Roach sets ‘sharpest fight plan’
By Marc Anthony Reyes
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:34:00 08/29/2008
Filed Under: Pacquiao, Boxing
MANILA, Philippines— What is being touted as the “biggest fight” rightfully calls for the biggest preparation.
Manny Pacquiao’s outspoken trainer Freddie Roach says he is ready to lay down the sharpest fight plan for his boxer, who is set to take on Roach’s former ward, Oscar De La Hoya, on Dec. 6.
In interviews, Roach promised a “great fight” from the 29-year-old Filipino champion who he said possessed all the necessary elements of a great fighter—speed, youth, power.
Add the fact that Pacquiao is in the prime of his career while the 35-year-old De La Hoya is already closing his storied, almost Hollywood-like career that began with an Olympic gold in Barcelona in 1992.
Although De La Hoya is much bigger, Roach, who trained the American in his celebrated fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr., said De La Hoya hadn’t fought guys shorter than him.
Roach said that Pacquiao’s speed and power—in full display during his KO victory over David Diaz in June for the World Boxing Council lightweight crown—would cross out his size disadvantage.
Pacquiao earlier said he would need to train early and prepare at least eight weeks against De La Hoya.
Concerns
Easily, Team Pacquiao’s main concerns are De La Hoya’s long jabs and left cross.
But pundits say De La Hoya’s punches, presumed to have lost their sting over the years, are only lethal if they find their target.
Still, local experts say Pacquiao will enter the ring at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas as the underdog.
His former manager, Rod Nazario, says Pacquiao is a 60-40 underdog but carries a big fighting heart.
Former WBC secretary general Rudy Salud said age would play a big factor in the match because of the “receding talent” of De La Hoya.
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