Verified answer

It's good for both fighters.

This may prove to be the biggest purse in Manny Pacquiao's illustrious career, coming at an opportune time when he has a chance to win against an aging fighter with diminished skills. He has the decided advantage in quickness and stamina, which he must exploit to the fullest to emerge victorious. Though moving up in the division, Pacquiao has actually fought in this weight before (when after the official weigh-in he has gained weight at fight night), seemingly without losing speed and endurance. He could outbox Oscar de la Hoya, though that wouldn't be easy, but he shouldn't try for the knockout punch in the early going.

De la Hoya is ready for retirement and is understandably hesitant to compete against fighters of his own class who could cause him trouble. On the other hand, this bout gives him a money fight without taking too much of a risk he would face against other marquee names (e.g. Margarito). He is four inches taller and has a six-inch reach advantage to offset Pacquiao's speed, and still packs a power punch. He will also be in his natural fighting weight. It is likely that the oddsmakers will list Oscar as the favorite to win.

Many would think this is a mismatch because of the discrepancy in physical attributes; I look at it as a classic contest between two storied boxers, a battle of size against speed. I don't know if Manny could win by a decision, so his best chance is to peck at de la Hoya to wear him down and knock him out in the end when he tires.

I know that DeLaHoya is the shiznit with gloves and that many experts will dismiss Manny's chances in a heartbeat. But Manny ain't where he is right now without deserving it.

This will be a duell between age/experience VS youth/speed.

Manny is shorter, but he is the kind of fighter who actually prefers taller opponents for some reason.

This one is as of now too close to call. But if the fight was set for tomorrow, I'd bet all my money on Pacquiao. So, yeah, it's a good idea.

Besides, what comes up, must come down... why not get the biggest paycheck of your life on the way down?

lose-lose situation for De La Hoya. if he wins, people will say that he should have just fought a great fighter of his size like Margarito but didn't because he's scared of him. if he loses, it'll be embarassing that he lost to a guy naturally smaller than him.

win-win for situation for Pacquiao. he took a fight against a fighter way bigger than him, so win or lose... he'll come out more respected.

but seriously, i think De La Hoya will just use his reach to run away and jab his way out of Pacquiao's bombs (which might be like pinches since he'll lose his speed at 147 lbs). De La Hoya will win by a boring unanimous decision.

De la Hoya knows he can win this one. He is a clever fighter who sizes up his opponent well and if he thinks he has the edge, he'll sign a contract.

While I'd love for Pacquiao to meet the challenge, I seriously think he is out sized by too much.

The match itself will be a good publicity for both boxers. But I dont think this match will push thru because of Pacquiao's demands with the Golden Boy camp.

Pacquaio is going way beyond his head. I saw one of his interviews for the match on how he declined the said match with dela Hoya because he thinks that its just a waste of his time and effort.

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Apparently, the bout will be on Dec.6.

Its nice for Manny to win but I have gotten sick of him already. He may have a fairly tale story on his belt but geez...he is not the nice person most filipinos thought he is. Like all his actions now are intended for his political dream.

Pacquiao in Round 10! Dela Joya will burn out at Round 9!

Pacquiao is strongest and fastest at a heavier weight. Oscar's strategy will be a "hit & run" and that's the biggest mistake he ever made. Manny can take his punches but he can't keep on running away from him.

Hopefully Manny can absorb punches well in this heavier weight class.

Oscar dela Hoya is not much of a threat anymore because of his age.

Manny will have too much heart for Oscar. Big pay day for Manny.

Pacquiao is quite a bit smaller...I don't know what his reach is, but I'd guess that it is shorter. He had to work to put on enough weight just to fight his match in June...now he has to get up to 147?

hmmmm....not a good matchup in my opinion. Manny has to go up two weight classes and Oscar has to come down.

Great Idea for De la hoya bad for Pacquiao he is over matched

A great advantage for both of them. The pot money is high, the highest ever which is a good retirement benefit for dela Joya and a good campaign support for Manny for his 2010 political ambition.

Manny will win this bout in a decision.