MANILA, Philippines - One more thing before the welterweights collide. Get them to stand on the scales first, and see how heavy they are.
Or for that matter, how heavy Manny Pacquiao is. And for Oscar de la Hoya, how lighter he has become.
There will be no problems, however, during the weigh-in on Saturday (2 p.m. Friday, US time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, a formality really between two boxing superstars who expect something more earth-shaking to derail them than just ... failing to make the weight?
Weigh-ins, furthermore, really have an obscure purpose. They're being done 24 hours before a match. But in between that time the two fighters are expected to gain weight that, in some cases, are way over their weigh-in rate.
Pacquiao was at 146lbs on Friday (Thursday, US time). That's par for the course, trainer Freddie Roach said. That's at least where he wants his boy to be a day before The Dream Match.
"There's nothing to worry about in my mind," Roach said. "I'm very satisfied."
In the 24-hour weight-gain period, Pacquiao was advised to add only at least three more pounds (or not go over 150lbs) on fight night to preserve his speed, his most important weapon versus de la Hoya.
Pacquiao, who began as a 106lb professional fighter 13 years ago, has never been this heavy inside the ring. His heaviest was against David Diaz just last June where he bloated to 147lbs or 12lbs bigger than the prescribed lightweight limit.
"We'll have breakfast (the day of the weigh-in) and walk after," Roach said. "But we won't go outside if he doesn't want to. We'll just make sure the weight's okay and we're fine."
With former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson watching at ringside on the final day of training, Pacquiao sweated it out for almost two hours at the IBA Gym, going four rounds with the mitts and later on, getting on the double end and the speed ball.
In a relatively light mood, Pacquiao was seen winking and smiling at Tyson as he punched mitts with Roach in a corner. At one time, he even landed an unintentional left on Roach's cheek.
In all, Pacquiao logged in a total of 163 sparring rounds squeezed within a two-month period, the most number of rounds and the longest training period Pacquiao has ever had.
"We're good, we're happy," Roach said. "There's nothing more we can do. Now Manny knows he's going there to do his job."
What mismatch?
Meanwhile, the winning odds of Pacquiao and de la Hoya were narrowed down further, betting spreads on Friday (late Thursday, US time) showed.
De la Hoya's line fell to minus-155, while Pacquiao's increased to plus-125.
That means a $1.55 bet on de la Hoya will gain $1.00, while a $1.00 wager on Pacquiao will earn $1.25.
Betting insiders said they are expecting odds to be near even. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137794/Weigh-in-final-hurdle-before-Pacquiao-De-la-Hoya-collision
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Showing posts with label Best of Manny Pacquiao. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Best of Manny Pacquiao. Show all posts
Friday, December 5, 2008
Ticket-less Tyson offers his two cents to Pacquiao
MANILA, Philippines - The only thing more surprising than Mike Tyson's visit to Manny Pacquiao's training session on Thursday was he didn't have a ticket to the match on Sunday (Saturday, US time).
"I told Mike, 'Are you kidding me?'" Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer, told sports scribes. "But Manny said he'll give Mike four tickets."
Yet another twist in the bizarre career of "Iron Mike".
If he was stripped of the myriad of controversies that bedeviled him throughout his career, Tyson would be remembered for one and one thing only: As one of the best heavyweight boxers of all-time.
And straight-up boxing fans remember more that phase of Tyson's life, one that began when as a 20-year-old, he floored Trevor Berbick in two rounds to become the youngest world heavyweight champion in 1986. At that time, Pacquiao was just a few weeks short of turning eight years old.
Pacquiao would later admit that watching Tyson fight in the late-1980's inspired him to follow in his footsteps.
On Thursday at the IBA Gym in Las Vegas, the last day of Pacquiao's training for his match with Oscar de la Hoya, Tyson - inactive in boxing for the last three years, out of shape and a mere shadow of his old multimillionaire self - met up with Pacquiao - the first true inheritor of the no-holds-barred, devil-may-care style Tyson was always known for.
Although this wasn't the first time Tyson was this up close to Pacquiao, having watched Pacquiao at ringside in a couple of the Pacman's recent matches.
"He gets a little embarrassed when he's around people and he's not fighting anymore," Roach said, referring to Tyson's refusal to talk to reporters. "He doesn't want to get the limelight away from the star of Manny Pacquiao."
Buboy Fernandez, Pacquiao's confidante and assistant trainer, shared to the media the conversation that went on. It was as if the master was in the building.
"Mike said we needed to be active with our head movements and just keep on attacking and attacking," Fernandez said. "If we do that, if we keep Oscar close, we nullify his jab and his left hand. And that's exactly what we've been training all these months."
