Larios should not be taken lightly
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?...3_april13_2006
RING magazine editor in chief Nigel Collins says former two-time super bantamweight champion Oscar Larios is not a pushover, like Fahsung 3K Battery or Kazakhstan featherweight champion Serikhan Yesmangbetov, the last two opponents Manny Pacquiao fought in the Philippines.
In an e-mail to Viva Sports/ Standard Today the respected boxing writer described Larios as being a “tall and versatile fighter who can fight on the inside or at long range. While its true he was dropped and stopped by Israel Vasquez in his last bout (a fourth round TKO), Larios survived the knockdown and was fighting back on fairly even terms when the fight was stopped due to an eye cut.”
Collins noted that Larios is used to fighting in his opponent’s backyard, having fought and won in Japan several times.
“So I don’t think he’ll be overwhelmed by the occasion,” said Collins.
The Ring magazine editor in chief said moving up in weight from 122 to 130 pounds might actually benefit Larios, pointing out that the 29-year-old Mexican has been fighting at 122 pounds for a long time.
“Let’s not forget Pacquiao is relatively small to be fighting at 130,” said Collins.
However, Collins also made it clear that “Larios has had a lot of fights by today’s standards (56-4-1, 36 KOs) and I think he’s starting to wear down.”
In a subtle remark that Pacquiao should heed, Collins said “provided Pacquiao concentrates on training, instead of promoting, he should be able to overpower Larios in six or seven rounds even though Larios is not a pushover and Manny should not take him lightly.”
Pacquiao himself earlier conceded that Larios was a difficult opponent because of his height advantage, his style and the fact that he threw a lot of punches.
Even trainer Freddie Roach insists Larios is a dangerous foe, who cannot be taken lightly and promised that Pacquiao would train as hard as he did for the rematch with Erik “El Terrible” Morales last January. Ronnie Nathanielsz
