Pacquiao vs. De La Hoya: Roach's Battle?

Las Vegas, December 5, 2008— Picture this. Freddie Roach’s hard feelings towards Oscar De La Hoya started when the Golden Boy fired Roach after his split-decision loss to Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Thus the Pacquiao vs. De La Hoya game dubbed as The Dream Match seemed like a plotted revenge of Roach against De La Hoya.

According to Roach, "A fighter loses, he blames the trainer."

And what made it more difficult for Roach is fact that respect was taken for granted by not telling him to his face; and he found out everything via the media.

So respect has been the issue. And what’s got this to do with Manny Pacquiao?
Manny Pacquiao kept mum as to his business dealings with De La Hoya and he hasn’t said anything bad about the Golden Boy, as their ultimate fight drew nearer. He had his reasons and it seemed that his coach, Freddie Roach, has been tasked to do something with the disparagement between the two parties. Why not? After all, this dream fight is also Roach’s battle.

In fact, Roach forecasted, "I think this will be his (De La Hoya) last fight."

So back to Pacquiao’s dealings with De La Hoya; it is known that the two boxing gods met some time in September 2006. With this meeting, De La Hoya gave Pacquiao a briefcase with $300,000—a sum intended as a signing bonus, being part of Golden Boy Promotions. Pacquaio took the money and even signed with Golden Boy. However, he had also signed with Bob Arum. When Arum learned that Golden Boy Promotions was moving into his fighter, he took the necessary step and embarked a journey to Pacquiao’s hometown General Santos City in the Philippines.

So what’s Roach’s say about this?

"That's the difference," said Roach. "Bob got his ass on a plane and went all the way to see Manny in the Philippines."

He added, "Oscar would never do that. Oscar would never pay that kind of respect."

Eventually, the matter rested, having been brought to court—the $300,000 was returned and Arum got hold of Pacquiao. Meanwhile, the issue of respect has been left hanging in the air, especially to Freddie Roach.

Roach believed that Pacquaio will reign in the ring and here’s Roach’s theory. According to him, the Golden Boy’s age can be a disadvantage (De La Hoya is thirty-five years old) aside from the fact he hasn't scored a true knockout since 2000. Looking at his last fights since 2003, the record is not that impressive—his last six fights include three loses. Meanwhile, Pacquaio is a tireless fighter and at this moment, he is in the best shape of his life. In addition, De La Hoya has developed a tendency to stop using his best weapon, the jab, after six rounds. Pacquiao, on the other hand, as a southpaw can penetrate De La Hoya effectively.

On the other hand, followers of this dream match have different perceptions as to the incoming fight but Roach has been firm in saying that he won't give Oscar a moment's rest.

Well, let’s see about that.