"It's all sensible stuff," Roach, who once trained Tyson, added. "He just said to be careful moving in straight lines because Oscar has the longer reach."
"It's something we've been working on," Roach assured.
Upon entering the IBA facility and seeing Tyson, Pacquiao approached him, shook his hands and had a photo-op before he went up the ring.
Tyson, who filed for bankruptcy five years ago despite an estimated $300 million in earnings, had clearly become a more ordinary figure. He was garbed in a lavender long-sleeved polo, gray pants and a worn-out pair of leather shoes.
Surrounded by friends and a throng of bodyguards during his prime, Tyson, named one of the greatest heavyweights of all time by Ring Magazine, was with just a single companion.
He told Roach he didn't have tickets to Pacquiao-de la Hoya. Roach couldn't believe it.
Tyson, according to Roach, dropped by the gym without prior notice.
"He just showed up."
It's a pity to see Tyson sink this low. But it's always a pleasure to be in the company of a boxing god. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137751/Ticket-less-Tyson-offers-his-two-cents-to-Pacquiao
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"I told Mike, 'Are you kidding me?'" Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer, told sports scribes. "But Manny said he'll give Mike four tickets."
Yet another twist in the bizarre career of "Iron Mike".
If he was stripped of the myriad of controversies that bedeviled him throughout his career, Tyson would be remembered for one and one thing only: As one of the best heavyweight boxers of all-time.
And straight-up boxing fans remember more that phase of Tyson's life, one that began when as a 20-year-old, he floored Trevor Berbick in two rounds to become the youngest world heavyweight champion in 1986. At that time, Pacquiao was just a few weeks short of turning eight years old.
Pacquiao would later admit that watching Tyson fight in the late-1980's inspired him to follow in his footsteps.
On Thursday at the IBA Gym in Las Vegas, the last day of Pacquiao's training for his match with Oscar de la Hoya, Tyson - inactive in boxing for the last three years, out of shape and a mere shadow of his old multimillionaire self - met up with Pacquiao - the first true inheritor of the no-holds-barred, devil-may-care style Tyson was always known for.
Although this wasn't the first time Tyson was this up close to Pacquiao, having watched Pacquiao at ringside in a couple of the Pacman's recent matches.
"He gets a little embarrassed when he's around people and he's not fighting anymore," Roach said, referring to Tyson's refusal to talk to reporters. "He doesn't want to get the limelight away from the star of Manny Pacquiao."
Buboy Fernandez, Pacquiao's confidante and assistant trainer, shared to the media the conversation that went on. It was as if the master was in the building.
"Mike said we needed to be active with our head movements and just keep on attacking and attacking," Fernandez said. "If we do that, if we keep Oscar close, we nullify his jab and his left hand. And that's exactly what we've been training all these months."
"It's all sensible stuff," Roach, who once trained Tyson, added. "He just said to be careful moving in straight lines because Oscar has the longer reach."
"It's something we've been working on," Roach assured.
Upon entering the IBA facility and seeing Tyson, Pacquiao approached him, shook his hands and had a photo-op before he went up the ring.
Tyson, who filed for bankruptcy five years ago despite an estimated $300 million in earnings, had clearly become a more ordinary figure. He was garbed in a lavender long-sleeved polo, gray pants and a worn-out pair of leather shoes.
Surrounded by friends and a throng of bodyguards during his prime, Tyson, named one of the greatest heavyweights of all time by Ring Magazine, was with just a single companion.
He told Roach he didn't have tickets to Pacquiao-de la Hoya. Roach couldn't believe it.
Tyson, according to Roach, dropped by the gym without prior notice.
"He just showed up."
It's a pity to see Tyson sink this low. But it's always a pleasure to be in the company of a boxing god. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137751/Ticket-less-Tyson-offers-his-two-cents-to-Pacquiao
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Pacquiao-De-la-Hoya-winning-odds-near-even
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV"
MANILA, Philippines - The Dream Match has been called a mismatch, a circus, and a no-contest.
Betting lines on Friday (Thursday, US time) in Las Vegas clearly showed otherwise.
Oscar de la Hoya's winning odds continued to slip after The Golden Boy was listed as a mere minus-165 favorite to beat Manny Pacquiao with two days to go before their highly anticipated showdown.
With that line, that means a bet of $1.65 on de la Hoya will net $1.00.
Pacquiao was listed reportedly as a plus-135 underdog ($1.00 to win $1.35) on the same day.
In simple terms, de la Hoya and Pacquiao have nearly the same winning odds.
Some personalities - including World Boxing Council president Jose Sulaiman, former world champion Roger Mayweather, among others - have branded the bout one that the naturally bigger de la Hoya will win lopsidedly.
