Teddy Atlas: Manny Pacquiao Will Win, Oscar De La Hoya Chokes in Every Big Fight

Teddy Atlas, the longtime boxing trainer and commentator, had harsh words for Oscar De La Hoya today when discussing Saturday night's fight against Manny Pacquiao.

"I think the only thing De La Hoya is worried about is adding maybe $20 million or $30 million to his bank account, which he's going to do," Atlas said today on ESPN First Take. "If anybody is taking this fight more seriously, it's going to be Pacquiao, because it means more to him. ... To the Filipino people -- to his people -- it means everything in the world."

Atlas also said he's picking Pacquiao because De La Hoya always chokes in his biggest fights.

"De La Hoya has two legacies, let's be honest here," Atlas said. "One, he's made more money than any other fighter in this business. Also, he loses all his big fights. He screws up his big fights. He finds a way to sabotage himself."

I don't buy that. De La Hoya's wins over Ricardo Mayorga, Fernando Vargas, Ike Quartey and Pernell Whitaker were all big fights. But I do buy the Atlas's view of how Saturday night's fight will end up:

"Pacquiao's going to find a way to win," Atlas said. "De La Hoya will, once again, in a big fight, find a way to blow it, find a way to lose the fight. The speed, the southpaw stance of Pacquiao, the energy, the urgency, all of that will more than make up for (De La Hoya's) size advantage."

We'll have a De La Hoya-Pacquiao live blog here at FanHouse.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

12-05-2008 @ 1:59PM

Ed Fajardo said...

I'm a neutral observer but I think Oscar has all the advantages to win this fight. Manny Pacquiao is too small for the experienced and skillful Dela Hoya.

12-05-2008 @ 2:39PM

Jon said...

Oscar is a finished product. He's just an ordinary fighter now.

12-05-2008 @ 5:44PM

ernesto said...

There is not a chance Oscar can win over Manny. The handspeed,footspeed,power and stamina are plus factors of Manny while Oscar has height, reach and only his popularity that makes him a slight favorite. Simply put Manny is very much into his prime @12o'clock while Oscar is 4o'clock who is about to retire. Lastly ,I've never seen a fighter with a knockout left jab. That is Manny Paquiao.

12-05-2008 @ 10:43PM

ike malgapo said...

Manny Pacquiao will beat ODLH !!! Teddy Atlas and Freddie Roach know it and the rest of us will witness it tomorrow night.

12-05-2008 @ 8:24PM

Aquiles said...

If only MP stick on game plan, no doubt ODLH will be bitten...When a bigger guy like Oscar reduce his weight to 147lbs absolutely your frame size will be lightweight which PM fought w/ Diaz.....The only advantage for me Oscar is his reach...hieght not so....Tyson fought before w/ taller guys like Green, Homes etc...Thats what i mean...Go Manny

12-05-2008 @ 9:52PM

RatatatatatToDaBodyBy_MP said...

MP will grind it out and work ODLH's body... as soon as MP sees ODLH's left hook (w/c is too slow) MP will duck towards ODLH and hit a 1-2-3 to Oscar's body and get out... This will be on it over n over 'til ODLH gets spent... then MP will go for the kill in the 8-9-10th round

12-05-2008 @ 11:08PM

SARAH said...

TEDDY ATLAS JUST PUT A CURSE ON MANNY. I WAS GOING TO PUT MY MONEY ON MANNY BUT SINCE ATLAS JUST SAID THAT IM GOING WITH ODLH. EVERY TIME ATLAS PREDICTS WHO IS GOING TO WIN. THEY ALWAYS LOSE. ATLAS SHOULD HAVE JUST KEPT HIS MOUTH SHUT!!!

12-06-2008 @ 12:36PM

rick said...

Teddy Asslas is an IDIOT, A crappy trainer and even worse commentator.

12-06-2008 @ 1:32PM

timmay said...

dont you ever count manny out.... he will do what oscar did to chavez... its lights out for this old man... mexicutioner strikes again! bet on MP if u want moneys..

12-06-2008 @ 1:59PM

whitelightning234 said...

Rick, I'm afraid you are the idiot! Teddy Atlas is a genius trainer and commentator. You my friend are a stooge.

12-06-2008 @ 3:10PM

Jimmy G. said...

Oscar is if anything good at picking opponents.He knew Manny would not back down from this fight.Even though he has a shorter reach and has never fought a fight over 130lb. I think he can drill Oscars belly, weaken him and take him out by the 9th. or 10th. round.

12-07-2008 @ 7:53AM

al Jackson said...

If heart and courage are to determine the winner then Manny will win this fight as he is a true warrior. I am intrigued that Oscar picked a fighter three weight classes below him to fight for his supposed last fight. Oscar has shit for blood but his physical skills ( larger size and reach ) just might be the difference. I think Oscar will be very surprised with the ferocity that he faces from Manny who is a true champion and warrior.

12-08-2008 @ 12:01PM

Pete Rivera said...

I did not see the fight , however, judging from Oscar's and Manny's facial apperanace, I would say that Oscar is willing to take a serious beating for large $$ amounts. Lets face it, the boxing game has turned into a game for promoters, trainers and media circling fighters like buzzards.

Back in the day, fighting was known to be corrupt and all participated, including the boxers. Boxing is still corrupt today unfortunately, the corruption is almost invisible.

Think about it, Oscar taking a serious beating sets up an even bigger payday for him if he can get Manny and Floyd under contract to fight.

I think that Oscar should have one more fight, he should fight one of the Klitscko brothers and take an even bigger beating for a larger $$ amount.

It is amazing what some people will do for money.

12-20-2008 @ 11:35PM

BM said...

I think Pacquiao should fight Maywather first, whatever happens win or lose he can still fight Hatton...but if he ever fights Hatton, he must be very very careful coz' Hatton embraces first before he punch...headbut.