‘Mexicutioner’ Pacquiao set to fight De La Hoya
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Lance Pugmire reports this morning on Manny Pacquiao’s view of his upcoming fight with Mexican American boxer Oscar De La Hoya. This follows yesterday’s report on De La Hoya.
Topic No. 1 regarding Manny Pacquiao’s decision to fight Oscar De La Hoya at 147 pounds is the jump in weight -- some 12 pounds greater than the Philippine star’s current standing as world lightweight champion, and a staggering 41 pounds greater than Pacquiao’s pro debut bout at 106 as a 17-year-old. Pacquiao calls it a ‘non-issue.’ ‘It’s muscle, not fat,’ Pacquiao says, crediting training and nutrition techniques. ‘And I won’t lose any speed. Speed can be developed in training, and that’s what I’m doing.’
Considered the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Pacquiao is walking around now near 150 pounds. He’s buoyed by information from his trainer and promoters and is convinced he’ll extend his current eight-fight winning streak that includes victories over Mexican stars Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez.
Read more on Pacquiao’s preparations to fight De La Hoya here.
-- Deborah Bonello in Mexico City