De La Hoya vs Pacquiao: Software Simulation Results

OK it's been a while. I got so busy having grabbed my dream career of being a software engineer. I am actually an ECE graduate from the University of the Philippines (UP). I used to work for Astec Emerson as an Electrcal (Electronics) Design Engineer. But my passion is really for software engineering. So I took a risk, accepted a low paying job as a Junior Programmer in late 2006. I moved up the ranks, bacame a (Regular) Programmer and was even given a task to become a Java Trainer. And currently I have been blessed to be a Software Engineer for Lawson Software. 

That being said. The "Dream Match" between 2 legends has revived my passion for writing about Philippine boxing (plus I now have extra time to do it again, after settling down to a new career). Mexican-American 6-weight division champ Oscar De La Hoya will be sluggin' it out with the Philippine's very own 5-weight division champ Manny Pacquiao (counting his Ring Featherweight Title) tomorrow morning (Manila time) in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Since I am a software engineer, for me there is no better way to predict the outcome of the fight but through professional sports software simulation. I ran a test on a highly popular software for pro-boxing simulation and I'd like to share my results and interpretation.

Notes:

* Expect damage to be done on both sides of Manny's face. Manny came prepared for Oscar's big left hook. But Manny, with his "all-out" style of offense would still get hit by the hook. Manny will receive right straights a'plenty as well as his defensive effort is mostly for the left.

* Expect an almost shut if not totally bleeding right eye for Oscar. Manny's left straight will really hurt Oscar. If Steve Forbes can hurt Oscar's mug, Manny can destroy it. 

* Expect plenty of body shots from both fighters.

Results:

* Oscar will dominate the first 2 rounds, capitalizing on his height and reach advantage. Oscar should create enough damage on both sides of Manny's face to have people start affirming the" mismatch theory".

* Oscar will start to fade in the 3rd round. This should be due to his age and weight reduction. 3rd round should be a toss-up.

* Manny will start picking it up from the 4th. Oscar's punches would be read like a comic book from here on. 

* Manny will continue to pour it on until he catches Oscar with a big punch on the 6th that would put the Golden Boy down for the count.

* Manny would smell blood and finish things up on the 7th round with another big punch. 

* Manny would win via KO in the 7th.

Software Specifications:

* Simulator: Fight Night

* Version : 3.0

* Developer: EA Sports

Hardware Specifications:

* Unit: PSP Slim (Black)

* Firmware Version: 3.90 M33-2

* Manufacturer: Sony