Online boxing analyst favors Pacquiao

Sep 03, 2008 (The Manila Times - McClatchy-Tribune News Service via COMTEX) -- MGG | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Sep. 3--ALTHOUGH height can be an advantage, an online boxing analyst expressed confidence that Filipino champion Manny Pacquiao may be at the winning end when he meets Mexican Oscar "Golden Boy" de la Hoya on Decemebr 6 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Paul Strauss, a columnist of Eastsideboxing.com, claimed he is a fan of both fighters but would be putting his money on Pacquiao.

"If Manny wins, it will be one of the biggest wins in boxing history, involving someone who started out as a flyweight, successfully moving up all the way to welterweight," Strauss said in his column.

While he believes that Pacquiao will win, Strauss said de la Hoya won't give up easily.

De la Hoya stands 5'10 1/2" with a reach of 73" while Pacquaio is only 5'6 1/2" with a reach of 67 inches.

" . . . The experts have immediately emphasized the physical mismatch this December meeting will bring. Manny will be giving up five inches in height, and about six inches in reach. [Remember Marciano's reach was only 67 inches, and he almost always gave up height and weight]. Big Edge Oscar . . . " Strauss pointed out.

Although Pacquaio might run into some problems because he is undoubtedly smaller than de la Hoya, Strauss said the latter had faded in his fights. "Oscar is not perfect. He has faded in fights . . . i.e. against Tito, against Shane and against Pretty Boy. It seems as though his biggest weakness might be his mindset. When asked why he quit throwing his jab against Floyd, he couldn't supply a reason!" said Strauss, adding that "Philippine fist" too had many big, tough fights, having triumphed over Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, and Juan Marquez.

"Out of these wars, he grew into what many believe is the best P4P fighter. There's never been any question about Manny not giving 100 percent. Edge Manny," he stressed.

Strauss said Pacquiao's best asset is being a well-rounded boxer.

"He isn't just a fast, relentless big left-handed puncher. Now, his footwork is better, and he has an excellent jab and right hook. Another great asset is his accuracy. When rushed, he can throw short, powerful punches that have all of his body behind them, landing with tremendous effect right on the button. Just ask Marquez or Diaz. He also has the uncanny ability to rapidly close the distance between him and his opponent, throwing hard punches all the while. It almost appears as if he is throwing on the run. If he can pull that off against the bigger Oscar, then the size difference gets quickly nullified," Strauss said.

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