Pacman, Roach may have found key vs Golden Boy's jab
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 10/07/2008 5:58 PM
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While acknowledging Oscar de la Hoya’s height advantage, Manny Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach believe they can work around the Mexican American’s longer reach.
The hard-hitting Filipino southpaw said he and Roach are scrutinizing the weaknesses in de la Hoya's much-vaunted long stiff jab, believing that they could find a key to score the win at the much anticipated “Dream Match” on December 6.
"We studied a lot of techniques for his jab,” said Pacquiao in a Fightnews.com report.
Sports analysts see de la Hoya’s jab as the key in most of his wins. And with a six-inch reach advantage over Pacquiao, the international boxing star is expected to use it again to his benefit.
“Freddie believes we can counter it, you will see that in the fight. My coach knows Oscar's weaknesses, how much power he has, and how he moves," Pacquiao added.
Pacquiao said that while most observers believe that he is the underdog in the bout, such notion only strengthens his motivation to win.
"It has given me more motivation to focus, to train hard, and to win! I am working hard to be 100 percent conditioned to prove all the critics wrong,” he said.
The Filipino earlier stressed that his upcoming bout with de la Hoya is no “mismatch.”
“This is no mismatch,” said Pacquiao had told Manila-based online Website SportsNews.ph. "Some people are criticizing Oscar for picking on a small guy like me. Some are saying I'm taking the fight for the money. But on December 6, I will prove all the critics wrong.”
The Golden Boy is four inches taller and will be possibly 25 pounds heavier than Pacquiao on fight night. Both fighters agreed to meet at the 147-pound limit.
“You have seen my previous fights and you know how Manny Pacquiao fights in the ring,” he said.
As for Pacquiao's previous opponents, reports of a rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez have been looming ever since the Filipino defeated in a controversial split decision in March.
Marquez, who has been craving for another fight against the Filipino, has gone up to 135 pounds and now holds the Ring Magazine lightweight belt after defeating Joel Casamayor.
"I would fight Juan Manuel anytime if the negotiations are okay with my promoter Bob Arum and if he is willing to fight me at 145 or 147 pounds—because I plan to stay at that weight," Pacquiao said. Dennis Gasgonia, abs-cbnNEWS.com
