By Mark Vester
WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao is confident that he would come out on top if he stepped in the ring with Oscar De La Hoya at the welterweight limit of 147-pounds. According to the Manila Bulletin, Pacquiao voiced his position during victory party hosted by former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson at his Corinthian Gardens residence. Pacquiao said that only the catch-weight is being discussed at the moment.
If the fight were to take place, it would happen on Decemeber 6 in Las Vegas and televised by HBO pay-per-view. The showdown is billed as the final fight of De La Hoya before retirement. There is plenty of talk overseas that Pacquiao's team would demand a rate of $20 million for the fighter. While De La Hoya is probably at the top of the list, WBA super featherweight champ Edwin Valero and Humbert Soto are not out of the running.
"We are looking at De La Hoya, Humberto Soto and Edwin Valero," said Pacquiao to The Manila Bulletin.
Eric Gomez, VP and matchmaker for Golden Boy Promotions, was still selling the fight like it was second coming of Hagler-Hearns when he appeared on Dennis Principe's radio show. He says the fight is "so dangerous" that Oscar has to actually "think it over" before making a decision to fight the Filpino champion, who by the way is two weight-classes below the Golden Boy.
“Manny has the speed and he’s got the power. It’s a very dangerous fight for Oscar, that’s why he is thinking it over,” Gomez said. "He’s thinking it over, because Pacquiao is right now the best fighter in the world. We recognize that and he deserves it. He’s fought the best and beaten everyone.”
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