Featherweight contender Nedal Hussein, who has fought both men, is tipping Manny Pacquiao to beat Oscar Larios when they meet on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila, Philippines.
“I can see Larios giving Pacquiao trouble for four or five rounds,” explained Hussein. “But I just can’t see Larios winning, to be honest. I think Pacquiao will hit him hard with that left hand of his and hurt him.”
28 year-old Hussein 41-3 (26) lost in a controversial 10th round stoppage to Pacquiao 41-3-2 (33) in the Philippines in October 2000 and lost on points over 12 rounds to then WBC junior featherweight world champion Larios 56-4-1 (36) in November 2004.
“Larios is a much better boxer, but Pacquiao has the power,” said Hussein. “Manny is more explosive and when he puts his combinations together, he is sharp and really loads up, where Larios just pots along. He is at the same pace all of the time. He is fighting in the same pattern all of the time. Technically, Larios is better. He has better balance.
“Pacquiao is unorthodox and will wing punches off balance. Manny is a good fighter. He is not great. I don’t think he can beat (Marco Antonio) Barrera again, but he is very good. He doesn’t stop in the ring. He is fit. Everything he throws is hard. He doesn’t lose his power after four or five rounds. His power stays with him.”
Pacquiao is returning home to the Philippines for his first fight since December 2004
“They idolize him there, which can be a distraction going into a fight,” said Hussein. “But even in Los Angeles where he normally trains at the Wildcard Gym, it is still a circus. They call it ‘Pac-land’ because it is full of Filipinos supporting Pacquiao.
“Fighting in the Philippines will make it hard for Larios. But it’s just not that. Pacquiao’s left hand is not easy to get away from for twelve rounds. Eventually, Larios will get hit and when he does, he will get hurt.”
Paul Upham Contributing Editor