But as the fight draws near, the so-called "circus" is starting to look a little more serious.
Just last Monday, de la Hoya was at minus-185 ($1.85 to win $1.00) and Pacquiao at plus-155 ($1.00 to win $1.55).
While Pacquiao's lines have been steady, there has been a noticeable drop on de la Hoya's winning odds since the Dream Match was formally announced in early September.
In mid-September, bookmakers installed de la Hoya as a minus-240 favorite ($2.40 to win $1.00). In late October, the line went down to minus-204 ($2.04 to win $1.00).
In the same periods, Pacquiao was at plus-190 ($1.00 to win $1.90) in mid-September and between plus-155 and plus-185 in late October.
Before the Pacquiao-de la Hoya tiff was formalized, Las Vegas oddsmakers put Pacquiao's value at plus-165 ($1.00 to win $1.65) and de la Hoya at minus-185.
Based on the trend, the welterweight bout between Pacquiao, who is going up in weight for a second consecutive match, and the naturally bigger de la Hoya appears to be a lot more even that some of the recent major boxing cards.
According to the Las Vegas Sun, Juan Manuel Marquez was a 3-1 favorite versus Joel Casamayor, Ricky Hatton a 5-2 favorite versus Paulie Malignaggi, Kelly Pavlik a 4-1 favorite against Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley a staggering 8-1 favorite against Ricardo Mayorga.
Among the four bouts, only Hopkins came away with a win as an underdog. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137739/Pacquiao-De-la-Hoya-winning-odds-near-even
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/32805/-QTV--Odds-narrow-between-Golden-Boy-and-Pacman
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On target: 'Hitman' Hatton sees Pacquiao victory
MANILA, Philippines - Ricky Hatton couldn't wait to find out who he's fighting next.
So he's showing up for The Dream Match on Sunday (Saturday, US time) in Las Vegas.
Hatton, the man strongly considered to fight the winner between Manny Pacquiao and Oscar de la Hoya, will be at ringside at the MGM Grand Hotel to have a first-hand look at his next opponent.
His forecast?
"Pacquiao's aggressiveness will win it," the former world light-welterweight champion from England declared.
"De la Hoya will eventually fade. He may be in condition, but he may not know it but he'll feel tired as the fight wears on," Hatton, who has lost only once in 46 matches, added.
Hatton is coming off an 11th-round technical-knockout win over Paul Malignaggi of the US last November 22 also at the MGM Grand. He chose to stay on to watch Pacquiao-de la Hoya, with the winner of the bout being groomed to face Hatton in the middle of next year at Wembley Stadium in London.
But Hatton, popularly known as "the Hitman", said he wants one particular opponent so badly that even if he loses, he would still take him on.
"Of course, I want to fight the best," Hatton said, referring to Pacquiao, whose gung-ho style mirrors the Manchester native's.
Informed of Hatton's interest to fight him, Pacquiao told Hatton to bring it.
"We definitely accept the challenge," a smiling Pacquiao answered. "We'll even go to England to fight him."
Known for its loud and rowdy fanbase, London will present a new challenge to Pacquiao, having never fought in the Western Hemisphere other than in the US.
"I like the noisy crowd. I like people cheering for the opponent. That only adds fuel to my fire," Pacquiao said. "But we have to set our priorities straight. Let's me deal with de la Hoya first." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137729/On-target-Hitman-Hatton-sees-Pacquiao-victory
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So he's showing up for The Dream Match on Sunday (Saturday, US time) in Las Vegas.
Hatton, the man strongly considered to fight the winner between Manny Pacquiao and Oscar de la Hoya, will be at ringside at the MGM Grand Hotel to have a first-hand look at his next opponent.
His forecast?
"Pacquiao's aggressiveness will win it," the former world light-welterweight champion from England declared.
"De la Hoya will eventually fade. He may be in condition, but he may not know it but he'll feel tired as the fight wears on," Hatton, who has lost only once in 46 matches, added.
Hatton is coming off an 11th-round technical-knockout win over Paul Malignaggi of the US last November 22 also at the MGM Grand. He chose to stay on to watch Pacquiao-de la Hoya, with the winner of the bout being groomed to face Hatton in the middle of next year at Wembley Stadium in London.
But Hatton, popularly known as "the Hitman", said he wants one particular opponent so badly that even if he loses, he would still take him on.
"Of course, I want to fight the best," Hatton said, referring to Pacquiao, whose gung-ho style mirrors the Manchester native's.
Informed of Hatton's interest to fight him, Pacquiao told Hatton to bring it.
"We definitely accept the challenge," a smiling Pacquiao answered. "We'll even go to England to fight him."
