chessandpoker
12-07-2008, 03:23 PM
Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao thoroughly dominated boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya in the HBO PPV Dream Match, handily dispatching of the former champ in a lopsided victory where many pundits actually had De La Hoya as a favorite over the hurricane punching machine Pacquiao.
In what was easily the most anticipated fight of the year, Manny started off the barrage of accurate punches from the very first round, landing freely to De La Hoya's head with disturbing ease. De La Hoya, who had stunned ringside observers by coming in actually weighing less than the diminutive Pacquiao (most thought he would have a fight-day weight of about 160 but instead he stayed low at 147), looked sluggish and slow from the get-go. as the masterful Pacquiao began to pick up speed, dictating the style and pace of the fight and landing a steadily increasing amount of power punches, De La Hoya retreated into an almost exclusively defensive stance only occasionally finding moments to return fire. Manny, however, seemed to only become more accurate and brutal with his punches and as the fight progressed into the later rounds, it was clear that he was throwing a shutout on the score cards and would more than likely be able to stop the former champ before it ever went to a decision.
indeed, following the break after the 8th round De La Hoya's corner told the champ that they were going to stop the fight before the 9th would begin, and Oscar looked resigned to his fate, his face badly bruised and his left eye badly swollen and purple. Pacquiao dropped to his knees in prayer after pulling out what most considered a huge upset (if you're a Pacquiao follower like us, though, it wasn't that shocking!) as he added a career-defining victory to his already impressive resume.
A great fight between two of the most likable fighters in the world, Pacquiao proved to be too much for De La Hoya, much as he has been too much for the rest of the world. Good job Manny, and thanks to Oscar for a great career full of fantastic fights. Pacquiao! Pacquiao! Pacquiao! :bow:
In what was easily the most anticipated fight of the year, Manny started off the barrage of accurate punches from the very first round, landing freely to De La Hoya's head with disturbing ease. De La Hoya, who had stunned ringside observers by coming in actually weighing less than the diminutive Pacquiao (most thought he would have a fight-day weight of about 160 but instead he stayed low at 147), looked sluggish and slow from the get-go. as the masterful Pacquiao began to pick up speed, dictating the style and pace of the fight and landing a steadily increasing amount of power punches, De La Hoya retreated into an almost exclusively defensive stance only occasionally finding moments to return fire. Manny, however, seemed to only become more accurate and brutal with his punches and as the fight progressed into the later rounds, it was clear that he was throwing a shutout on the score cards and would more than likely be able to stop the former champ before it ever went to a decision.
indeed, following the break after the 8th round De La Hoya's corner told the champ that they were going to stop the fight before the 9th would begin, and Oscar looked resigned to his fate, his face badly bruised and his left eye badly swollen and purple. Pacquiao dropped to his knees in prayer after pulling out what most considered a huge upset (if you're a Pacquiao follower like us, though, it wasn't that shocking!) as he added a career-defining victory to his already impressive resume.
A great fight between two of the most likable fighters in the world, Pacquiao proved to be too much for De La Hoya, much as he has been too much for the rest of the world. Good job Manny, and thanks to Oscar for a great career full of fantastic fights. Pacquiao! Pacquiao! Pacquiao! :bow: