It’s arguably the biggest event of 2008. No other fight will compare in level of pomp and celebrity. As the eyes of the world narrow in on the Oscar De La Hoya – Manny Pacquiao battle this Saturday everyone and I mean everyone will weigh-in with their pick in the intriguing match up. Tim has already laid out his take on how the fight will play out here. I agree that De La Hoya should win, though I have him stopping Pacquiao in the later rounds. With the magnitude of such a fight, and the fact that nearly everyone has an opinion on this bout, I thought it interesting to hit up a few professional boxers to get their takes on this momentous fight.
Gary “Kid Stark” Stark Jr (22-2, 8 KOs) – De La Hoya
De La Hoya, he’s too big.
Nate “The Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (32-5-1, 25 KOs) – De La Hoya
Antonio “The Juggernaut” Reyes (3-2) – Pacquiao
Well…I love the old De La Hoya, but he got lost somewhere over time. He got too comfortable with doing the bare minimal to win a fight (doing what he thought was enough to win), rather than giving it all he has, “Balls to the Wall”, but I guess that comes as you age. But what tips me to favor Oscar is that in a fight with the Pacman, Oscar will have no choice but to fight and give it everything, pull that beast out that’s been hibernating. Now that leaves questions: can Oscar match the speed and endurance of Pacman? In short, I’m hesitantly leaning toward Pacman.
Dat “Dat Be Dat” Nguyen (14-1, 6 KOs) – De La Hoya
This is an exciting fight but I think that De La Hoya is too strong and too big for Pacquiao. Pacquiao is fast and has been in with some good fighters but those fighters don’t hit as hard as De La Hoya. Plus, De La Hoya will be wearing 8 oz. gloves. I think once De La Hoya connects with his punches he will finish Manny for an early night. De La Hoya by KO.
Dmitriy “Star of David” Salita (29-0-1, 16 KOs) – De La Hoya
I think Oscar should win by stoppage. He is too big and is still a very good fighter. He will take advantage of a smaller Pacquiao. As the old boxing rule goes, a good big man beats a good little man. I think this rule will apply in this fight.
Alfonso Gomez (18-4-2, 8 KOs) – De La Hoya
De La Hoya, just because he’s bigger.
Tomas “El Norteno” Villa (20-6-4, 13 KOs) – De La Hoya
De La Hoya by KO. He has too many advantages over Pacman. Pacman is an awesome fighter and actually has a chance to pull off an upset but De La Hoya has experience and more power. Everyone believes Pacquiao has the edge in speed but I don’t believe that it is by a big margin.
Caitlin Dance (2-4, 1 KO) – De La Hoya
I think De La Hoya will win, not because he is the better fighter but because Pacquiao fights 20 pounds less than De La Hoya.
James “Quick Draw” DuBois (7-0, 3 KOs) – De La Hoya
I’m rolling with De La Hoya. His size, and let’s not forget about his speed. Pacman being quicker, but I believe De La Hoya will know what to do about Pacman’s straight lefts. Plus it’s at a weight that I feel is more beneficial for De La Hoya. His best days were from 135-147. It’s gonna be competitive but De La Hoya by 12 round decision.
Nick “Hands of Gold” Casal (18-3-1, 14 KOs) – Pacquiao
I’m going with Pacman with a workman like 12 round decision. I think he’s too young and motivated to lose to De La Hoya.
Danny “Swift” Garcia (9-0, 7 KOs) – Pacquiao
Aw man, I want Oscar to win, but for some reason I think Pacquiao is going to win. I think he may even stop him. I don’t know why, I just feel that way.
