Pacman Vs DLH?

Just as thousands clamor to see the, "Dream Fight," between WBC Lightweight Champ Manny Pacquiao

and sure-fire Hall of Famer Oscar de la Hoya, just as many people are talking about why "Pacman" shouldn't take on

this fight. Now, Manny has never been anything but his own man in deciding things, but here are my two cents worth

anyway.

As far as I can see, there are two things that Manny has to consider before agreeing to this fight. The first factor 

to consider is the physical aspect of the fight. Size, power and speed are the keys to every boxing match, especially

in a big-game match like this. The second factor to consider is the "reward" aspect of the fight. Boxing fights are brutal

and always dangerous, even if a big-time fighter is battling a tin can, so the rewards must always be worth it for the

protagonists.

The rumored catch weight for this fight would be at 147 lbs, a dozen pounds more than Manny's limit in his first fight 

at the lightweight division. Meanwhile, 147 is bit of, "the good ole days" for Oscar de la Hoya, as this was his first weight 

division of his pro boxing career. With this kind of a set up, how does the physical aspect of the fight look for the Philippines' 

People's Champion?

Manny will probably come to the weigh in a little over 135 (maybe even 140), while Oscar will work on coming in at 147.

If the rumored "same day weigh in" clause is accepted, then both fighters will not balloon too much by the time the fight

arrives. Oscar, however, will definitely have the size advantage of this fight.  The reach advantage for Oscar will also be

pronouned as he is around 5'10", a giant compared to Manny's 5'7". Manny will have to fight an uphill battle size-wise and

now, more than ever, he will need to step up his mobility to counteract this clear disadvantage.

Power-wise, though the issue is not as definite. While Manny is smaller, gym rumors have talked about how Manny's power is tough to handle, even for

bigger welterweights. Meanwhile, de la Hoya, towards the end of a stellar career, may not possess as much strength as before,

especially if he has to work on bringing his weight back down to 147 lbs. despite all of these proclamations, though, I have to 

concede that Manny is giving up the size and power factor. It may not be much, but it's there.

While most casual fans have loved Pacquiao's speed, his quickness and speed is what is most dangerous about him. There

are worries that if he moves up another weight division, he will lose his speed. With the proper training, his move up in weight to

the lightweight division didn't do much to slow him down. (Just asked the battered but game David Diaz) With proper training anew,

his move up probably won't take away too much speed. Besides, Manny will probably not try too hard to reach the 147 weight, so he 

won't be gaining too much weight. De la Hoya, on the other hand, will be trying hard to lose weight which has been known to take away

from a boxer's mobility. His age, too will become a factor as evidenced by his losses to Floyd Mayweather and Bernard Hopkins. When 

it comes to moving around the ring, Manny will be in his element, as he will again be the quicker fighter.

Meanwhile, the reward aspect has been the most prominent content of newspapers today. The rumored payday for Pacman is

rumored to be at least in the 10 to 15 million dollar range, easily the largest for any Filipino fighter in history. Another reward for taking

on this fight is that Pacquiao gets to fight a de la Hoya, a boxing legend. A win over de la Hoya, even an aging and retiring one, would

be a feather on his cap. That honor is probably as tasty as the money, but the question is, "Is it worth it?"

The answer is yes. Manny is in the prime of his career and in the best shape of his life. Moreover, he trains harder and takes on a much more serious

whenever he faces a great fighter. When Manny has trained hard, he is tough to fight, even if he is smaller, so he can overcome any of the physical

disadvantages he may face. Meanwhile, this fight doesn't seem to contain any risk to Pacquiao's marketability for the future. Even if he loses, he will

remain one of the game's biggest draws. After all, he's not fighting a lemon, but the "Golden Boy" himself. Furthermore, imagine all the press and media

mileage he is already getting and will be getting in the future.

Overall, this fight, while it has its dangers for him, is a win-win for Pacquiao. Take it Manny, and treat boxing fans to a once-in-a-lifetime fight. While

many hem and haw about whether you take this fight or not, they will be solidly behind you on fight night.