LAS VEGAS ? Boxing promoter Bob Arum opened up the post-fight conference by saying that the press called it right.
?The press was never wrong. They said it was (going to be) a mismatch, and it was a mismatch,? he said.
In the months, weeks and days leading to the fight, many thought that Oscar dela Hoya would be too much for Manny Pacquiao, counting his four-inch height and six-inch weight advantage.
The fight indeed turned out to be one-sided, only that it was Pacquiao who came out the winner.
?It has to do with my guy scoring a victory most people thought he couldn?t bring about. It was like George Foreman beating Michael Moorer. Those are the two nights I remember most,? he said.
?Tonight was a great night for boxing. It was great for Manny, a great historic victory,? said Arum.
He is aware that the Philippines has never won a gold medal in the Olympics after so many years of trying.
?But tonight the Philippines has to know that they?ve won a gold medal,? he said.
However, the ageless promoter said, ?we are here not to gloat.?
Then he said that if this was to be Dela Hoya?s last fight, then the sports should start thanking the 35-year-old superstar for all his contributions.
?We have to remember what he did for boxing. What a shining light he was in boxing. How he helped the sport for many years. So, God bless him and thanks for all he did for boxing,? Arum told the media.
