Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya will demonstrate Saturday which is the better boxer. But which is the better singer? That was the one question that amused Pacquiao during his cautious telephone press conference last Monday.
I?ve been investigating that very issue for several weeks, and my findings may be significant.
I learned, in Tagalog, the hook to Manny?s signature song to prepare for my Nov. 12 visit to Pacquiao?s training camp in Hollywood. I never got the chance to drop that hook on Manny, faithful readers will recall, though I did interview trainer Freddie Roach. In fact, I even sang the hook for Roach and for Pacquiao?s media liaison, Winchell Campos, who found that bizarre yet impressive.
I memorized the hook watching Pacquiao?s hit recording of ?Para Sa Yo (Ang Laban Na To)? and found a parallel video of De La Hoya. I think you?ll agree the videos epitomize what makes each man popular and iconic.
With back-up singers and high-priced instrumentals, De La Hoya measures up to several pretty-boy singers whose musicianship is adequate. But it?s all packaging. With Pacquiao, it?s pretty much just him, right in front of you. That?s not always wise for a boxer, but it?s mandatory from a singer. Manny isn?t technically accomplished, but you can look into his eyes and see his heart nictitating.
When boxing critics question De La Hoya?s heart, but never Pacquiao?s, maybe that?s what they?re expressing.
