Manny Pacquiao destroys Oscar de la Hoya in their "Dream Match"

Dubbed as "The Dream Match" between two of the world's greatest boxers, the fight ended as a nightmare for one of them.

Best pound-for-pound fighter and Filipino boxing pride Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao went head to head with former Olympic gold medalist Oscar "Golden Boy" de la Hoya earlier today, Sunday, December 7 (Saturday, U.S. time). Severely disadvantaged, Manny prepared for the fight of his career, his country, and his honor. And he ended up triumphant.

The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas was jampacked with supporters for each fighter as they eagerly await history in the making. Ring announcer Michael Buffer climbed up the ring and introduced the fighters to ringside.

De la Hoya, four-feet taller than Manny, came in hyped up and looking too serious. In contrast to Oscar's demeanor, Manny came out from the dugout to the ring wearing a calm smile and looking refreshed and relaxed, as if carrying a nice surprise for his opponent.

And surprise his opponent he did as Manny dominated the fight as early as 5 seconds on the first round.

Read on to find out.

THE FIGHT

Round 1 starts with the two fighters carefully analyzing each other from afar as they both tried to ensnare the other with jabs and fakes. Manny's left-right combination lands the first head punches of the night as Oscar slightly staggers but immediately recovers. Oscar is mainly on defense for this round and it ends with Manny in control.

Round 2 opens with jabs from Oscar to Manny but only hits air. Manny just dances, bobs and weaves out of the way. Discontented with Oscar's performance, Manny gives him a left hook to the face. However, it only lands on a small part of The Destroyer's chin. Not quite done yet, Manny follows it up with jabs.

Round 3 looks like bad news for Oscar as a cut on the bridge of his nose becomes visible. This time Oscar takes the offensive position and rushes Manny with jabs but this assault does nothing but amuse Manny as he answers with a left straight to Oscar's face. Oscar cannot answer with his own combo and resorts to jabs, which are shrugged off by Manny again. He retaliates by giving Oscar a nice body shot. Oscar fights back with attacks that only lands on Manny's defense. The round ends with Manny again on the advantage.

Round 4 opens with two straights from Manny that hit home. A left jab also lands. Right straight from Oscar lands on Pacman's face. Manny answers and gives a 3-combo on Oscar but it does nothing serious. A solid left hook lands on Oscar's face and he retreats on the ropes. Another left from Manny weakens De la hoya's defense. Manny gets warned by referee for low shots.

Round belongs to Manny again. Manny may not be doing enough damage on Oscar physically but his speed and aggression help contain Oscar's weapons.

Round 5 starts with jabs from Manny and Oscar and all just land on each other's defenses. Left straight from Manny snaps Oscar's head upward. Oscar can't hit back. Lightning-strike punches from Manny fail to land on Oscar but Oscar can hardly strike back with anything more than a jab as Manny's speed becomes overwhelming. Left hook from Oscar just too slow for Manny and he evades with ease. Pacman releases 4 on Oscar but fails to get a solid hit. Round belongs to Manny yet again.

Round 6 shows Oscar with a swelling on his left cheek. Oscar gives a right straight to Manny's chest but results in nothing. They circle and jab each other. Manny concentrates on opponent's body; the same with Oscar. Jab and left from Manny gives Oscar trouble. Another left demoralizes Oscar and his defense wanes. Two left straights on Oscar's face on the final seconds seem to insult him and he charges. Manny gets away, thanks to the bell.

Round 7 starts with Manny giving jabs to Oscar. Manny's jabs open Oscar's defense and Manny gives him a body shot. Left cross and an uppercut from Manny weakens Oscar. Once again on the ropes, Oscar staggers and he is followed by a left cross. Manny follows with a left hook on body and it gives Oscar pain. Left combo again courtesy of Manny gives Oscar hell. Uppercut from Manny gives the round an exclamation as if saying, "I am still in control!"

Round 8 shows Oscar's left eye swollen and bloody from the last round. Oscar on defense again from jabs. Body shots once again put Oscar on the ropes. Left body shot to Oscar. Oscar only jabs, no straights no nothing. Fakes from Manny scares Oscar. Cornered Oscar is saved from total annihilation by the bell.

Round 9 has nothing to offer as Oscar throws in the towel. He's had enough.

Pacquiao did not only their match, but also earned the respect of his opponent. Agfter the match, Manny told Oscar, "You're still my idol." But Oscar told Manny, "No, now, you are my idol."

Elyas Isabelo L. Salanga