Known for its loud and rowdy fanbase, London will present a new challenge to Pacquiao, having never fought in the Western Hemisphere other than in the US.
"I like the noisy crowd. I like people cheering for the opponent. That only adds fuel to my fire," Pacquiao said. "But we have to set our priorities straight. Let's me deal with de la Hoya first." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137729/On-target-Hitman-Hatton-sees-Pacquiao-victory
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Foe who KO'd Dela Hoya bets on Golden Boy win
MANILA, Philippines - Bernard Hopkins may have dealt Oscar de la Hoya the most embarrassing loss in his storied career.
But in the days leading to The Dream Match, Hopkins gave the Golden Boy some uplifting words saying that de la Hoya will overwhelm Manny Pacquiao.
"Manny Pacquiao is such a tremendous athlete but he is facing the fox. And that fox is Oscar," Hopkins, who reigned as the world middleweight champion for 10 years,
"The fox knows how to eat his lunch even if its is not yet served. The fox knows how to outsmart everybody."
Hopkins gave de la Hoya his only knockout loss in a world-middleweight title match in September 2004, the heaviest division de la Hoya ever climbed to. Hopkins would successfully defend his 160lb world championship the following year, retaining the belt for an unprecedented 20th time.
Hopkins' most recent bout was against Kelly Pavlik, an opponent 17 years younger than him. Hopkins won that match via unanimous decision.
Hopkins, who turns 44 in January, said he doesn't think the chances of an older de la Hoya (35) should be diminished against a younger Pacquiao (30).
"It's not the age. It shouldn't even be put into consideration. You don't decide on age. You give more weight on experience. Oscar has it," Hopkins said, adding that de la Hoya's decision to fight him showed de la Hoya has the "balls".
Hopkins said that de la Hoya's overall talent will prove too much for Pacquiao inasmuch as Pacquiao's limited skills will prove crucial to the outcome. His forecast? A de la Hoya stoppage.
"Pacman is 100-percent offense. He has questionable defense. That's how I look at it. Oscar will stop him in the eighth or ninth round." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137713/Foe-who-KOd-Dela-Hoya-bets-on-Golden-Boy-win
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But in the days leading to The Dream Match, Hopkins gave the Golden Boy some uplifting words saying that de la Hoya will overwhelm Manny Pacquiao.
"Manny Pacquiao is such a tremendous athlete but he is facing the fox. And that fox is Oscar," Hopkins, who reigned as the world middleweight champion for 10 years,
"The fox knows how to eat his lunch even if its is not yet served. The fox knows how to outsmart everybody."
Hopkins gave de la Hoya his only knockout loss in a world-middleweight title match in September 2004, the heaviest division de la Hoya ever climbed to. Hopkins would successfully defend his 160lb world championship the following year, retaining the belt for an unprecedented 20th time.
Hopkins' most recent bout was against Kelly Pavlik, an opponent 17 years younger than him. Hopkins won that match via unanimous decision.
Hopkins, who turns 44 in January, said he doesn't think the chances of an older de la Hoya (35) should be diminished against a younger Pacquiao (30).
"It's not the age. It shouldn't even be put into consideration. You don't decide on age. You give more weight on experience. Oscar has it," Hopkins said, adding that de la Hoya's decision to fight him showed de la Hoya has the "balls".
Hopkins said that de la Hoya's overall talent will prove too much for Pacquiao inasmuch as Pacquiao's limited skills will prove crucial to the outcome. His forecast? A de la Hoya stoppage.
"Pacman is 100-percent offense. He has questionable defense. That's how I look at it. Oscar will stop him in the eighth or ninth round." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137713/Foe-who-KOd-Dela-Hoya-bets-on-Golden-Boy-win
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Thursday, December 4, 2008
De La Hoya Pacquiao 24/7 Episode 4
Stay Tuned to HBO to watch the full episode of 4th and final installment of Pacquiao De La Hoya 24/7
Coming Soon
Source: http://www.nowboxing.com/
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A Free Boxing Lesson with Oscar De La Hoya
The Dec. 6 pay-per-view bout with Manny Pacquiao has been dubbed The Dream Match. Oscar de la Hoya takes time out from training for a private boxing lesson. For more check out http://www.time.com/time/video/
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Pacquiao, Dela Hoya can't wait for Sunday fight
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV"
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/32752/-Saksi--Pacquiao-Dela-Hoya-can't-wait-for-Sunday-fight
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All set for showing of 'The Dream Match' on Sunday
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV"
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/32757/All-set-for-showing-of-'The-Dream-Match'-on-Sunday
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Viewing places for Pacquiao fight seen to overflow
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV"
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/32753/-Saksi--Viewing-places-for-Pacquiao-fight-seen-to-overflow
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De la Hoya sets strategy vs Pacquiao
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV"
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/32733/De-la-Hoya-sets-strategy-vs-Pacquiao
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Amid 'Dream' atmosphere, Marquez still looking for Part 3 with Pacquiao
MANILA, Philippines - Three of Manny Pacquiao's high-profile opponents from Mexico have differing views about The Dream Match.
Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Erik Morales - dubbed Mexico's "Holy Trinity" in boxing - offered varying opinions about the Pacquiao-Oscar de la Hoya megabuck match.
Marquez, who has continued to chase Pacquiao after what he thought was victory robbed of him in their fight earlier this year, didn't blink about his forecast.
"Oscar will win the fight," said Marquez, who was in Las Vegas with younger brother Rafael to catch the December 7 (December 6, US time) event.
Marquez didn't dwell much on the Pacquiao-de la Hoya gig as much as he wanted to say his piece about another possible meeting with Pacquiao.
He forced Pacquiao to a draw in their first meeting in 2004, before they met again last April where Pacquiao won by a split decision.
"I’m looking for that third fight wherever - 140, 147, 150, 160. If Manny wants to fight me at 147, I will fight him at 147," Marquez said.
"If he wants the fight to be in the Philippines, no problem with me. We can even fight in his house," the former world super-featherweight champion added.
While he hasn't gone on the record to say which side he is on, Morales, who has engaged Pacquiao in three memorable matches, will reportedly walk with Pacquiao on the red carpet to the ring.
Marquez is being promoted by de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions. Morales, like Pacquiao, is under Bob Arum's Top Rank Inc.
Barrera's remarks have been the most critical, calling the weekend bout a "circus."
"Oscar should win in two rounds," Barrera, who lost in the two times he faced Pacquiao, told Boxingscene.com. "Their pockets are the ones that are going to win. They are the ones who are going to leave full and satisfied."
Barrera, who is currently being promoted by Don King, used to be under GBP. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137555/Amid-Dream-atmosphere-Marquez-still-looking-for-Part-3-with-Pacquiao
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Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, and Erik Morales - dubbed Mexico's "Holy Trinity" in boxing - offered varying opinions about the Pacquiao-Oscar de la Hoya megabuck match.
Marquez, who has continued to chase Pacquiao after what he thought was victory robbed of him in their fight earlier this year, didn't blink about his forecast.
"Oscar will win the fight," said Marquez, who was in Las Vegas with younger brother Rafael to catch the December 7 (December 6, US time) event.
Marquez didn't dwell much on the Pacquiao-de la Hoya gig as much as he wanted to say his piece about another possible meeting with Pacquiao.
He forced Pacquiao to a draw in their first meeting in 2004, before they met again last April where Pacquiao won by a split decision.
"I’m looking for that third fight wherever - 140, 147, 150, 160. If Manny wants to fight me at 147, I will fight him at 147," Marquez said.
"If he wants the fight to be in the Philippines, no problem with me. We can even fight in his house," the former world super-featherweight champion added.
While he hasn't gone on the record to say which side he is on, Morales, who has engaged Pacquiao in three memorable matches, will reportedly walk with Pacquiao on the red carpet to the ring.
Marquez is being promoted by de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions. Morales, like Pacquiao, is under Bob Arum's Top Rank Inc.
Barrera's remarks have been the most critical, calling the weekend bout a "circus."
"Oscar should win in two rounds," Barrera, who lost in the two times he faced Pacquiao, told Boxingscene.com. "Their pockets are the ones that are going to win. They are the ones who are going to leave full and satisfied."
Barrera, who is currently being promoted by Don King, used to be under GBP. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137555/Amid-Dream-atmosphere-Marquez-still-looking-for-Part-3-with-Pacquiao
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Golden Boy camp divided over how quick De la Hoya ends match
MANILA, Philippines - The man who claimed that Oscar de la Hoya has all the answers doesn't think The Dream Match will have an early resolution.
Angelo Dundee expressed confidence that de la Hoya would defeat Manny Pacquiao. But noting both fighters' endurance, the cornerman of ring legends Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard said the December 7 (December 6, US time) bout will go the distance.
"I think it will go 12," the 87-year-old Dundee said, stressing an earlier forecast that the de la Hoya will win by decision. "Both can take a good punch and both could fight."
Invited by de la Hoya as a special trainer during his camp in Big Bear city, California, Dundee hailed The Dream Match as a shot in the arm needed by a sport that has seen more moribund matchups.
