The notion of the fight began in October 2007 merely as a fantasy in the fertile mind of HBO broadcaster Larry Merchant. On Thursday it became reality.
After weeks of on and off negotiations, Oscar De La Hoya, boxing’s most bankable superstar, and Manny Pacquiao, the pound-for-pound king, jointly announced on a media teleconference that they would meet Dec. 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The fight, which could easily generate $100 million, will take place at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds, meaning Pacquiao, who holds a 135-pound lightweight belt, will move up two weight classes to meet De La Hoya, who will come down to 147 for the first time since 2001.
“Manny Pacquiao is considered the best fighter in boxing today and I always want to fight the best,” said De La Hoya. “I am glad we were able to make this fight happen because while Pacquiao is at the pinnacle of his success and has defeated all of the top fighters he has faced, I am going to show the world that it stops with me. December 6 can’t get here soon enough.”
Said Pacquiao, the icon of his native Philippines, “This is my greatest challenge. When I take that walk to the ring to fight Oscar, I will carry all the people of the Philippines — the entire country — on my shoulders. I promise I will fight with all of my heart and that I will give everything I have. Like my trainer Freddie Roach says, I have what it takes to win the biggest fight of my life.”
Dan Rafael covers boxing for ESPN.com.
