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$100-M fight on December 6, 2008 ” Pacquiao vs De La Hoya “ September 10, 2008

MANILA, Philippines—The biggest boxing match in years is finally set.

Barring last-minute hitches, Oscar De La Hoya, boxing’s box office superstar in the past decade, will take on Manny Pacquiao, boxing’s hottest commodity today, in what promises to be a $100-million welterweight bout on Dec. 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

This was confirmed to the Philippine Daily Inquirer Thursday by Franklin “Jeng” Gacal Jr., Pacquiao’s legal counsel, who said in General Santos City that “both parties agreed (to the fight) and were satisfied.”

In a statement e-mailed by Gacal to the Inquirer, Pacquiao said he had agreed “in principle” to the December match, promised a fiery fight, and vowed to give the nation another moment of boxing glory.

“I have agreed in principle to accept the Dec. 6 fight against Oscar De La Hoya. This will be the toughest test in my boxing career because of the reach and height advantage of my esteemed opponent, aside from his great boxing skills,” Pacquiao said.

“This fight, however, will not be a walk in the park for Oscar De La Hoya. The boxing fans will see the same fire and intensity they have witnessed in my previous fights.”

Pacquiao, currently the World Boxing Council’s lightweight king, brimmed with confidence.

“I will frustrate the desire of Oscar De La Hoya to avenge the defeats of the great Mexican boxers who lost to me,” the Filipino ring idol said. “I am dedicating this forthcoming fight to my countrymen and all the boxing fans all over the world.”

“Don’t worry,” Pacquiao said with a laugh over the phone when asked what he thought of his opponent, an American of Mexican descent, who is also known as boxing’s “Golden Boy.”

At 5-foot-10 inches, De La Hoya stands four inches taller than Pacquiao and has a 6-inch reach advantage over the Filipino.

But at 29, Pacquiao is six years younger.

Farewell fight

It will be De La Hoya’s farewell fight and Pacquiao’s biggest ever.

Gacal refused to divulge the details of his talk Thursday night with Top Rank promotions boss Bob Arum.

“It was no less than Bob Arum of Top Rank Promotions who called me up last night and confirmed the Dec. 6 Pacquiao-De La Hoya fight,” Gacal said.

According to Gacal, both parties will still meet to further discuss the details of the contract and possibly the final signing.

Although the announcement of the fight will still have to be officially made by De La Hoya in Los Angeles on Thursday (Friday in Manila), The Associated Press (AP) said the deal was “nearly wrapped up.”

The AP, in its report from San Francisco, California, quoted two people with knowledge of the negotiations as its sources. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal still has to be officially announced.

Source Inquirer