Dundee sees a bullfight in Pacman-Hoya bout

They obviously did not know enough about the man so they shrieked: What made him an authority on boxing?

That’s no longer surprising.

But you can bet majority of those who rejected Angelo Dundee when he said it would be “a cakewalk for Oscar De La Hoya” in his fight against Manny Pacquiao were unshakeable fanatics of the Filipino boxing superhero.

It’s also easier to conclude that, based on his mythical achievements, Dundee was being honestly objective in his prediction.

Here was how Dundee, 87, put it: “Oscar has fought and sparred with so many small guys. Oscar has knocked them all over the ring. I don’t think Manny can win that fight. I really don’t.”

That statement, given by the prizefight genius who goaded Muhammad Ali way up past Mt. Olympus, may not sound as profound as it should be.

But the brief quote was enough for Michael Marley of boxingconfidential.com, a tireless, inventive wordsmith, to drum it up for the world to stop and listen.

No, it’s not the sound of a locomotive chugging to where mesmerized Pacquiao fans are excitedly fixed

So who cares about this hairless old man and his predictions?

Well, in Dundee’s case, what he said should not normally be taken as a plain forecast.

It should’ve instead carried the weight and impact of a pontifical pronouncement.

Dundee, going by his worth, may have had earned enough merits to qualify him as the Pontiff of Pugilism.

Sorry, but there’s no such thing as the pope of prizefighting.

As a result, the morning after Dundee made his pronouncement, odds over the Las Vegas betting windows started to sway to Pacquiao’s side.

While there was a worrisome meltdown of Pacquiao’s stock at the start, the Dec. 6 bout no longer pointed to a sickening mismatch based on latest odds.

In fact, out there in Mexico, Pacquiao has started to win admirers in big numbers.

They appear to like Pacquiao more over De La Hoya, reported Hesiquio Alderas Olivio, who added that fans he polled in his area were “72 percent in favor of El Pacquiu.”

It was also observed that Mexicans have started to warm up to Pacquiao because “he has the big heart and the fierce fighting stance of Mexican warriors.”

Now, to those who care to know, here’s why Dundee cannot be expected to join new-found Pacquiao devotees.

First, Dundee is American.

He also preaches the gospel of classic prizefighting that puts a premium on craft, ring generalship, overall wisdom and defense.

Based on their respective styles, it’s easy to conclude that Dundee also sees the ultimate makings of a bullfight in the Pacquiao-De La Hoya fight.

De La Hoya, taller with a classic overview fighting stance, will inevitably end up the matador.

Pacquiao, needless to say, will have no choice but take the role of an unstoppable, raging bull.

In closing, Dundee must’ve also seen the Dec. 6 Dream Match being fought the way the Thrilla in Manila of Oct. 1975 was fought.

That unforgettable bout was a classic between a matador, Muhammad Ali, and a fierce, unyielding bull, Joe Frazier.

Don’t ask Dundee who won, he must’ve forgotten.