By David Martinez / Boxing Historian
A brilliant win by Manny Pacquiao over Oscar De La Hoya is truly an understatement in their recent Dream Fight match.
Manny proved to be exactly what most boxing experts, including myself, didn’t think he would be – the stronger, younger, faster fighter vs. Oscar. I must say that I wasn’t so surprised that Oscar lost, but in just the way he lost.
De La Hoya lost every minute of every round before his corner called it a night after round eight. He did not even ask for another round as we have heard by so many other fighters in those same circumstances. At that moment Oscar’s remarkable career flashed in front of me and what he has done for boxing for the last 16 years as a professional.
Manny Pacquiao fought with a huge heart from the opening bell, neutralized Oscar’s 6 inch reach advantage and continually pounded him inside with effective body punching. His relentless attack, superior movement and his southpaw style proved too much for the Golden Boy.
It is now time for Oscar De La Hoya to officially announce his retirement and may we all wish him well. As for Manny Pacquiao, the current “pound for pound” champion, a future showdown with Ricky Hatton seems to be the best fight out there at the moment – unless that is, the other “pound for pound” champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. decides to come out of retirement …