Philippines, 25 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


U.S. Economic Woes Hit Las Vegas Hard


PhilBoxing.com


In just mere hours, we will know the winner of the Dream Match between Oscar DeLa Hoya and Manny Pacquiao. If facial expressions during the weigh-in would be our basis of who the winner is, hands down, it would be Manny Pacquiao. I wrote in my previous article about the nervousness in Oscar De La Hoya?s eyes.

I would like to digress and discuss non-boxing issue that may affect, or should I say, already affecting, this much-awaited fight.

The boisterous partisan crowd of around three to four thousands came out in full force during yesterday?s weigh-in. But when funnyman George Lopez asked the animated audience who would be watching live at the arena and in PPV, I found it very interesting that there was just a meager smattering of half-hearted response from an otherwise energized fans. Sensing the tepid reaction, he jokingly pleaded the crowd to forego food and necessities and instead buy tickets.

Was the free to the public affair, the best chance for Manny and Oscar?s fans to see their idol in the flesh?

It would be ironic that those who can most afford the tickets; the celebrities, actors, politicians, wealthy friends and millionaire athletes will be in the choice seats for free.

The Labor Department announced on=2 0Friday that employers cut 533,000 jobs in November, the most loss in 34 years. The most ardent fans are feeling the vicious body blows on the economy. Disposable income is at its lowest in memory. There is simply not enough money to go around.

The ticket brokers and speculators are reeling from lack of ticket demand. As we were finding our way out of the arena, you can hear, ?tickets?tickets?tickets, good seats, tickets?, tickets?. They are trying very hard to unload their hoarded tickets. I was offered two premium ring-side tickets for just over 60% of its face value. Unfortunately for me, I already bought my tickets, albeit, also below face value.

As my wife and I drove up and down Las Vegas Boulevard last night, going from MGM to Paris, to Bellagio, to Wynn, and back to Caesar?s Palace where we are staying, I simply cannot recall any Friday night in Las Vegas with such a free flowing traffic. I did not even have to worry about using the ever reliable back streets.

In spite of the economic hard times, I hope the Dream Match would be a success, culminated by a Manny Pacquiao victory.



Click here to view a list of other articles written by Greg R. Penilla, M.D..


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Andy Cruz vs Raymond Muratalla: Who Will Execute?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Libranza to fight undefeated Tso for IBF Pan Pacific bantam
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Filipino Cue Artist RJ Bautista Ready to Shine at the Las Vegas Open 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • MURATALLA VS. CRUZ WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Ballesteros not yet ready against Ocum
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Chocolatito Gonzalez to undergo shoulder surgery
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • NM Nika finishes Sixth in Czech Republic Blitz chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Donaire back in Cebu
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • MURATALLA VS. CRUZ IN LAS VEGAS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
    , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • Four Pinoys in line for title shots
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • After the meeting in Mexico City, the WBC is ready for 2026
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • Former world title challenger Jerry Belmontes Returns to ring at home after nearly a decade in Retirement on January 31 in Texas
    , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT RONNY ALVAREZ TRAINING CAMP NOTES
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • STRICKLAND STUNS REYES AS SOUQUET SEALS REDEMPTION | WNT LEGENDS
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Knicks defeats Nets 120-66 to post largest margin of victory in franchise history
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Mauricio Sulaiman: "We simply urge Zuffa Boxing to respect and protect boxing and the boxer"
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • January 31: Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou Junior Middleweight Title Unification Showdown to Stream LIVE on Top Rank Classics FAST Channel in the United States
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • Mike Tyson to Launch “Mike Tyson Invitational,” a Three-Day Amateur Boxing Showcase Aimed at Elevating the Future of American Boxing
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • KAIPO GALLEGOS TRAINING CAMP NOTES
    , Thu, 22 Jan 2026
  • REYES AND BUSTAMANTE DELIVER HOME-SOIL MASTERCLASS | WNT LEGENDS
    , Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • Reigning World 10-ball Champion Filipino cue master Jonas Magpantay to see action in Indonesia pool tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • OLYMPIC BOXING 7: 1936 OLYMPICS AT BERLIN, GERMANY
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Wed, 21 Jan 2026
  • Usyk and Zuffa Boxing Negotiations Update
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 21 Jan 2026




  •  



     
    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
    © 2026 philboxing.com.