When the possibility of a Manny Pacquiao-Oscar de la Hoya match was first bruited about some months back, I thought it was a joke and I said so every time somebody asked me about it.
Well, no sooner than the smoke cleared in that devastating win against the Mex-Am David Diaz had celebrated trainer Freddie Roach come out with both barrels blazing, insisting his prized ward deserved no less than the Golden Boy himself as next foe.
The main characters in this bizarre drama themselves, Pacquiao and de la Hoya, have co lent credence to the proposition, leading me to think that the joke may have been on me all along.
It was in this vein that I consulted friends whose opinions I value with regards matters of this sort. So yesterday, I sent out text messages to friends and listeners of my regular Monday radio program on DzSR.
Here are some of the replies I got. The question: “Should Manny Pacquiao fight Oscar de la Hoya this December?”:
Andy Jao, Team Manager Red Bull Barako: “No. Except for the money, which he could get form other fights, will winning or losing rove anything?”
Atty. Lino Dumas, practicing lawyer: Yes, but not yet. It may spell the end of his boxing career. Sayang, bata pa siya.”
Bill Velasco, broadcaster/columnist: “No. There?s no title at stake and de la Hoya?s too big. He should fight Nate Campbell, who owns 3 belts in the lightweight class.”
Al Mendoza, sports columnist: “No! If it materializes, then it would be the “Fake of the Year, rather than Fight of the Year”. Then we can also have Onyok Velasco fight Asi Taulava. In 15 rounds yet!”
Quinito Henson, columnist/broadcaster: “Yup. Provided catch weight is 147 and they make it worthwhile for Manny. Like M worth!”
Nick Giongco, sportswriter: “Yes. Pacquiao?s place in history will be secure regardless of outcome. He has everything to gain fighting de la Hoya.”
Alex Ng Sy, EVP, Outlast Batteries: Why not? Manny at his best while ODLH past his prime but still in great shape and popular. Nothing to lose, everything to gain for Manny.”
Bruce McTavish, international boxing referee: “Pro boxing is not a sport, it is a profession. Therefore make it happen; just make sure Manny is in top condition. Speed kills.”
Boyet Fernandez, coach Sta. Lucia Realtors: “He should fight de la Hoya to end all speculations. Not for the money, but for his stature as best pound for pound boxer in the world.”
Louie Sta. Maria, Executive, Honda Cars: “No, not at 147. He should grow into that division in the proper phase, not on need-to basis. De la Hoya would be more comfortable there.”
Ding Marcelo, sports editor, Manila Bulletin: ” He might be biting more than he can chew. If it?s his last fight and he gets M, ok. But if he will fight 1 or 2 years more, it?s not a good idea. I think it?s money that?s driving him here, not legacy, which he already has.”
Ver Abainza, international boxing referee: “Yes. Pacquiao?s speed will win out. The only way ODLH can catch Pacquiao is to corner him and Manny is much too smart to get cornered.”
Bo Perasol. Coach, Air 21 Express (Manny?s kababayan from GenSan): “Yes! Manny should fight de la Hoya.”
Cucuy Elorde, daughter of Da Flash, proprietor, Elorde Boxing Gym, New Manila: “Ed, my answer is No.”
Arben Santos, businessman-sportsman: ” Yes, but at 147. Exciting-speed vs. power. If Manny wins, he will prove he is the best.”
Musong Castillo, sportswriter: “If Manny is in a hurry to retire, yes. Otherwise, I think he should fight 3 or 4 others before Oscar.”
Jason Webb, ex-PBA player, TV sports analyst: “If I were his manager, yes. The money will be tremendous and fans who don?t know him yet will surely get to know him. If I were his trainer, no. Even Pacquiao?s power may be neutralized with ODLH?s tough chin.”
Recah Trinidad, sports columnist: “He should if he has nobody better to fight. However, it could be decided through a disparity. ODLH is old & slow or Pacman too small. We are not sure pure athleticism would be the main factor.”
Bebot Elorde, Gabriel?s junior; boxing manager/promoter: “Masyadong malaki weight difference!”
Noli Eala, BAP-SBP executive director/Liga Pilipinas president: “I?m all for it! It?s a fight people want to see and history is beckoning for it.”
Atty. Bert Neri, practicing lawyer: “Sure! For the money and for the legacy!”
Ronnie Nathanielsz, sports broadcaster/journalist: “He shouldn?t take it if it?s all about the money!”
Tony Aldeguer, boxing manager/promoter. ALA Gym: “If I were the promoter, yes. The money is too good. If I were the manager, no.”
Richard del Rosario, ex-PBA player, TV anchorman: “For the money, pwede. But if he wants to maintain his popularity, huwag na lang.”
Flor Perez, newscaster and sports columnist: “Sabi ni Roach kaya ni Pacquiao, so be it.”
Sev Sarmenta, TV sports anchorman: “No. It?s too motivated by money. Both have nothing to prove to each other or anyone.”
Abac Cordero, sportswriter: “Yes! I?m not saying he has nothing to lose, because he can get hurt bad even if he wins. But it?s a rare opportunity to fight one of the greatest.”
There was actually more, but space limitations prevent me from printing everything. Suffice it to say that the result of this informal poll was astonishing: 36 were in favor of the fight while 32 were against it. There were 3 on the fence.
So what?s my take? Heck, I?m even more confused now.
