According to the trainer of Manny Pacquiao, Freddie Roach, Pacquiao vs. Oscar De La Hoya (38-5, 30 KOs) “Ain’t going to happen,” he said to the Manila Bulletin. Apparently, the weight differences between Pacquiao, a 130 pound super featherweight, and De La Hoya, a light middleweight, would be too extreme for Pacquiao to handle. Based on reports, De La Hoya, 34, is highly interested in the bout, knowing perhaps the huge amount of money that could be made off a bout of this nature.
More than that, it would also appear to be a bout that De La Hoya, a win-starved fighter, would have a good chance at actually winning. De La Hoya, whom has lost three out of his last five fights, has also expressed interest in fighting super lightweight Ricky Hatton, a 140 lb fighter who is considerably shorter and smaller than De La Hoya. However, in the case of Pacquiao, De La Hoya would seem to be really dipping down low for a win.
Of course, De La Hoya would be thinking more for the sake of boxing, wanting to promote the sport, than any selfish or greedy-type motives. Still, it looks bad on the surface due to the mismatch in sizes between De La Hoya and Pacquiao. However, don’t be surprised if De La Hoya does end up facing Pacquiao, as this would in fact turn out to be a wildly popular fight all around the globe, given the two fighter’s huge following of fans.
Promoter, Bob Arum has said, “This fight is two fights down the road,” which make it all the more likely to take place. First, De La Hoya will likely take on Hatton, Mayweather and Cotto, then finish his career with a final bout against Pacquiao. I don’t expect De La Hoya to win any of the bouts, including his last against Pacquiao.
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