Philippine boxing is abuzz with excitement over the December 6th fight between Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya and here’s what some of them have to say:
Antonio Aldeguer, Cebu boxing promoter: ?De La Hoya is too big for Manny but I guess Roach knows something we don?t know. However, it?s a fight that De La Hoya has more to lose than to gain.?
Rod Nazario, former Pacquiao business manager: ?Freddie Roach will not sell Manny out and he probably saw something in De La Hoya when he trained him for the Floyd Mayweather fight.?
Joey Romasanta, Philippine Olympic Committee spokesperson: ?Both are strong, seasoned and wily fighters so it will go the distance. Marketing-wise, it has to go 12 rounds.?
Manny Pinol, former Tempo columnist and North Cotabato vice-governor: ?I pick Manny to win. He is younger and faster. His straights will find their target because De La Hoya swings his punches from the outside.?
Renato Lirio, DZSR boxing analyst: ?Manny (winner) by TKO in 11 rounds or by 12-round split decision.?
Roger Fortaleza, secretary-general Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines: ?If Manny can still move as fast as he did in his previous fights, I will go for him.?
Moy Lainez, In This Corner boxing analyst: ?Manny can score an upset and Manny is the type of fighter who will not go down without a fight. Manny has a strong demeanor and fighters who are like him have an incredible will to win even in the face of adversity. Manny has a legitimate shot at upsetting De La Hoya.?
Gabriel ?Bebot? Elorde, boxing promoter: ?Boxers would rather eat (to gain weight) than to reduce weight. Age is also a big factor and Manny is much younger and faster. And Manny is the hungrier fighter. I will go for Manny Pacquiao to win by KO or points.?
Liza Elorde, boxing promoter: ?Manny will win by decision but it will be a very difficult one. He must move around to tire out De La Hoya.?
Cris Aquino, gun enthusiast and Team Pacquiao flag-bearer: ?Nakaka-puwing ang maliit. Besides, Oscar might already be past his prime and it?s an awful feeling when a fighter can no longer pull the trigger even if hid mind tells him to.?
Gerry Garcia, In This Corner boxing program producer: ?Pacquiao by decision, De La Hoya by knockout.?
Jun Sarreal, boxing promoter: ?This will not be the first time that a lighter weight fighter is moving up in weight and I have experienced this with my boxers before. We can look back at history and we can see that many lighter weight boxers were successful in fighting in heavier divisions. Manny is strong and fast and he can get the job done.?
Monico Puentevella, Bacolod congressman: ?In this fight, anything can happen. But if Manny survives the first five rounds, I think we will have not only the best Filipino champion but the world as well.?
Edwin Sese, DZSR boxing program anchor: ?Pacquiao by split decision.?
