ALADDIN FREEMAN:
Oscar by late KO.
GEORGE ELSASSER:
When this one was signed and ready to go, the first thoughts were Pacquiao would have the energy and desire with decent punching power at 147 to handle the today De La Hoya version. Then came the afterthought, that unlike Hoya-Hopkins, the Oscar “Fools Golden Boy” is entering this one for more than the money – is looking for a win.
Pacquiao is an honest, exciting crowd pleaser – but is not a welterweight – his Filipino brand of banzai isn’t going to get it done. I recall his having Marquez down several times early in their barn burner but then slowed late in the fight and nearly lost.
Pick is De La Hoya by late round stoppage.
P.S. Would like to be wrong with this one.
JEFF MAYWEATHER:
I think Oscar will win with in six rounds Pacquiao is just too small and have never been hit by a man as big as Oscar especially with Oscar’s talent. The biggest man he has faced is David Diaz, who was one of the weakest Champions in the division. He was dropped by much smaller fighters with not the same talent.
I feel the first time De la Hoya hits him with the left hook Pacquiao will be effected in a way that he has never been before. It might even turnout his lights for the night. It certainly wouldn’t surprise me. So De la Hoya inside of six rounds.
FRANK GONZALEZ JR.:
Somehow, this fight reminds me of Washington bailing out the very banks who squandered (see stole) all the money in the first place. Why should WE pay to see this fight that is little more than an exhibition match up? Is De la Hoya that important these days, after his last four, less than impressive outings… all on PPV! (except for the Stevie Johnson fight) Hey, even Yuri Boy Campas got to be on PPV fighting Oscar.
Are fans supposed to believe that a famous 154 pound fighter went out bravely by choosing to fight a guy three weight classes below him? (and Pacman only recently moved up to 135!) What’s next? Heavyweight Vitali Klitschko vs. light heavyweight Joe Calzaghe on PPV?
I like Pacman to win by decision. He’ll out-hustle De la Hoya in the later rounds. When Oscar slows down from rounds 7-12, Manny gets all his best work in to justify the win, in what by design, should be a “close” decision.
So let’s all get ready to donate our hard earned dollars to the save Oscar De La Hoya PPV foundation, sponsored by HBO.
SCOTT SANDERS:
I’m usually strictly old school about bigger vs smaller, but Pacquiao can win this fight. He’ll have to fight almost mistake free and hope Oscar shows his age though. Nobody talks about it, but Oscar (like many fighters who depend mostly on their left) doesn’t like fighting southpaws and has stayed away from them. To my knowledge he has only fought three (Bredahl, Whitaker, Camacho) and only been impressive over the well past his prime Camacho.
Summing it up, the youth, speed, and conditioning of Pacquiao can win this fight, but if De la Hoya makes weight easily enough he’ll come from behind to wear down and stop a tiring Pacquiao in about the 10th round. For whatever it is worth, I’d rather to be wrong and see the Filipino sensation win. IMO, that would be better for boxing in 2009 and beyond.
GARY TODD:
I’m going for a calculated Pacquiao win. Late TKO. I also sent you thru my analysis on the fight some time ago. I’ll be there and can’t wait.
MARK URBAN:
I think it will be closer than people are making out, but ultimately I can see De La Hoya winning on points.
