Manny Pacquiao: A Closer Look at Oscar De La Hoya's Tweets
Oscar De La Hoya had plenty to say over the weekend about a megafight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
De La Hoya aired his thoughts on both fighters via Twitter on Saturday and Sunday, saying that Pacquiao "deserves to be the best fighter on the planet today" but adding that he thinks Mayweather would win if the two fought.
"Styles make fights," De La Hoya tweeted. "Mayweather will be patient to wait for Manny to make the mistakes. You see Manny is fast but Mayweathers timing is key."
De La Hoya said he's frustrated that the fight hasn't been made.
"I feel that right now (Pacquiao) is being squeezed and people are making money off him," he said, "but once there are no more heavy bags there will be no choice but to make the fight happen. It's a shame because Manny wants it and Floyd wants it."
There is some truth to what De La Hoya is saying, but there are layers and other things to consider with his tweets too. Here are 10 other factors that must be considered.
10. What He Said Isn't Really Shocking
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De La Hoya's biased. Of course he'll say Mayweather would win. He's been promoting his fights through Golden Boy Promotions.
Even Oscar should know, though, he's getting a little carried away. This is an extremely even fight, and there's no way you could give either fighter a huge edge.
Either fighter could win, but this isn't the mismatch that both fighters are used to.
9. Oscar Does Have a Unique Perspective
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Whether you agree with his prediction or not, De La Hoya is a credible person to discuss the megafight since he has faced both fighters. He was way past his prime when he lost to Pacquiao in 2008 but seemed a little more competitive against Mayweather before losing a close decision the year before.
As a fight fan too, De La Hoya brings additional insight that passionate fight fans can respect. He's like many fans who love watching fights just for fun and can appreciate other competitors.
8. All Talk, No Action
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Fight fans will continue to talk about this fight until it's actually made or both fighters retire. Credit FanHouse, though, for its interview with legendary boxing historian Bert Sugar, who said Mayweather's not scared of Pacquiao—"he's scared of losing."
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7. Another Reason It's Even
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Besides both fighters, this megafight would also be a hit because of the trainer matchups. Freddie Roach and Roger Mayweather were both fighters themselves and are regarded as two of the best trainers in the sport.
Both have completely different personalities, but this would put both of them to the test. It would be especially interesting to see Mayweather and how he would handle a tense, close fight, especially in the late rounds, when every punch landed would be extra critical.
The Mayweathers could pop off all they want. Fact is they would earn their paychecks that night and not just cruise to easy paydays.
6. Pressure's on Both Fighters
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It's the promoters who come together and agree on the financial, and legal, terms for megafights. But before that happens, fighters agree to who they face and sign off on it.
Both Pacquiao and Mayweather have the right to refuse other fights and demand their promoters make this fight happen. Promoters get much of the blame, but fighters carry much of the responsibility too.
5. Biggest Style Problem
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De La Hoya's right mentioning the old adage that "styles make fights," but the biggest challenge for Pacquiao would be Mayweather's superb defense and his use of the entire ring.
Mayweather's not one to stand and trade, and he often tries to confuse and frustrate opponents who press the attack.
4. The Sugar Ray Theory
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As time goes by, more and more fans keep questioning whether Mayweather is ducking Pacquiao and is scared to face him.
One of the great conspiracy theories that exists is linked to a move from the past. Call it the Sugar Ray theory.
Many fans will remember that back when Sugar Ray Leonard was in his prime, he had a gathering and stood in a ring with Howard Cosell. With Marvelous Marvin Hagler ringside, Leonard announced he would never face Hagler. It wasn't until many years later, in 1987, that he finally agreed to the fight.
Some fans believe that's what Mayweather will do—wait till Pacquiao's skills start to diminish and wane and then announce he's fighting him.
3. Both Need It
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When talking about the fight, De La Hoya tweeted that "Manny wants it and Floyd wants it."
You have to question just how true that claim is. Pacquiao has had objections before with Olympic-style blood testing, and Mayweather hasn't said a thing while dealing with his legal troubles.
De La Hoya's not off base, but it would be more accurate to say both fighters need this fight in terms of their legacies.
2. The Feud
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That picture was taken during happier times, when Bob Arum and Oscar De La Hoya were willing to work with each other.
Now the two rival promoters are engaged in an ongoing feud, which could keep fans from seeing Pacquiao and Mayweather fight. It's also the reason why Pacquiao couldn't get a third fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, who is promoted by De La Hoya.
1. Big Picture
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If Arum and De La Hoya don't settle their differences, not only will they hurt the sport and deny fans a chance at one of the greatest fights in boxing history, but they could tarnish their legacies as promoters as well.
Both have contributed plenty of great fights and done lots of positive things, but fans have long memories and won't forget they were part of the reason why this fight never happened.
De La Hoya has to know that's at stake besides lining his pockets with another big haul that would definitely come with co-promoting this fight.
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