Manny Pacquiao (41-3-2, 33 KO’s) vs. Oscar Larios (56-4-1, 36 KO’s), Saturday July 1st at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila.
Time for an Encore?
With his scintillating 10th round knockout over Erik Morales this past January, Pacquiao brought his fans to their feet and his name back near the top of the pound for pound rankings. In one of the finest outings of his professional career, Pacquiao buzz sawed Morales over the second half of their fight with sheer pressure, an abundance of energy, and pinpoint punches that had Morales reeling. Pacquiao again proved his true worth and will be looking to keep the momentum going with an encore showing against Larios.
No soft touch
Oscar Larios isn’t a slouch by any means and not the ideal opponent to face with yet another mega-fight on the horizon. Larios also knows what it takes to become a champion, having held the WBC Super Bantamweight Title for three and half years with nine successful defenses. He is a lanky fighter with adequate power and he relies on his great work rate to see him through. He was true class at 122 pounds but will be moving up two weight classes to face Pac Man. If Larios is focused and comes in hungry, this should be a fight.
What to expect
With his disappointing third round knockout loss to Israel Vazquez this past December, Larios’ stock took a big hit and he has disappeared from the scene just a bit. That doesn’t mean he can’t still fight, so expect some serious competition during the early going along with some heated exchanges. Larios is the busier fighter but Pacquiao has a serious edge in power and he is a great finisher when his opponent is in trouble. Larios has proved his championship heart and overall skill in the past but he is going up against a bigger, stronger champion who is riding a wave of momentum. Expect Larios to stay competitive early before being worn down and taken out in the mid to late rounds in an entertaining fight.
