02.07.06 – by Sean Ocampo: Earlier today, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (42-3-2 32KOs) battled Oscar “Chololo” Larios (56-5-1 36KOs) for the WBC International Super Featherweight title here in Manila. As everybody expected Pacquiao won by a convincing manner. He wowed the crowd with his blitzing handspeed and earth shaking power shots. But the story of the night was Chololo Larios’ heart and determination..
Oscar Larios’ performance against the great Pacman is perhaps the best performance of his career despite on a losing effort. Chololo has nothing to be ashamed of. It was a galant effort in the part of the Mexican. He was able to do what his fellow Mexicans Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales cannot do against Pacquiao. He withstood Pacquiao’s ounslaught for 12 rounds despite kissing the canvas twice with right hands. I personally believe that he could have given any great 130 pound fighters around a run for their money.
No one can ever question Larios’ heart after this fight. He fought a hell of a fight with perhaps strongest puncher pound for pound in the world. He some pretty good moments with Pacquiao most especially in the 3rd round where he was able to stagger the Filipino Bomber in to the ropes with straight right hands. He also traded with Pacquiao’s best shots. That is with a doubt unbelievable.
At 29, I think he’s still young and has more opportunities to come. In my personal opinion, the best weight for Larios right now is 126. I believe that he’ll be formidable force in that division. As a testament for saying that he can be a great force in 126 is his performance against Pacquiao.
Larios will not leave Manila as a victim of Pacquiao’s wrath but instead a true warrior. He showed the world that he can rise in every occasion. Larios, I believe will come back and be champion again. If we are just talking of tools to become world champion then Oscar Larios has it. He just fought a really great fighter today but I take my hat off to him for giving such an effort.
Going to Pacquiao, I’m looking forward to his 3rd fight against Erik “El Terrible” Morales this November 18. Pacquiao showed great improvement in his skills today with his win against Larios. The aspect of his game that I’m most impressed is his defense. Pacquiao showed superb footwork and counterpunching against Larios. He’s getting better and better every fight. That makes their trilogy very interesting.