So Much For The Size Advantage
Boxing December 7th. 2008, 11:00am
We’ll start the morning with something most people didn’t see: The Dream Boxing Match of 08. Or whatever it was called. I can’t imagine anyone paying to see a current star in the sport of boxing fight a business man.
Last night, Manny Pacquiao dismantled a “listless” Oscar de la Hoya. This fight was about as close as the Oklahoma game. According to the LA Times, de la Hoya won just one round - the first - on one judge’s scorecard. The fight ended in TKO after de la Hoya’s corner decided not to allow him to leave his corner for the 9th round.
Many thought de la Hoya’s size advantage would be to much for “Pacman” to overcome. Oscar is 4 inches taller, has a 6-inch reach advantage and has fought for years at bigger weight classes. Surprisingly, de la Hoya weighed in at 145 on Friday and only walked into the ring Saturday night at 147 - about 10 pounds less than expected. Pacquiao actually entered the ring as the heavier fighter, putting on 6 and 1/2 pounds to fight at 148 1/2 pounds.

Now it’s back to the boardroom for de la Hoya. (”Oooh, look at me! I’m a millionaire businessman!” - Possible quote.) The only fight that might be worth training again would be a lucrative rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Meanwhile, it’s Pacquiao turn to become the next big name in the sport. At the very least, he can give the nickname Pacman a much needed image overhaul.
[Photos: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times]
9 Responses to “So Much For The Size Advantage”
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December 7th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Pacquiao’s win had less to do with Oscar’s energy level and more to do with Manny completely out-boxing him.
December 7th, 2008 at 11:12 am
I called a TKO in 10, so pretty close. No real surprise for me. Oscar is done. Pac-Man is the best fighter out there right now.
December 7th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Isn’t Oscar old?
December 7th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Why is this Cowboys/Steelers game being hyped by a certain network as a Super Bowl preview, when there’s a above average chance that the Cowboys won’t make the playoffs or would be a 5 seed at best if they get in?
December 7th, 2008 at 11:36 am
@Sponge: Yes, Oscar is old, but that shouldn’t take away from the awesomeness that is Manny Pacquiao. Pac-Man started fighting at 106 pounds. The guy put on more than 40 pounds over the course of his career and still managed to whop ass in every weight class along the way.
The hot rumors now have Manny dropping down to 140 pounds so he can fight Ricky Hatton, possibly in England.
December 7th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
A Ricky Hatton fight would be awesome.
I love how Paq just started toying with De La Hoya. He started dancing a bit, and a couple times he just threw his arms up and let De La Hoya pummel him while he was in a shell. It was a complete and utter beat down.
December 7th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
what about mayweather- pacman?
December 8th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I watched the fight…Pacman was dominating.
I would think that Pacman could go straight to Mayweather, but if he wants to make the most money, he will fight Hatton and build hype for a Mayweather fight.
December 9th, 2008 at 12:58 am
I was at the fight–bad economy for ticket brokers=good news for me. Got a ticket at a fraction of face value in a good location. I’ll have to see the replay, but I gave Oscar the 3rd round, mainly because he didn’t lose it nearly as badly as he lost the first 2 rounds.
Manny is an absolute beast. I think he fights Hatton next year in London–and after he destroys Hatton in 4 rounds (and he will destroy him), then the talk with Floyd will start.