Post by Baqu3ro on Dec 2, 2008 12:55:11 GMT 8
By Nick Giongco
LOS ANGELES — One week before the big fight, Manny Pacquiao doesn’t seem to show any sign that what’s ahead could define his legacy as a boxer. Or that this could be his last fight if Oscar De La Hoya beats him so comprehensively and so devastatingly he will never have the courage to pick up his gloves again.
Instead, it was Pacquiao who had to reassure his worried admirers, some of them from the Philippine press who had dropped by and asked questions suggesting that maybe this fight was more than he can handle.
The concern was rampant especially after hearing reports of how De La Hoya has prepared thoroughly for the Dec. 6 encounter in Las Vegas and is himself worried what he might do to Pacquiao during the fight.
"Relax lang kayo," Pacquiao said.
"Masyado naman kayong kinakabahan," he said trying to calm down his questioners as they tried to find tell-tale signs of insecurity or words that would make Pacquiao say De La Hoya is formidable or indestructible.
But it was Pacquiao who kept saying there was nothing to worry about. "Huwag kayong nerbyusin," he said.
To illustrate that the coming fight was not a burning distraction, Pacquiao announced cash prizes to winners of a weight-losing contest he initiated among members of his team.
Pacquiao’s conditioning coach Alex Ariza emerged as the biggest winner among 29 men of different sizes as he dropped to 164 lbs from 184 lbs two weeks ago.
Ariza joined 15 others who lost 15 pounds or more, while eight others lost ten pounds in a two-week span.
Those who got rid of 15 pounds have been promised $ 3,000, while $ 2,000 will go to those who lost at least 10 pounds. Ariza will get $ 10,000 bonus for having lost the most amount of weight, a feat Ariza said is meant to show Pacquiao’s circle of friends about the difficulty of going down in weight by a professional fighter.
At the end of the contest, it is estimated that Pacquiao will shell out more than ,000 in prize money for the participants.
"Next time, isasama ko na ang mga babae dito," Pacquiao said, eliciting the approval and laughter from the women in attendance during the weigh in rites held at the balcony of Pacquiao’s unit at The Palazzo.
Texas-based Filipino ringside physician Allan Recto disclosed that a total of 357 lbs were lost during the 14-day period.
"It turns out that Pacquiao paid $ 207 per pound lost by the participants," said Recto.
Later in the day, Pacquiao recited the rosary in the company of a few friends, according to Recto.
While it was all fun and laughter the past few days, the next few days will be entirely different as Pacquiao heads into the critical phase of his preparation for the biggest bout of his life.
Pacquiao spars for the last time late Monday morning at the Wild Card against Rashad Holloway and Marvin Cordova before leaving for Sin City in the afternoon.
From Tuesday until Thursday, Pacquiao will train under controlled conditions so he doesn’t burn out.
"Excited na talago ako. Gusto ko laban na," Pacquiao added.
