29/08/2008 10:38 AM
Oscar De La Hoya will take on Manny Pacquiao on December 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, Inc. today confirmed two of boxing's biggest stars will meet in what could be the sport's biggest fight of the year.
They will meet at a catch weight of 147 pounds, which is 12 pounds more than Pacquiao has ever fought at before, and three pounds less than De La Hoya was in his last bout.
"Manny Pacquiao is considered the best fighter in boxing today and I always want to fight the best," De La Hoya said.
"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."
De La Hoya (39-5, 30 KOs), who has won titles in six different weight classes, has repeatedly said that he would retire after his next bout.
But finding an opponent had been difficult for the 'Golden Boy' after Floyd Mayweather Jr chose to retire instead of accept a rematch.
A top draw among pay-per-view fans, Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35 KOs) was an early target as an opponent for De La Hoya. But the talks seemed to dissipate after the two sides could not come to an agreement on the percentage of the purse, according to ESPN.com.
"This is my greatest challenge," Pacquiao said. "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."