MANNY “Pacman” Pacquiao once again lived up to his reputation as the Mexican Executioner when he gobbled up yet another Mexican prey, the once mighty Oscar De La Hoya, in a non-title bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Last Vegas last December 6.
Showcasing his vaunted speed and punching power, the Pacman rattled and rocked the flamboyant but bewildered Golden Boy in just 24 dazzling minutes, and turned the Dream Match into a nightmare. Manny gave Oscar one-way ticket to the blues, so to speak — something that will most probably haunt him for years to come.
Pacquiao’s complete domination of De La Hoya came as a huge surprise to many — boxing experts, sports writer, trainers and yes, the Mexicans.
But to Team Pacquiao, it was what they foresaw and anticipated.
There were others who believed in Manny’s chances of winning: former heavyweight king Mike Tyson, Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez — who lost to De La Hoya twice, and even that Venezuelan loudmouth Edwin Valero who claimed to have given Oscar De La Hoya a black eye during a sparring session prior to the fight.
The Mexicans, mostly former world champions in the last two decades, were shocked beyond belief, and crestfallen. They expected Oscar to redeem Mexican pride in boxing. Oscar was supposed to be their last card, the ace up their sleeve, so to speak.
Now Juan Manuel Marquez wants to take up the cudgel for the Mexicans. He wants Manny in the same ring again at any weight — 135 to 160 pounds.
Now, that’s what we call raw courage and blind ambition. Let’s not forget that Manny has sent Manuel to the canvas four times in their previous two fights. His talents do not match his courage. He’s all sound and fury, no substance.
Now let’s get down to brass tacks. How did Manny Pacquiao reduce Oscar De La Hoya to a virtual punching bag?
There are four valid and credible factors:
1. Manny’s supreme confidence in his capabilities; 2. Superb conditioning, hard work, focus; 3. Right game plan; 4. Perfect execution of the game plan.
After conquering a formidable foe, a legend, a superstar, a former Olympic champion, Manny Pacquiao has earned the right to use Alexander the Great’s victory message to the Senate after he captured Pontus, a country in Asia Minor: Veni. Vidi. Vici. (I came. I saw. I conquered.).
Manny will most likely travel to England next year to fight Briton Ricky Hatton for the world junior welterweight crown. Let’s hope he’ll send us the same message that Alexander sent to his countrymen in Macedonia.
