Bad signs for Pacquiao

I got a text recently from Team Pacquiao lawyer Jeng Gacal stating that Oscar de la Hoya has agreed to pay $3 million for every pound (or a fraction thereof) in excess of 147lbs during the official weigh-in for the De la Hoya-Pacquiao rumble on December 6. Gacal praised American promoter Bob Arum for convincing de La Hoya to agree to the penalty which has been seen by Team Pacquiao as a small step toward victory. Freddie Roach, the outspoken American trainer of Pacquiao, has maintained that he will allow his prized Filipino ward to battle de la Hoya only if Golden Boy makes no more than 147. Roach is hoping de la Hoya will struggle to make the weight and end up worn-out come fight night, which was the same thing that happened to Erik Morales in his third meeting with Pacquiao. But members of Team Pacquiao must take note of the ease by which de la Hoya has agreed to the stiff penalty. Does that mean the Golden Boy doesn’t think making the weight is such a big issue. De la Hoya will probably even agree to a $5-million, per-pound fine and everything will probably remain honky-dory for the Golden Boy. Thin (pair of gloves) is in Another not-so-good sign for Pacquiao is de La Hoya’s decision to use 8oz gloves instead of the usual 10oz mitts used for welterweight bouts. While talks were ongoing, Roach did his part in the negotiations by telling everyone Pacquiao will knock out de la Hoya if the fight finally happens, a move that triggered de La Hoya to seriously consider the challenge. As soon as the deal for the fight was consummated and both camps agreed to use 8oz gloves, Roach has been singing a different tune by stating that Pacquiao must prepare to go the full 12 rounds. In saying that his ward must look forward to lasting the distance, is Roach saying that it won’t be that easy to hurt and floor de la Hoya? Remember, de La Hoya has survived the best punches thrown by the likes of Shane Mosley, Felix Trinidad, and the great Julio Cesar Chavez while his dreaded left hook has floored supposed toughies Ricardo Mayorga, Yory Boy Campas, Fernando Vargas and Arturo Gatti. Pacquiao will probably benefit more if both he and de La Hoya use the much thicker 10oz gloves. Even with 8oz mitts, the Filipino might find it hard to harm de La Hoya, and that is why Roach now wants to instill in Pacquiao that going to the scorecards against the Olympic champion is a strong possibility. But that would be the case only if the 35-year-old de La Hoya is able to avoid father time on December 6. Boxing notes Golden Boy Promotions has offered world bantamweight champion Gerry Peñalosa $175,000 to stake his crown against undefeated Mexican Abner Mares beneath the Dela Hoya-Pacquiao card. Peñalosa said he wants $250,000 before he accepts Mares as challenger. GBP, according to Peñalosa, is expected to reply this week… Filipino fight fans know that the country’s quest for an Olympic gold in boxing will come to fruition only if Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines head Manny Lopez steps down as federation president. Guess what, talks are now ongoing to appoint a new leader as Lopez is now reportedly willing to step down and allow a new face to run the show… Though it took quite some time for Filipinos to finally hear the official announcement of the De la Hoya-Pacquiao face-off, several Filipino fighters are still at a loss especially after their names were mentioned in a proposed card in Macau come December. The last time we talked with their handlers, Z Gorres, Brian Viloria, Juanito Rubillar and a few others are waiting for any official word from Top Rank... World Boxing Organization no.2 super flyweight contender Z Gorres is ready to face champion Fernando Montiel in a rematch, or battle for the vacant crown if ever Montiel decides to move up in weight. The Filipino fighter’s camp is continuously getting feelers that Montiel is finding it hard to make the 115lb limit nowadays. Whatever the case will be, Gorres said he is already in fine shape physically and mentally.