A MUCH younger and stronger Manny Pacquiao will overwhelm an older and slower Oscar De La Hoya when they trade punches in a welterweight showdown on December 6.
This is the fearless forecast of North Cotabato Vice Governor Manny Pi?ol, who even predicted a knockout victory for the Filipino boxing sensation despite De La Hoya’s advantage in size.
“Manny Pacquiao is younger and faster. I’m even predicting a knockout win for him in the later rounds,” said Pi?ol, a veteran boxing analyst who also handles many excellent boxers.
Pi?ol said he do not see Pacquiao losing this encounter at 147 pounds even with the Filipino pug climbing up two weight classes to face De La Hoya, who also enjoys a five-inch reach advantage.
To Pi?ol, Pacquiao will outbox De La Hoya with his speed especially in the later rounds since the Mexican will only be strong in the first few rounds.
“They will just move away from De La Hoya in the first few rounds and tire him out,” said Pi?ol, referring to Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach, who is expected to come up with the right game plan come fight night.
What about the difficult situation Pacquiao will be in as De La Hoya is expected to use his jab being the much taller guy?
“You can’t jab forever. You will tire,” Pi?ol said.
