De la Hoya expects 'long, fun' fight with Pacquiao

Boxing superstar Oscar de la Hoya expects to have fun with Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao during their much-awaited fight dubbed "The Dream Match" in Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 6.

"Be ready for a long, fun fight... I say fun because with Manny Pacquiao, there is no boring fight and that’s what I'm looking forward to," De la Hoya said at the formal announcement Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) of their December 6 non-title fight.

De la Hoya said he would be "honored to be in the ring" with the Filipino boxing icon.

Pacquiao, for his part, went on with his usual one liner, "I will fight for the honor of our country," which means he will give his 100 percent to win the fight.

"Tatayo ako hangga't may hininga, hindi susuko (I will continue fighting up to my last breath. I won't give up)," Pacquiao said.

The two boxing superstars made the statements at the joint announcement of the December 6 fight in Liberty Island in New York.

Pacquiao arrived in New York Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) from Los Angeles for the big announcement.

Boxing analysts expect an action-packed fight between the two boxing superstars. There were comments that Pacquiao is no match for the veteran boxer.

However, Pacquiao, despite disadvantages on height, weight and reach, maintained his fearless stance against De la Hoya.

On Tuesday, the Filipino boxing champion said he is not bothered by De la Hoya's decision to hire renowned trainer Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain.

Beristain trained Pacquaio’s old nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez, who lost his WBC super featherweight title to the Filipino in a controversial match in Las Vegas last March.

“I think that's good for me because never naman nanalo sa akin si Marquez. Siguro kinuha niya (De la Hoya) ang trainer ni Marquez para matalo din siya,” joked Pacquiao.

The Filipino, however, said his training against the Mexican-American star is serious business. He has been training harder to match De la Hoya's heavier weight and longer reach.

“Kakaiba ang sakit ng katawan ko, kakaiba ang training na ginagawa ko ngayon, talagang pampalakas at saka pampatibay,” he said.

source:
with reports from VALCUENCA and DYAN CASTILLEJO, ABS-CBN News

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