LOS ANGELES ? The stark contrast between the two boxing legends ? eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. ? is becoming even more visible.
They are exactly opposite even in the choice of a mouthguard.
Pacquiao?s gratis as against Mayweather?s $25,000. This alone bespeaks of the two superstar fighters? opposing personae.
Pacquiao during the May 2 mega-buck fight will be sporting a priceless mouthpiece crafted by a well-known Filipino dentist Ed De La Vega.
Pacquiao said ?It?s a gift so it has no price tag.?
Pacquiao was profuse with thanks for Dela Vega?s undying support and invaluable friendship.
Dela Vega, also a prolific writer and top-class photographer, is not a greenhorn. In fact, he?s considered a cream of the crop in his chosen profession.
He has been designing mouthguards for champions not just in boxing but including other contact sports.
?Manny Pacquiao is our national hero. My mouthpiece for him is free,? Dela Vega said.
The respected Filipino dentist dropped by Pan Pacific Park on Thursday morning bringing with him the mouthguard he crafted for Pacquiao.
Dela Vega wanted to make sure that it fits and makes Pacquiao?s breathing easier.
?I never leave it to the athlete to pick a mouthguard. We do it together to assure that the mouthguard satisfy the parameters of a proper mouthguard,? Dela Vega wrote in his opinion article titled ?The Whole Tooth and Nothing But??
Dela Vega pooh-poohs the $25,000 mouthguard of undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.
?What this tells me the mouthguards, particularly the one with the $100 bill insert were made just for show. A typical showboating by Junior!? Dela Vega added.
When asked about his reaction on Mayweather?s pricey mouthguard, Pacquiao just smiled and said ?I would rather spend the amount to help the poor.?
Pacquiao said he has full trust and confidence on the competence of Dela Vega.
?I?m doing my best in training. I have on my side Dr. Ed Dela Vega whose competence and kindness is beyond question. Above all, God is with me. He will keep me away from harm. If God is with us, who can be against us?? Pacquiao said.
TOP PHOTO: FREE MOUTHPIECE: Well-known Filipino dentist Ed Dela Vega showed to WBO Welterweight king Manny Pacquiao the mouthpiece he designed for the Pinoy boxing superstar. It's free as compared to Floyd Mayweather's $25,000 mouthguard. Photo by Aquiles Z. Zonio.
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