International boxing superstar Oscar de la Hoya conducted an open workout at the Big Bear training camp in Los Angeles a month into his preparations for his December 6 Dream Match with Filipino champion Manny Pacquiao.
The Golden Boy sported a black eye, which his camp said is a testament of how hard de la Hoya has been working out during his sparring sessions.
“I guess it happens in boxing when you try to spar with no head gear,” he said with a laugh.
The Golden Boy admitted that he is not taking the Pacquiao fight lightly, which is why he went back to the place where he trained for some of the biggest fights in his career.
?I came back to Big Bear to spark the fire once again? I secluded myself and I?ve trained hard, remembering what it took to get to the top, and that?s why we?re here,? said de la Hoya.
Come December 6, he will face the Pacquiao at the MGM grand in Las Vegas.
De la Hoya said fans should expect an entertaining match when the two meet in the ring next month.
?Fans should expect an explosive fight. No backing down from either one of us. I think whoever has that determination and that will to win is going to take it,? he said.
Weighing at 145 pounds, two pounds under the required weight limit, de la Hoya sported a black eye and appeared that cutting to a weight that he hasn’t fought in over eight years may be affecting him in his training.
De la Hoya, however, discounted that notion.
?I feel great. I actually feel strong? I have to be honest with you. About a month ago, when I was going down to 150 and 149 pounds and after the workouts, I would feel a little light headed, but now I?m comfortable with 147 pounds,? he said.
His coach Ignacio Beristain, who trained Pacquiao nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez, said de la Hoya is in very good shape and has no problem with the weight cut.
?He has tremendous stamina right now and he?s in great shape. It just goes to show you how great a shape he is,? Beristain said through an interpreter.
When asked about Freddie Roach?s comments about ?speed? which is the main asset of Pacquiao, de la Hoya told PhilBoxing.com’s Ed de la Vega: ?Speed is fine but more than that, accuracy is more important.? — With reports from Joseph Pimentel, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau, and PhilBoxing.com.
