DESPITE the huge odds, Manny Pacquiao last night expressed his readiness in taking on the biggest challenge of his storied career, singling out his lightning-quick reflexes will prove pivotal when he collides with Oscar De La Hoya on Dec. 6 in Las Vegas.
“My advantage is quickness and speed will be the key to victory in this big fight,” Pacquiao told a group of journalist just a few hours before boarding a Philippine Airlines jet bound for Los Angeles.
Pacquiao has been installed the underdog in their 12-round welterweight duel at the MGM Grand, a rare occurrence in the most recent years considering that the 29-year-old Filipino has been pegged as favorite ever since his Nov. 2003 stoppage of Marco Antonio Barrera.
Now that Pacquiao is up against a fighter who is naturally bigger than him, he is still upbeat about his chances of scoring another electrifying win that will add to his legend.
“I will train hard for this one and my hardwork, dedication and the prayers of my countrymen will help me pull it off,” said Pacquiao, who was surounded in the hastily-called press conference by his former business manager Rod Nazario, ex-Manila mayor and environment secretary Lito Atienza, horseracing ace Hermie Esguerra, former Ilocos ur Gov. Chavit Singson and Pagcor chief Ephraim Genuino.
Pacquiao said he is not awed by the 35-year-old De La Hoya.
“I don?t think he can withstand my punches,” said Pacquiao, whose December brawl with the Golden Boy will be his 15th fight on US soil.
Pacquiao was also joined in the affair by his wife Jinkee, who is five months pregant, and their three kids.
Pacquiao said he intends to start training at the Wild Card on Monday and should be ready to spar by the first week of October.
