BIGGEST FIGHT IN MY BOXING CAREER—MANNY PACQUIAO

“This is the biggest fight in my boxing career,” this was stressed yesterday by WBC lightweight world champion and Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao referring his forthcoming12-round, non-title fight contested at the 147-pound welterweight limit against 10-times world champion and Mexican legend Oscar De La Hoya.

Dubbed as the “Dream Match” scheduled on December 6 (December, Manila Time) in Las Vegas, Nevada, acknowledge Sin City of the World.

Pacquiao who hails from General Santos City who has captured world titles at four different weight divisions, believes beating Dela Hoya can put him in the world boxing map.

“This is the door (through which) the name of Manny Pacquiao will be known, not only in the Philippines but in boxing history.” He added.

Despite lucking in height, the Filipino feels his speed will be decisive.

“I feel very comfortable at that weight,” said Pacquiao. “This is the hardest training I have done in my boxing career and we have focused on speed because that will be the key.” Commented Pacquiao.

Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach, who has produced 22 world champions, predicted the 35-year-old De La Hoya would not last the pace.

“You look at the history of boxing when the older guy fights the younger guy, like when (Muhammad) Ali fought (Larry) Holmes or when Joe Louis got beaten by Rocky Marciano,” said Roach.

FAST PACE

“It’s the younger man’s time. I am 100 percent confident. I don’t think Oscar will be able to keep up and I think we will knock him out in the late rounds.”

Roach knows De La Hoya’s style well, having trained him for last year’s super welterweight showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr..

De La Hoya lost on a split decision and he and Roach parted on bitter terms.

“I know Oscar’s strengths and weaknesses,” Roach said. “He is very consistent and he trains hard for fights but he is just older. The one thing we have to take away from him is his reach advantage.”

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO.