MANILA, Philippines—Gerry Peñalosa says he sees a Manny Pacquiao victory on points over the bigger Oscar De La Hoya in their fight in Las Vegas on Dec. 6.

“Tama ka po, Kuya. De La Hoya is tough, matibay. Manny by close decision.”

That was the main content of Peñalosa’s text messages to this reporter Thursday evening.

Lest you get misled, Peñalosa was not making a bold prediction.

He was, in truth, making a wish and prayer for Pacquiao, his ally and supporter with whom Peñalosa used to spar before the Pacman ascended to boxing superstardom.

* * *

Peñalosa, the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight champion, got in touch in order to extend an invitation to his first boxing promotion at the Mandaluyong City Coliseum on Saturday night.

The main event features Michael Fareñas against a boxer from Thailand.

Fareñas is the rock-solid featherweight who had a sensational United States debut during another Pacquiao fight in Las Vegas last year.

* * *

Make sure it’s a Thai fighter, not a Bangkok barber you’ve brought in, Gerry was warned.

You see, it’s been a year since Peñalosa stopped the celebrated Jhonny Gonzales in the deciding bout of the Boxing World Cup in Sacramento, California, that propelled the Philippines to the championship against Mexico.

So far, Peñalosa has made only a single defense of his crown, against a Thai, whom he had knocked out in an earlier encounter.

* * *

It’s been a dry and practically fruitless reign for the talented and aging Peñalosa, who also once reigned as WBC super flyweight king.

But Peñalosa sees a great chance of figuring in one of the supporting bouts to the Pacquiao-De La Hoya Dream Match at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“Negotiations ongoing, hopefully sabay kay Manny,” Peñalosa texted.

* * *

As for the De La Hoya fight, Peñalosa was told it could be the toughest for the RP boxing hero to date.

Peñalosa: Basta ingat, careful siya early rounds.

But more than his size, De La Hoya will be extremely dangerous in other areas of the game; he has better skills.

Peñalosa: Hope Manny wins, it will be very good for RP boxing, mas malakas.

More than his speed and power, Pacquiao needs greater defense, weaving and head movements, he should avoid biting leather.

Peñalosa: I will tell him.

* * *

Maybe you should give him pointers on how you succeeded in making Daniel Ponce De Leon look flat and aimless in that bout. Manny must make Oscar miss.

Peñalosa: Bakit, why, Kuya?

With Nacho Beristain there, it’s most likely De La Hoya, an overview boxer, will be made to aim at a sensitive target; if Manny fails in defense, Oscar may not need too much energy, but more precision, in order to succeed.

Peñalosa: What do you mean, Kuya?

* * *

Here, Peñalosa was given the tip on the most possible pinpoint offensive De La Hoya would wage. (The pointer was given to Peñalosa for possible relay to Pacquiao, but it would be both indecent and unpatriotic to divulge it here.)

Peñalosa: Yes, Kuya, I will tell him. I sure will tell Manny, thanks again.

Don’t you think Beristain will also emphasize on superb conditioning, more than on the sharpening of skills?

Peñalosa: It’s very likely, malamang po, Kuya.

Will it be skill and experience over speed, youth and power?

Peñalosa: I still see Manny winning in the late rounds, Kuya.

End of text conversation.