Filipino Pacman gave his bigger, more famous opponent such a beating that Golden Boy De la Hoya declined to come out of his corner after the eighth round, and rightly so.
The TKO is only the second time De la Hoya had been stopped in his 16-year star studded professional career. De la Hoya was a good sportsman though, saying: “He’s just a great fighter, I have nothing bad to say about him. He prepared like a true champion.”
I agree with Manny Pacquiao who said: “Speed was going to be the key to this fight,” and it certainly was with Pacman dominating the boxing ring from start to finish
“I’m not surprised by the result, because I prepared well to control the fight from the beginning. I’m happy that I could give this victory to my country.”
De la Hoya however seemed very much passed his peak and said; “I felt empty, without power, I tried to go forward but Pacquiao’s leg speed and movement didn’t allow me to connect with anything.”
So what did you make of the fight?
I thought that it did not disappoint at all, perhaps we could’ve seen more from De la Hoya, but he did his best and it was just a case of Manny Pacquiao being too darn good.
Do you think a De la Hoya in his prime would’ve beaten the Manny Pacquiao we saw on Saturday night?
I don’t think a rematch between these two is likely, but would anyone want to see them fight again?
Post all your thoughts as comments below..
De La Hoya seemed to be lacking fitness more than anything - no power, tired early, and looked a shadow of the shape he was in at the weigh despite only rehydrating 2 pounds! Did he lose too much weight too quick?? Pacquaio’s chin never really got tested in the fight due to his supreme elusive speed and footwork, so the next big test will surely be the punching power of the Hitman
Comment by J McKell — December 10, 2008 @ 8:18 am
De La Hoya did not loose weight fast… clearly the worst fighter is the worst fighter.
Do you think a De la Hoya in his prime would’ve beaten the Manny Pacquiao we saw on Saturday night?
Thats a good question which requires a good answer, on the Tyson and Ali debate I am always Ali.
I don’t think a rematch between these two is likely, but would anyone want to see them fight again?
No, but if it was on again I would hope the Hoya sorts himself out
Comment by Boxing Equipment — December 17, 2008 @ 10:28 am
I think The Pacquiao we saw would’ve beaten Oscar in his prime. Dela Hoya never met anyone as fast or as talented as Pacquiao. It would’ve been a more interesting fight, and it would’ve been closer. But I still say Pacquiao by KO in 11 against Dela hoya in his prime.
Comment by Jojo Ponce — December 21, 2008 @ 6:09 am
De La Hoya was a spent force
Comment by fightfranchise — January 5, 2009 @ 3:05 pm
that was the best fight i ever seen
Comment by luis j fernandez — January 14, 2009 @ 5:39 pm
de la hoya seembed tired by the third round because he lost alot of wieght.
Comment by luis j fernandez — January 14, 2009 @ 5:42 pm
DEL LA HOYA YA ES TIEMPO QUE TE SALGAS DEL DEPORTE PORQUE YA LA COSA NO TIENE REMEDIO NI PUDISTES TUMBAR AL PHILIPINO ES TIEMPODE RECONOSERLO
Comment by Ringside — March 1, 2009 @ 7:55 pm