Philippines, 27 Jun 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:

  • Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis: Breakout Moment in Brooklyn
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026
  • GAB Must Look Into Exploitation of Rated Filipino Fighters in Japan
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026
  • TITLE FIGHT ON: Zayas and "Boots" Ennis Hit the Scales for Brooklyn Super-Welterweight Showdown
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 27 Jun 2026
  • USC's Galen Center confirmed as Martinez-Plantic, Lopez-Carrillo venue August 29, live on ProBoxTV
    , Sat, 27 Jun 2026
  • July 4: Albert Bell Steps In to Challenge Abdullah Mason in All-Ohio WBO Lightweight World Title Showdown at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center LIVE on TNT and DAZN
    , Fri, 26 Jun 2026
  • Zamboanga relinquishes her ONE Women’s title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 26 Jun 2026
  • Top-ranked Charly Suarez facing Manuel Avila, plus two more fights added to July 18 ProBoxTV event
    , Fri, 26 Jun 2026
  • Yanon fights Kaji in Tokyo on July 4
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 26 Jun 2026
  • Preparations underway for 2026 IBA men’s divisional continental championships
    , Fri, 26 Jun 2026
  • Highland Boxing Promotions Presents "Warrior Showdown" in Bangkok on June 27
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • Usyk reportedly considering retirement but could face Kabayel before the year ends
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • Luke Littler and Ben Whittaker join forces as Matchroom Sport takes over New York City
    , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • IOC Announces $10,000 'Fit for the Future' Grant for All Qualifying Olympians, Including Boxers
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • Boxers did it first: IBA President welcomes IOC’s decision on allocating funds among athletes
    , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • PH national now ready for Asia-Oceania Sambo
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • UFC TITLE CHALLENGER IAN MACHADO GARRY JOINS MATCHROOM TALENT AGENCY AS EDDIE HEARN LAUDS 'SUPERSTAR' SIGNING
    , Thu, 25 Jun 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Fathers in the boxing world
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan arrive for Asia & Oceania Sambo Tournament
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • Mexican Hall of Fame Legend Carlos Zarate undergoes surgery in Mexico
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • IM Arca to see action in 28th Asian Youth Chess Championships 2026 in Shenzhen,China
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • Lenar Perez to Face Former Two-Time World Title Challenger Thabiso Mchunu, with Fendero-Fondjo as Co-Feature on September 3 in Montreal!
    , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • Gustavo Trujillo'S Remarkable Journey Continues as Reigning Bkb Heavyweight Champion Climbs the Pro Boxing Ranks
    , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • AMER ABDALLAH APPOINTED ADVISOR TO THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN BOXING FEDERATION
    , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • Youth Sports Sambo on June 25
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 2026
  • Train for Puma Half Marathon in starts June 24
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 24 Jun 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.