"I see a great fight, a great night of boxing. And the year will end good for boxing with this fight. And the people knows who the fighters are, that's the most important,"
"This is the fight people want to see. People are excited. It's got to be a great fight because they are both great fighters. And the best name will win very simply."
'Cut' to the chase
Joe Chavez, de la Hoya's cutman, agrees that Pacquiao and de la Hoya will be intense once they enter the ring. But it's that same intensity, coupled with the fighters' top-of-the-line skills, that makes Chavez predict a stoppage.
"Either of these men could not go on 12 rounds because they throw too many punches, both of them. They're going away," Chavez said.
Chavez, who worked on Pacquiao's side in previous fights, wished Pacquiao well.
"Manny is a great guy. It happens that I was with Oscar for a long time," Chavez said. "Pacquiao remains my friend and everything. And I wish the best man wins."
Dundee and Chavez were with Team de la Hoya when the Golden Boy showed up at the MGM Grand on Tuesday before a throng of international press people, boxing fans and onlookers. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137506/Golden-Boy-camp-divided-over-how-quick-De-la-Hoya-ends-match
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Angelo Dundee expressed confidence that de la Hoya would defeat Manny Pacquiao. But noting both fighters' endurance, the cornerman of ring legends Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard said the December 7 (December 6, US time) bout will go the distance.
"I think it will go 12," the 87-year-old Dundee said, stressing an earlier forecast that the de la Hoya will win by decision. "Both can take a good punch and both could fight."
Invited by de la Hoya as a special trainer during his camp in Big Bear city, California, Dundee hailed The Dream Match as a shot in the arm needed by a sport that has seen more moribund matchups.
"I see a great fight, a great night of boxing. And the year will end good for boxing with this fight. And the people knows who the fighters are, that's the most important,"
"This is the fight people want to see. People are excited. It's got to be a great fight because they are both great fighters. And the best name will win very simply."
'Cut' to the chase
Joe Chavez, de la Hoya's cutman, agrees that Pacquiao and de la Hoya will be intense once they enter the ring. But it's that same intensity, coupled with the fighters' top-of-the-line skills, that makes Chavez predict a stoppage.
"Either of these men could not go on 12 rounds because they throw too many punches, both of them. They're going away," Chavez said.
Chavez, who worked on Pacquiao's side in previous fights, wished Pacquiao well.
"Manny is a great guy. It happens that I was with Oscar for a long time," Chavez said. "Pacquiao remains my friend and everything. And I wish the best man wins."
Dundee and Chavez were with Team de la Hoya when the Golden Boy showed up at the MGM Grand on Tuesday before a throng of international press people, boxing fans and onlookers. - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137506/Golden-Boy-camp-divided-over-how-quick-De-la-Hoya-ends-match
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Golden Boy chief: 'You can't underestimate Pacquiao'
MANILA, Philippines – Oscar de la Hoya is fighting an opponent four inches shorter than he is and some 15 pounds naturally lighter than he is.
But it will be a mistake to play down Manny Pacquiao's chances.
The top brass of de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions gave some props to Pacquiao on Tuesday, saying they expect the five-foot-six Pacquiao to make the five-foot-10 de la Hoya's life on December 7 (December 6, US time) difficult.
"If you fight the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world," GBP chief executive Richard Schaefer, "it's not going to be a walk in the park and I don't think you can really underestimate Manny."
Schaefer certainly knows what Pacquiao is capable of doing.
Two years ago, de la Hoya and GBP pursued Pacquiao, whose fiery style has endeared him to American boxing fans, and tried to lure him into his promotional fold. But GBP's courtship of Pacquiao fell flat on de la Hoya's face after Pacquiao reneged on his word to sign with him and instead hooked up with rival Top Rank Inc.
Pacquiao has been vocal about how he idolized de la Hoya as a fighter who at the same time enjoyed success outside the ring.
Schaefer described Pacquiao as a "fierce warrior and relentless".
"They call him the Pacman because he keeps on coming and coming and coming," Schaefer, a former Swiss banker before he joined GBP, said.
"Manny's like the energizer bunny. You can't stop him. You can't pull the batteries out. Manny Pacquiao comes to fight."
And given the rigid preparations de la Hoya has undergone the last 10 weeks, so does his business partner, Schaefer said.
"Oscar feels better than ever, he feels fast, strong and rejuvenated," Schaefer added. "He really feels he's gonna go for the knockout." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137499/Golden-Boy-chief-You-cant-underestimate-Pacquiao
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But it will be a mistake to play down Manny Pacquiao's chances.
The top brass of de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions gave some props to Pacquiao on Tuesday, saying they expect the five-foot-six Pacquiao to make the five-foot-10 de la Hoya's life on December 7 (December 6, US time) difficult.
