Iloilo experts predict
KO win for Pacquiao
By ALEX P. VIDAL/ PNS
June 30, 2006
ILOILO CITY – For most
boxing experts here, the only way for Oscar Larios to upset Manny
Pacquiao on July 2 at the Araneta Coliseum is for the Mexican
heartthrob to bring a pistol when he climbs the ring for Pacquiao's
World Boxing Council (WBC) international superfeatherweight title.
"Larios is not anymore
in the class of Pacquiao," volunteered Mario "Marlon" Lumacad, Jr.,
51, manager of Johnny Elorde Boxing fitness center here. "At 29, he is
on the way down and Pacquiao will knock him out in seven rounds."
Lumacad, son of
professional boxing trainer Mario, Sr. said the Larios that Pacquiao
will be facing on July 2 is the different from the two-time world
champion Larios four years ago.
Former Games and
Amusement Board (GAB) Commissioner Emmanuel "Nonong" Palabrica, a
native of Bingawan, Iloilo, predicted that "Manny will win by knockout
in the 8th round because Larios is known as an aggressive boxer and
not a defensive boxer."
"Although he is a
tough opponent, Larios will not survive Pacquiao," said Palabrica,
legal counsel of the Pan-Asia Boxing Association (PABA).
Roland Magahin, poster
parent and manager of former World Boxing Federation (WBF)
welterweight ruler William, said Larios will attempt to win on points
while Pacquiao will try to finish him off in the early rounds.
"But it will be
Pacquiao who will win by knockout," said Magahin, regional vice
president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP).
June Carlo Panela, an
aspiring referee and judge, said he saw Pacquiao stopping the
Guadalajara dynamo in the third round or fourth round.
"Larios' very wide
stance might also be a factor against him. On the other hand, Larios'
1-2 combination plus his speed and long reach may initially give
Pacman a hard time going in despite (Fred) Roach's (claim of) having
studied Larios' (bouts in the) tapes," said Panela. "I won't be
surprised if I again see that 'Roach Uppercut' which Pacman
beautifully executed against Erik Morales."
Panela warned that
Larios' jaw "might again be broken" as he has not fought quality
fighters in the mold of Marco Antonio Barrera and Morales, both
knockout victims of Pacquiao.
Veteran boxing trainer
Alfredo "Pidong" Amistoso, Sr. said in vernacular: "Manny Pacquiao
will knockout Larios because the Filipino boxer is strong and brave. I
have not yet seen a boxer as brave and as strong as Manny Pacquiao."
Couple Gerlie and
Arnold Tinagan, owners of a popular martial arts and kickboxing gym
here, said the "Mano o Mano" fight will be a mismatch.
"If Pacquiao was able
to flatten Barrera and Morales, si Larios pa?" they chorused.
