Go Manny

In about 2 weeks time Manny Pacquiao will fight Oscar De La Hoya in one of the biggest fights in many years around the boxing circuit. In a bout where there's been so much hype with the De La Hoya's Golden Boy marketing machine in full swing, the question remains as whether or not this will be as epic a contest as the both sides have voiced opinions on what looks to be an unbalanced match-up.

Pacquiao, the current lightweight champion at at 135 pounds has agreed to fight at 147 pounds a weight that De La Hoya hasn't fought at in over 9 fights. At this weight, it will be almost 40 pounds more than what Manny fought at when he first entered the ring as a professional. Add the fact that De La Hoya will have a four inch height and six inch reach advantage, and it's easy to see that this could end up being a one-sided affair if De La Hoya can make weight without giving up his power. Pacquiao only seems to out best him in the speed department and the fact that he is fighting in what seems to be his prime at the moment, though he'll be the first to say that he's still growing.

Though there are extraordinary circumstances that surround this fight and there if there is one person who is not listening to the skpetics, it's Manny himself. No filipino has received this typ of world class attention since Efren 'Bata' Reyes (The Magician) won the World Pool Championships in the late 90's. I remember even back then I was on a vacation back home in the Philippines and found myself glued to the TV to watch as Reyes, covered in local advertisements, won the hearts of a nation when he became world champion. It is no different with Manny and his accomplishments.

When Manny speaks, he speaks on behalf of entire nation. When he smiles, he shows the smile of millions that love him as the brother he is. Though his celebrity and star continue to shine, it is what he gives back that makes him the man he is. Countless times, Pacquiao can be seen giving back whether it though medical facilities build in his name in his home province or through his generous donations of money and food to those in need back in the homeland. One report even quoted his coach Freddy Roach as saying, "Sometimes I think he might just give it all away."

I highly doubt that he'll give it all away. In fact, it's my belief that the more you give the more you receive. When I listen to Manny and his gratefulness for having the abilities that he has and the opportunities that he has, you can tell that he is sincere and that he understands his role in the bigger picture; and that is he is gladly fighting with an entire nation on his back.

Again, this fight has the makings of a total mismatch. De La Hoya is bigger, longer, stronger, and is more experienced than Manny. Many reports all prediciting a De La Hoya KO over his smaller opponent. It isn't the first time Manny has been pegged as the underdog. He was pegged as the underdog in many of his past fights. There's one thing to be said about his speed though. He's known to throw punches that cut like razors and De La Hoya has bee known to not fight well against smaller, faster fighters. Add in the fact that Manny is again fighting in his prime and should be much better physically.

It's a coin toss as far as I can see it. Call it luck or call it fate, but this fight will leave a lasting memory for those that watch it, for reasons we'll have to wait and see. Fortunately, being a Pacquiao fan, luck seems to favor those that are gracious enough to accept all the universe has to offer. For one filipino who has always taken what life has given and given back over and over and over again, there is a feeling that there may be one more fight to be extremely thankful for. And a celebration to follow that will once again bring together an entire nation.