Pacquiao-Barrera II is just the beginning of great fights to be made by Golden Boy and Top Rank

BoxingTalk:  Oscar, what does this fight between Pacquiao and Barrera mean for the boxing world?

Oscar De La Hoya:  This is just the beginning of big things for boxing.  Having Top Rank and Golden Boy smoke that peace pipe is tremendous for the sport.  This is indication that boxing is obviously alive and well.  We have Manny Pacquiao and Barrera, we have a lot of other big fights lined up with Top Rank, so it’s going to be great for boxing.

BoxingTalk:  Being a fighter yourself, how much of a role do you feel the fire up in Big Bear during Barrera’s last training camp played a role in his last fight with Pacquiao?

Oscar De La Hoya:  I think it played a big role.  When you have to be evacuated from your training center three weeks prior to the fight, psychologically it just takes you out of your game plan, and physically it doesn’t allow you to train as hard as you can.  And, other problems he had, personal problems.  I think this time around, if he can be focused, we know he’s going to be 100% physically, but mentally if he’s there 100 % it’s going to be real, real good fight where Barrera wins.

BoxingTalk:  What do you feel Barrera biggest advantage coming into this fight with Pacquiao is?

Oscar De La Hoya:  His will to win.  Every time Barrera is down he gets back up and proves everybody wrong, so I think the will to win is his biggest advantage.  He really wants this.

M

Send questions and comments to: Fool4Rush@aol.com