given the disparity in their ages.
Before I bare the little that I know of the Oscar de la Hoya–Manny Pacquiao battle, how about recognizing the efforts of the guys who made the December 6 ‘dream match’ at the posh MGM Grand—an intriguing reality.
Credit must be accorded Pacquiao’s coach Freddie Roach for a coup that’s likely to remain in the books for awhile. It’s unlikely someone can top what Manny’s strategist has done in making the admired superstars fight.
The drive for Manny to move up in weight to fight Oscar began when Roach got iced by the Golden Boy after losing to Floyd Mayweather Jr.
As most know by now, Roach was handed Oscar’s reins in preparation for his rumble with Pretty Boy Floyd while pocketing a million-dollar tab spiced by a plum bonus if he gets the chore done.
It did’nt happen as de la Hoya got jobbed by two of the judges and Floyd Sr. got his job back.
Da Golden Boy threatened to retire after a peccant fray with the hard-punching Pacman but strummed an off-key note after Manny agreed to a contract.
Sensing he’ll have difficulty earning a mega-percentage of the purse, say, against the likes of Humberto Soto, Edwin Valero or Nate Campbell (Ricky Hatton excluded), the astute Freddie moved fast to nail the deal.
A way for the Dedham strangler to bounce back was to nag Manny into accepting the original 70-30 purse-split with his cut forfeited if the Pinoy icon gets beat by the East L.A. walloper.
Now that’s what the godfather call an offer no sane pug will refuse. “Manny will win and there’s no doubting that” assures the two-time trainer of the year awardee.
“No way to mail in the stats if no one sweetens the pot” countered Manny and Oscar Hoya agreed—thus a fascinating bout that will send those against it deeper into the hard-booze section of cheap bars..
Know why a non-bettor like Irish Freddie is betting the port of Boston for the brawl that will end all brawls?
Freddie has felt in their sessions how Oscar has slowed down. Slower when punching the mitts. These and some, topped by de la Hoya’s inability to execute Roach’s suggested leads in the Mayweather fight.
Now comes the argument that both sides must compromise with Pacquiao’s slice jacked up and de la Hoya’s huge take trimmed.
Oscar et al agreed sending Manny’s posse to the nuthouse in sheer ecstasy.
So that’s where we are and for that, I’ll have to oblige you guys with a round of our pet brew (San Miguel beer) when next we meet.
Until then, keep on frigging punchin’.
