|
|
|
OSCAR LARIOS ? THE CONQUERED WHO CONQUERED By Epifanio M. Almeda PhilBoxing.com Sat, 24 Nov 2007 On 2 July 2006 former WBC junior-featherweight champion Oscar Larios engaged Manny Pacquiao for 12 exciting rounds of torrid toe-to-toe exchanges of loaded leathers to the full satisfaction and entertainment of the Araneta Coliseum crowd in Quezon City, Philippines. For a brief moment in the 3rd round Oscar frightened the mostly Filipino fans when he tagged the Pacman with a solid combination of punches which clearly hurt the Filipino favorite. Manny survived the onslaught, scored 2 knockdowns in the process and deservedly won the fight by a unanimous decision. Oscar was conquered. But as he bowed 4 times and blew kisses each time facing from a different side of the ring after the fight, the admiring witnesses to a splendid display of courage and determination gave Oscar a resounding applause. Many stood in ovation for a performance well worth the acclaim. Oscar, the conquered, conquered the hearts of the throng who, for every second of the 12-round contest wished for his utter defeat. Boxing fans know when a fighter fights clean and gives his all to give back to them their time and money?s worth. And they appreciate the fighter who does. Oscar fought the Pacman with all his might and the crowd knew it. Oscar has since fought and lost a potential career ending 10th round stoppage to a younger and upcoming prospect in Jorge Linarez of Venezuela. As he did in the Pacman fight, Oscar fought Linarez with all his might. Last November 11-17, Oscar was back in Manila for the 45th WBC Convention at the Manila Hotel. Oscar was still clearly recognizable as he was approached by groups of people every now and then for a picture taking with him. Convention delegates, this writer included, just couldn?t pass up this once in a blue moon opportunity to be photographed with an amiable fighter who uses his hands well in the ring without intentionally violating any fight rule. Oscar Larios acknowledges the cheers of the crowd during his appearance at the San Andres Gym in Manila. When he attended the 14 November fight card at the Mall of Asia Oscar was aptly honored. Oscar was invited by the fight announcer and acknowledged the admiring crowd gathered around the 4-sided boxing ring. The spontaneous applause continued until Oscar has returned to his seat to watch the fights. This same recognition and appreciation Oscar got during the 16 November fight card at the San Andres Gym. The 14 and 16 November fight cards were dubbed ?Convention fights?. Oscar has not been forgotten. His all-out give-all-he-got performance in his fight with the Pacman was not forgotten. One of the wisest men who ever lived might have boxers also in his mind when he said, ?Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might.? Oscar fought Pacquiao letting go of his hands with all his might. Oscar lost the fight but won the admiration of the appreciative Filipino who knows his boxing. Oscar Larios. The conquered conquered. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Epifanio M. Almeda. |
|
PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general. Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com |
PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
developed and maintained by dong secuya © 2024 philboxing.com. |