Although every indication points to an imminent fight between boxing titans Oscar de la Hoya and Manny Pacquiao, the raging debate on the aptness of the match remains unabated.
Much of the howling comes from those who are vigorously opposed to the idea, citing safety and plain logic (or the paucity thereof) as the basis for their objection. Theirs is not an unfounded position because if one were to look at the raw numbers, size-wise, this is a mismatch of gigantic proportions (pun intended).
But there is no denying that the clamor for the fight is just as resonant. People have always been curious as to how far a fighter in the lower weight divisions can take his strength and boxing savvy.
And for the past couple of years, Manny Pacquiao has blasted to smithereens many a supposed boxing experts? low estimation of him as a flash in the pan who could not go very far in this sport dominated by big boys with ?proper” credentials and pedigrees.
Pacquiao?s successes, many of which were achieved as an underdog, have left a growing number of unbelievers forced into a diet of humble pie and the public is rolling down the aisle in laughter and satisfaction at the spectacle. And they crave for more.
The fact that Manny gives away a lot in terms of height, heft, reach, weight and even experience, is cause of concern not only to those who belittle Manny?s skills but also to those who are genuinely concerned for his safety and what an unfortunate incident could do that to the sport.
It is a well-known fact that boxing is in the doldrums these days for lack of the usual attractions in the heavier classes, where traditionally the bulk of interest lies. The lack of successors to Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson and their ilk has left a yawning gap that remains unfilled.
And so the responsibility has been left to Manny Pacquiao and certified superstar Oscar de la Hoya to perk up the turnstiles and TV ratings. That they have chosen to do so against each other is something that many aficionados did not bargain for.
But truth be told, everyone who has made his sentiments heard about the issue will surely also be a part of the expected multitude who will be eagerly watching to see how this controversial match-up pans out.
Despite the loud protestations of many who say they will not waste their time at what they derisively label as a “freak show”, I feel they would not be able to resist the urge to see how their apprehensions are proven right or wrong. After all, Barnum and Bailey didn?t do too shabbily either.
Already, there are predictions of more than a million pay-per-view buys and this just reinforces the belief of those who were responsible for hatching this idea that there is a killing to be made (pun unintended). Those involved in whatever capacity as part of those who will benefit from such a financial windfall are surely licking their chops as we speak.
But the fact also remains that boxing fans are evenly divided as to the wisdom of De La Hoya-Pacquiao. For all the reasons that have been submitted, the public will be in discord whenever the topic is brought up. Until of course, one side is vindicated, hopefully by an exciting fight that does not end in accusations and/or lamentations.
Then again, there is the determined position of both Manny and his esteemed trainer Freddie Roach that they would not be in this if they thought this would put Manny at risk in any way. They feel that they were able to extract an agreement to a catch weight, replete with monetary safeguards in case of failure on the part of De La Hoya to meet the weight, is more than sufficient to thwart any perceived disadvantages on their part.
And who better to tell than Manny and Roach? Especially since Roach was ? only fairly recently ? the man to whom De la Hoya entrusted his training in that unsuccessful foray against Floyd Mayweather Jr.? Dare anyone contradict Roach?s positive assessment of his prized ward against someone he had seen up close and who ? in his trained eye ? can no longer “pull the trigger”? I think not.
And so, as I sit on my lofty perch on the fence, contentedly surveying the mayhem below me, I sift through the many developments and hope that somehow soon I can arrive at a decision as to which side of the fence I will eventually leap into. Hopefully, it will be the one that will afford a happy ending.
Preferably one that is happier for Pacquiao.
