by AMBROSIO R. VILLORENTE
At the start of the 9th round, Oscar Dela Hoya stood, walked to the corner of Manny Pacquiao to give up the fight dubbed the “Dream Match”. That was how the 12 rounds boxing match ended between the Philippines Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and the American Mexican Oscar Dela Hoya.
The fight was held in the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada on Dec. 6, Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 2008 in the Philippines.
It was a technical knockout win for Pacquiao Dela Hoya appeared so inept that it spelled the end for boxing’s richest most marketable boxing legend. Dela Hoya. The fight was very lopsided since the first round. Of the three ringside judges, two gave all the eight rounds for Pacquiao, while one gave Dela Hoya only the first round.
At the end of the eight round, Dela Hoya’s left eye closed and his reflexes were almost gone. Pacquiao landed punch after punch with Dela Hoya chasing, trying to catch Pacquiao with his big punch. But there was no way for Dela Hoya as Pacquiao was fast moving landing punches from the head to the body of Dela Hoya. In the seventh round alone, Pacquiao landed 45 punches as against the four for Dela Hoya.
In the eight round, Dela Hoya received more heavy punches Pacquiao offered him. He did not return the offers for he was in the verge of knockdown. He used the rope to remain standing but his knees wiggled after the eight round. Dela Hoya’s corner decided for Dela Hoya to quit. His left eye closed and there was no way Dela Hoya could win the fight. It was better to surrender to prevent more punishment and a possible knockdown and probably knockout.
As the bell sounded for round 9th Dela Hoya went to Pacquiao’s corner and congratulated him. In the post fight interview, Dela Hoya confirmed Pacquiao is a “great champion”. He fought like a great champion. He is a better fighter”, he added.
Boxing statistician credited Pacquiao 585 punches, out which 224 found its target to Dela Hoya’s 402 punches, of which only 83 landed. After the fight, Dela Hoya was brought immediately to the hospital to be sure he has no injury.
Several days before the fight in Las Vegas, Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach predicted a knockout on the 9th round for “Dela Hoya cannot pull the trigger” anymore. This was confirmed for Dela Hoya told Roach, “Freddie you’re right. I just don’t have it anymore”, he added. As the fight ended, Freddie Roach exclaimed, “he (Dela Hoya) has no legs, he was hesitant and he was shot. We knew we had him after the first round”.
When asked if he will continue boxing with that devastating defeat in the hands of the Filipino, Dela Hoya answered: “My heart still wants to fight, that’s for sure. But when your body does not respond, what can you do? I have to be smart and make sure I think about my future.”
Oscar Dela Hoya t 35 has now a boxing record of 39-6-31 KOs to Pacquiao’s 48-3-2, 36 KOs. Pacquiao will celebrate his 30th birthday this December.
Before the fight, Dela Hoya appeared to prevail over Pacquiao because of his size, height and reach. But Pacquiao has the youth, speed, love of an
d trust to God. He is dedicated and has a positive work ethics.In Aklan, the people were glued to the radio broadcast and delayed TV showing. But there were live telecast in Kalibo, New Washington, Ibajay and Numancia through the courtesy of Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Cong. Joeben T. Miraflores. The ABL sports complex was filled up with people who rooted for Pacquiao. They stood up, clapped their hands shouting victory when Dela Hoya stood to surrender.
The people inside shouted “mabuhay si Gov. Carlito S. Marquez. In Banga, Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo paid the cost of live cable TV showing inside Teodosio’s Park. /MP
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