Pacquiao assures family he can easily take on de la Hoya

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Nov 21 (PNA) – Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has assured his family here, particularly his parents, that he can easily take on the bigger Oscar dela Hoya come fight day on December 7 (RP time).

Pacquiao, the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion, made the assurance via telephone after he was informed that his parents, particularly his mother Dionisia, are reportedly worried about their son in his upcoming fight.

Media reports said Pacquiao, who has moved to a heavier weight division for his fight with Dela Hoya, may have slowed down, and this may have affected his speed and fighting ability, after gaining weight.

But the Filipino Champ, who earned local distinction as the "Pambansang Kamao,"reportedly assured members of his family with confidence that he has what it takes to defeat his prominent Mexican opponent.

Pacquiao’s uncle Pacito Davedran revealed this latest development to newsmen, saying the boxing champ called him up and made assurances that he will easily dispose off the aging Dela Hoya.

Citing Pacquiao’s statement, Davedran said his nephew is well-prepared for his upcoming fight and laid out a strategy that will surprise Dela Hoya once they square off on December 7.

The boxing icon allegedly told his mother to just leave the fighting to him, and for her to do the praying as she usually does whenever her son climbs to the ring for a big fight.