It'll boil down to conditioning

CEBU - After so many articles and comments about the forthcoming “Dream Match,” “Mismatch,” “Money Match,” or whatever it is called, the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Oscar dela Hoya, will boil down to just one thing – CONDITIONING.

Oscar Dela Hoya started training a few months before Manny did and a few days ago he proudly declared, “This is the hardest I’ve ever trained in my life.” That he started training early, I have no qualm, but when he was weighing 145 lbs a few weeks before the fight, got me tickled.

His team did wonders to bring his weight to 145 from at least 160 lbs. What would be the effects of the reducing regimen on fight night? My memory brings me back to the comeback fight of Muhammad Ali versus his former sparring partner Larry Holmes. In that fight, Ali had to shed a lot of weight. He sure looked good on his way to the ring but then after the bell sounded he couldn’t fight – he didn’t even sweat!

That was sometime ago. Maybe Team Dela Hoya, with the scientific regimen at their disposal, had a better way of priming up their ward. If Dela Hoya is indeed in excellent condition, then Manny Pacquiao is in trouble. If the Golden Boy could counter every tactic Manny will use in the ring against him and not expend much energy while doing it, then Dela Hoya will win the fight.

For Manny to score a hit, he must be able to counter Oscar’s left hand, the jab, hook and uppercut. To be able to do this, Manny has to be mobile. He has to bring the fight to Oscar or even show him he could take his punches! What I like in Manny is that he’s not a “polished” boxer, thus he could swing away at any awkward stance.

Again, to be able to tire Oscar, Manny has to be in excellent shape. His conditioning must be superior. In this fight, he couldn’t slacken the pace and engage Oscar in a slambang, toe-to-toe affair. He has to be near Oscar that he could almost grab his belt and work the body.

Thus, I agree with Larry Merchant when he said the other day that the first four rounds would be crucial for Manny. Let me say that the first five rounds will be crucial for both fighters. Whoever will have gas in his tank after the first five rounds - if both are still standing - will be the winner!  

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Aside from Pacman and Golden Boy, others are looking forward to December 7. These are a bunch of my friends from the Cebu Executive Runners Club (CERC). For them, this Sunday is the day to take on the challenge of the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon.

Jesse Taborada, president of CERC, is leading the group that includes John and Jasmin Pages, Jacs and Perl Jacalan, Dr. Vic and Susan Verallo, Dodong Sulatre, Hearty Satina, Rudy Tindugan, Dr. Tito Macarasig, Dr. Rosan Trani, Roy Trani, Tony del Prado, Steve Ferraren, JC Pinada, Annie Neric, Jan-Jane Ong, Millette Chiongbian and Dr. Pons del Prado.

Jesse would invite to their Sunday training runs. Last Sunday I saw Jess at MOVE 5K Run 2 at Parkmall and he looks very trim. I met John last Monday at TimeZone in Ayala last Monday, while babysitting my sons. Forgive me for saying this but I’ve never seen John looking so “lean and mean,” in a while.

To Jesse, John, the rest of the CERC runners, and Manny Pacquiao – good luck and God bless!

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