"If you fight the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world," GBP chief executive Richard Schaefer, "it's not going to be a walk in the park and I don't think you can really underestimate Manny."
Schaefer certainly knows what Pacquiao is capable of doing.
Two years ago, de la Hoya and GBP pursued Pacquiao, whose fiery style has endeared him to American boxing fans, and tried to lure him into his promotional fold. But GBP's courtship of Pacquiao fell flat on de la Hoya's face after Pacquiao reneged on his word to sign with him and instead hooked up with rival Top Rank Inc.
Pacquiao has been vocal about how he idolized de la Hoya as a fighter who at the same time enjoyed success outside the ring.
Schaefer described Pacquiao as a "fierce warrior and relentless".
"They call him the Pacman because he keeps on coming and coming and coming," Schaefer, a former Swiss banker before he joined GBP, said.
"Manny's like the energizer bunny. You can't stop him. You can't pull the batteries out. Manny Pacquiao comes to fight."
And given the rigid preparations de la Hoya has undergone the last 10 weeks, so does his business partner, Schaefer said.
"Oscar feels better than ever, he feels fast, strong and rejuvenated," Schaefer added. "He really feels he's gonna go for the knockout." - GMANews.TV
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137499/Golden-Boy-chief-You-cant-underestimate-Pacquiao
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Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Pacman, Golden Boy snub each other?
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV"
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/32677/-QTV--Pacman-Golden-Boy-snub-each-other
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Pacquiao, Dela Hoya cross paths in Las Vegas
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV"
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/32689/-Saksi--Pacquiao-Dela-Hoya-cross-paths-in-Las-Vegas
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Fans give Pacquiao warm welcome at Mandalay Bay
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV"
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/32673/Fans-give-Pacquiao-warm-welcome-at-Mandalay-Bay
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Weighty issues solved: De La Hoya, Pacquiao ready
LAS VEGAS - Oscar De La Hoya says he's been down to 147 pounds (67 kilograms) for weeks, and one look at him in a track suit seemed to back that up on Wednesday.
The same can't be said about Manny Pacquiao, but his job in the weeks preparing for his fight with De La Hoya wasn't to diet but to eat as much as he possibly could.
One fighter has been starving himself, while the other has been gorging. It's the only way the two could get close enough in weight to allow them to meet on Saturday at 147 pounds (67 kilograms) in a bout that will bring them millions even with a souring economy.
Both are claiming victory over the scales, though De La Hoya still towered over Pacquiao when the two met in the final pre-fight press conference. The weigh-in isn't until a day before the fight, but all the hard work has been done for a bout that could finally hasten De La Hoya's exit from the ring if he has misjudged this opponent.
De La Hoya insists he hasn't.
"I trained for King Kong," he said.
Pacquiao is hardly King Kong, though De La Hoya would be wise to beware of a fighter who has won titles in five weight divisions and is heralded by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Though he started his boxing career at 106 pounds (48 kilograms) and has never fought above 135 (61), he's the kind of nonstop puncher who can make an aging fighter look bad.
And that pretty much is the selling point for a fight that seemed odd when it was first made but now looks like an increasingly intriguing matchup of two men who have been in their share of big fights.
"It's going to be boxing history if I win this fight," said Pacquiao. "I believe my power and my speed can beat him."
Oddsmakers give Pacquiao a chance, making him an 8-5 underdog in a fight that both he and De La Hoya have relentlessly promoted from their first press conference a few months ago at the base of the Statue of Liberty. The promotion continued unabated at the final press conference, but there are questions over how well the fight will do with a $55 pay-per-view price tag in the U.S. at a time people are watching their money carefully.
De La Hoya is co-promoting the fight through his own company and spent much of his time at the podium at the MGM Grand hotel-casino reminding people that they could get up to $50 in rebates on the fight if they buy the right kind of beer, tequila and soda. Just to make sure he covered all bases, he repeated the message in Spanish.
Afterward, though, the talk returned to boxing and what could be expected from a 35-year-old fighter who may be able to score at the cash register but hasn't won a significant fight in six years.
"This type of fight calls for a knockout," said De La Hoya, who has fought as high as 160 pounds (72.5 kilograms). "I may box, but if Manny Pacquiao hits me with a good shot, let's fight. Bite into my mouthpiece and let's get down to it."
That sounds like De La Hoya is preparing for the kind of all out brawl boxing fans will pay good money to see, but Freddie Roach doesn't buy it. The man who was in De La Hoya's corner in his last big fight a year ago against Floyd Mayweather Jr. said after that fight that De La Hoya couldn't pull the trigger on his punches anymore.
