Oscar De La Hoya Close to Finalizing Opponent: Manny Pacquiao

According to Dan Rafael at ESPN, the most possible scenario for The Golden Boy's final fight will be a clash with the #1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world and new lightweight weight champion, Manny Pacquiao.

Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank's Bob Arum will be holding a meeting in Los Angeles later this coming week to do their best to finalize the super-fight. "I am going to meet with him and if we can work out a deal that is acceptable to Bob, Manny, and to us, then we will get the fight done," Schaefer, Golden Boy's CEO, told ESPN.com. 

This is potentially the biggest fight in boxing in terms of popularity and draw. In one corner you have the always exciting and internationally loved, Many Pacquiao and in the other, the all time leading PPV sales attraction and the most popular fighter in America, The Golden Boy. These fighters arguably have the two deepest fan bases in the sport and will surely attract more than any other possible match-up in boxing (only one close in terms of fans is Hatton).

The talk suggests that the fight will take place at the 147 lbs welterweight limit. Pacquiao, the five divison champ who started his career in the 112 lbs flyweight division, has proved that he doesn't have a problem adding muscle, without losing his core abilities. However, De La Hoya will be cutting weight for the and end up weighing about 157 lbs when he step in the ring. The fairly sizable height and weight disadvantage for Pacquiao will be a major challenge to overcome. 

If De La Hoya was in his prime, we would say Manny might be getting a little too overzealous with the jumping of the weight classes, but since he isn't, there is a good chance he will come out on top.

Pacquiao vs. Diaz: Recap and Results

This is what a great championship fight is supposed to resemble. One skillful warrior against an underdog champion who refuses to give up his belt unless it is pried from his cold dead hands.

On his way to claiming the lightweight crown, Pacquiao put on a display of boxing to be treasured.

After withstanding constant punishment over 9 rounds, still showing the courage of a true champion, David Diaz finally hit the canvas after walking into a straight left hand.  Manny Pacquiao's combination punching and blazing speed were far too much for Diaz to overcome. 

In the post fight interview with Jim Lampley, Diaz was  visibly amazed by the PacMan's overwhelming speed. "He's f*^#ing fast... It felt like he had a friend in there hitting me."

Manny Pacquiao proved many things on Saturday Night.  He demonstrated to the public that he hadn't lost any speed or power in his move up to the lightweight division, he showed us all that his versatility stretches beyond our wildest dreams, but most importantly he sealed one of the greatest accomplishments for any prize fighter - He has validated the tag of the number one pound-for-pound boxer in the world. 

Pacquaio did what Joe Calzaghe could not, move up in weight and dominate the champion in that class.  This fight should leave no doubt in anyone's mind who the greatest active boxer is in the sport.

It seems Pacqiauo will fight again soon.  Possible future matches mentioned were a rematch with Marquez or another move up in weight to fight Ricky Hatton.

Filippino Flash Signed to Top Rank

The Filipino Flash, Nonito Donaire, is bringing his two flyweight belts to Bob Arum's team at Top Rank.

Donaire (and James Kirkland) recently severed ties with the crossover Elite XC/boxing promoter Gary Shaw, after he felt that his career was being mishandled.   

"[Shaw] was behind on fights for both fighters and they were not staying busy," said Dunkin, Donaire's manager. "One is a world champion and one is very hot prospect and they need to fight... They both wanted to fight an they were both unhappy."

We know that Shaw has his hands full with mma stars Kimbo and Gina Carano (see photo gallery; trust me it's good), but he really blew this one. Nonito Donaire will be a name that everyone knows in the near future.  He is skilled, charismatic, and is above all else very exciting to watch in the ring.  

Donaire is coming off three straight KO victories, including a stunning  5th round upset knockout over the previously undefeated and super flyweight champ, Vic Darchinyan (see below).  It seems he will follow the same path as his Filipino counterpart, Manny Pacquiao, moving up through weight divisions and competing with the best. 

The 25 yr. old champ's next fight is scheduled for July 26th, on the under-card of the Margarito-Cotto superfight. If you haven't seen him yet, there is your chance - you won't be disappointed.