Sports

De La Hoya vs Pacquiao The Talk of the Boxing World

by Jon Azpiri | December 5, 2008 at 12:08 pm

8889 views | 2 Recommendations | 12 comments

Saturday's Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao has turned into one of the most hyped fights of 2008.

At a time when mixed martial arts continues to gain popularity, the fight between two of the world's most popular fighters has provided the sport a need publicity boost.

Organizers in Las Vegas have even referred to the fight as recession-proof as loyal fans make their way to Las Vegas. Former US Olympian De La Hoya will draw plenty of American fans to the MGM Grand Garden Arena while Pacquiao will draw a sizable contingent from his own country of the Philippines.

The HBO pay-per-view is scheduled to begin at 9 pm EST. The time of the Pacquiao vs De La Hoya is around 11:15 EST.

Pay-per-view sales for the fight are strong and will likely surpass the record 2.4 million PPV buys for 2007's Oscar De La Hoya fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“This is a fight that attracts everybody,” Arum said. “Hispanics and Filipinos. Boxing fans and the non-boxing fan. Women, people who normally don’t follow boxing. They’ve always been intrigued by Oscar, and now they’re also intrigued by this exciting character from the Philippines.”

Still, Arum demurred on offering a prediction on how many pay-per-view sales the fight will generate.

“You really can’t tell,” he said. “Anybody who makes predictions in this economy is the same type of person who would decide to build buildings hoping the bank would finance them.”

The result of the fight is equally difficult to predict, although most boxing insiders say that De La Hoya's size advantage over Pacquiao make him the odds-on favorite. The 5'6" Pacquiao had to pack on weight to fight De La Hoya, a transition that might negatively impact the Filipino's agressive style.

Pacquiao won his first title fighting at 112 pounds. Earlier this year, Pacquiao fought and won at 130 pounds and 135 pounds. Against De La Hoya, Pac-Man will weigh in at around 147 pounds. If Pacquiao defies the odds and wins on Saturday, he will have fought and won at three dfferent weight classes in one year, one of the most amazing transformations in boxing history.

"It's a big accomplishment if I win this fight," Pacquiao said. "It's going to be boxing history and a big honor to my country. To fight in three divisions in one year, that's amazing. To win the fight is really good for me and a really big honor to my country."

UPDATE: Pacquiao won the fight after De La Hoya refused to come out for the 9th round. Click here for NowPublic's recap of the fight.

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danesller0127

at 14:20 on December 5th, 2008

Pacquiao shows no fear to De La Hoya, This is the 'Dream Match' ... (http://mynowpublic.com/sports/de-la-hoya-vs-pacquiao-talk-boxing-world )

:) danesller

Jon Azpiri

at 13:30 on December 5th, 2008

Thanks for the comment, danesller0127. No doubt, Filipinos around the world will be cheering for their Pambansang Kamao.

For another take on the fight, visit this story from NP member husto.

Chris Smith (not verified)

at 16:46 on December 6th, 2008

Come on pac man!

craigitos (not verified)

at 18:54 on December 6th, 2008

what time is the fight does anybody know???

Mz Dessa (not verified)

at 18:59 on December 6th, 2008

PLEASE!!!! PAC MAN IS TOO COCKY!!!! [im filipino i should know] GO DE LA HOYA!!!!!!!!!

FrancisJose1964 (not verified)

at 19:11 on December 6th, 2008

Pacquiao will beat dela Hoya

Scott Hinz (not verified)

at 19:44 on December 6th, 2008

Oscar De La Hoya wins at round 8 with TKO. PACMAN's left eye is bleeding too much so the referee decided to stop the fight and announced that Oscar is the winner.

sasa di (not verified)

at 16:07 on December 8th, 2008

whos bleeding now and retired after 8 round "DE LA HOYA"

Rich Mangarin (not verified)

at 21:38 on December 6th, 2008

I've never been a De la hoya fan since he turned pro. He has always managed to stay away from the opponents that might endanger his career as opposed to a true champion's ethic of fighting all comers (if they've earned the priviledge) while ascending the proverbial ladder of fame. Still, even with all the reasons given by the pseudo-intellual boxing pundits and with everything that money can buy for Oscar, I strongly feel he will lose to the better athlete. I will still give Oscar his just dues if he somehow manages to ink out a decision. Richard Miller Mangarin