Roach is Pacquiao's trainer and he pushed for this fight, certain that even an undersized Pacquiao has plenty to handle De La Hoya.
"He's so tight," Roach said. "I've never seen a fighter who is so experienced so tight before a fight."
While De La Hoya says he has nothing to gain by beating Pacquiao because of the size difference, a win would help turn around a career that has been stuck in mediocrity since he stopped Fernando Vargas at 154 pounds (70 kilograms) in 2002. De La Hoya is as popular as ever, but he admits that he needs to win some of the big fights he promotes if he is to continue to get people to pay to watch him fight.
Pacquiao, meanwhile, is already a national hero in the Philippines, where the entire nation pauses to watch his fights, and widely considered one of the best active fighters around. But this would be a breakthrough win in his first megafight, and he has the added bonus of perhaps being the fighter who finally sent De La Hoya into retirement.
"If you sacrifice and dream about a fight, you can win," Pacquiao said. "It's hard to explain how happy I am right now." - AP
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137416/Weighty-issues-solved-De-La-Hoya-Pacquiao-ready
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The same can't be said about Manny Pacquiao, but his job in the weeks preparing for his fight with De La Hoya wasn't to diet but to eat as much as he possibly could.
One fighter has been starving himself, while the other has been gorging. It's the only way the two could get close enough in weight to allow them to meet on Saturday at 147 pounds (67 kilograms) in a bout that will bring them millions even with a souring economy.
Both are claiming victory over the scales, though De La Hoya still towered over Pacquiao when the two met in the final pre-fight press conference. The weigh-in isn't until a day before the fight, but all the hard work has been done for a bout that could finally hasten De La Hoya's exit from the ring if he has misjudged this opponent.
De La Hoya insists he hasn't.
"I trained for King Kong," he said.
Pacquiao is hardly King Kong, though De La Hoya would be wise to beware of a fighter who has won titles in five weight divisions and is heralded by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Though he started his boxing career at 106 pounds (48 kilograms) and has never fought above 135 (61), he's the kind of nonstop puncher who can make an aging fighter look bad.
And that pretty much is the selling point for a fight that seemed odd when it was first made but now looks like an increasingly intriguing matchup of two men who have been in their share of big fights.
"It's going to be boxing history if I win this fight," said Pacquiao. "I believe my power and my speed can beat him."
Oddsmakers give Pacquiao a chance, making him an 8-5 underdog in a fight that both he and De La Hoya have relentlessly promoted from their first press conference a few months ago at the base of the Statue of Liberty. The promotion continued unabated at the final press conference, but there are questions over how well the fight will do with a $55 pay-per-view price tag in the U.S. at a time people are watching their money carefully.
De La Hoya is co-promoting the fight through his own company and spent much of his time at the podium at the MGM Grand hotel-casino reminding people that they could get up to $50 in rebates on the fight if they buy the right kind of beer, tequila and soda. Just to make sure he covered all bases, he repeated the message in Spanish.
Afterward, though, the talk returned to boxing and what could be expected from a 35-year-old fighter who may be able to score at the cash register but hasn't won a significant fight in six years.
"This type of fight calls for a knockout," said De La Hoya, who has fought as high as 160 pounds (72.5 kilograms). "I may box, but if Manny Pacquiao hits me with a good shot, let's fight. Bite into my mouthpiece and let's get down to it."
That sounds like De La Hoya is preparing for the kind of all out brawl boxing fans will pay good money to see, but Freddie Roach doesn't buy it. The man who was in De La Hoya's corner in his last big fight a year ago against Floyd Mayweather Jr. said after that fight that De La Hoya couldn't pull the trigger on his punches anymore.
Roach is Pacquiao's trainer and he pushed for this fight, certain that even an undersized Pacquiao has plenty to handle De La Hoya.
"He's so tight," Roach said. "I've never seen a fighter who is so experienced so tight before a fight."
While De La Hoya says he has nothing to gain by beating Pacquiao because of the size difference, a win would help turn around a career that has been stuck in mediocrity since he stopped Fernando Vargas at 154 pounds (70 kilograms) in 2002. De La Hoya is as popular as ever, but he admits that he needs to win some of the big fights he promotes if he is to continue to get people to pay to watch him fight.
Pacquiao, meanwhile, is already a national hero in the Philippines, where the entire nation pauses to watch his fights, and widely considered one of the best active fighters around. But this would be a breakthrough win in his first megafight, and he has the added bonus of perhaps being the fighter who finally sent De La Hoya into retirement.
"If you sacrifice and dream about a fight, you can win," Pacquiao said. "It's hard to explain how happy I am right now." - AP
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137416/Weighty-issues-solved-De-La-Hoya-Pacquiao-ready
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