Philippines, 15 Jul 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:

  • Risky proposition for Charly
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 15 Jul 2026
  • Michael Zerafa opponent revealed as August 12 tickets go on sale for Gold Coast blockbuster
    , Wed, 15 Jul 2026
  • Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls Stay in the Hunt Despite Opening Setback, Shift Focus to Japan Showdown
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 15 Jul 2026
  • BiYu Promotions' Yusniel Abrahante Ready to Shock Undefeated Luis Coria on ProBox TV This Saturday
    , Wed, 15 Jul 2026
  • Showdown in Tokyo: Jerry Francisco Challenges Undefeated Yuga Ozaki for WBO Asia Pacific Title Today
    By Dong Secuya, , Wed, 15 Jul 2026
  • RUIZ JR. FACES KNYBA AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER, NEWARK, NJ ON SEPT 4 – LIVE ON TNT AND DAZN
    , Wed, 15 Jul 2026
  • MATCHROOM AND DAZN LAUNCH PROJECT SERIES ON AUG 28
    , Wed, 15 Jul 2026
  • Pinoy woodpushers confident in Asian Youth tilt in Shenzhen, China
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 15 Jul 2026
  • CARE conducts WASSAR training course for Junior Lifeguards in Digos
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 15 Jul 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 13 JULY 2026: Gassiev Stops Kadiru, Retains WBA Heavy Title; Suslenko Beats Joyce; Ataev Outpoints Uzcategui
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 14 Jul 2026
  • Two World Title Fights are added to AJ-Prenga undercard at 'The Comeback' in Jeddah
    , Tue, 14 Jul 2026
  • Perez willing to have a trilogy with Eman
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Jul 2026
  • MANILA ROARS BACK: THE REYES CUP AND PHILIPPINES OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP RETURN FOR 2026
    , Mon, 13 Jul 2026
  • Jayr Raquinel Avenges Compatriots with First-Round Stoppage Over Kenbun Torres in Osaka
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 13 Jul 2026
  • IBA President Umar Kremlev backs Gassiev for heavyweight unification fights after IBA Pro 19 title defence
    , Mon, 13 Jul 2026
  • Chess Kings rules Pacquiao rapid chess team tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 13 Jul 2026
  • P1 million at stake in DC Trail Ultra
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Jul 2026
  • Gabriel Santisima Retains WBO Asia-Pacific Title with First-Round Knockout Win
    , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Sumabong wins OPBF, WBO Asia Pacific titles
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Philippine Blu Girls Ready to Take on the World’s Best at WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Germo, Turno rule 34th Yakult 10-Miler Trilogy Davao
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • 1st Grandmaster Eugene Torre Open Standard Chess Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Murat Gassiev retains WBA heavyweight title at the spectacular IBA Pro 19
    , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Unbeaten John Michael Zulueta Headlines Highland Show July 25 in Thailand, LIVE on TrillerTV
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 12 Jul 2026
  • Raquinel, Torres Make Weight for Sunday Showdown in Japan
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 11 Jul 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.