Christopher McHardy

Oscar De La Hoya has not only won 10 world titles in six different weight classes, but is also one of just five men to have come face-to-face with both Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao inside the boxing ring.

For that reason, ‘The Golden Boy’ is in a better position than most to pass judgement on the eagerly-anticipated May 2 showdown between the two men, being billed as the ‘Fight of the Century’.

In a fight of stark contracts, the brash Mayweather, with his near impenetrable defence and expert counter-punching, puts his unbeaten record on the line against the humble Pacquiao and his aggressive, power-punching style.

Like millions across the globe, De La Hoya cannot wait for fight night. And unlike many of his peers who have vocally backed Mayweather, he is convinced Pacquiao can shock the world.

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“The one fighter who can make it an exciting fight is going to be Pacquiao,” said De La Hoya on the sidelines of the Icons Cup, a celebrity golf tournament in Dubai.

“What he has to do is go in with a lot of combinations, a lot of footwork, which he has. And I hear he’s in tremendous, tremendous shape.

“With Mayweather, we’re going to see the same thing he does in every fight, which is box, win the rounds one at a time. I don’t see Mayweather trying to knock out Pacquiao, but I can see Pacquiao trying to knock out Mayweather.

“In this sport one punch can change everything and I think I’m going to have to give Pacquiao the advantage.”

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De La Hoya, who lost a split decision to Mayweather in 2007 before losing to Pacquiao by TKO 19 months later, added: “I feel Pacquiao has to win the first two or three rounds, because it’ll make Mayweather have to come from behind and he’ll have to start to pressure Pacquiao, to be the aggressor, and Mayweather does not like doing that.”

Many pundits and fans alike have voiced their belief that the fight, reportedly worth upwards of $400 million, is five years too late in the making with both fighters past their peak.

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It’s not a view shared by De La Hoya who actually feels the timing of the fight favours Pacquiao more than it does Mayweather.

“Manny Pacquiao has been in tougher fights, he’s been knocked out and he’s been in wars throughout his career so you could argue there is more wear and tear there.

“But I feel the fight taking place now, and not five years ago, will probably be more exciting as Mayweather’s legs are not the same. He’s probably going to stay more stationary in front of Pacquiao therefore Pacquiao’s going to have a better chance of landing his punches.”

De La Hoya did however have a warning for the Filipino’s legion of followers, claiming the decision to appoint Kenny Bayliss as referee could prove decisive in his bid to inflict Mayweather’s first defeat.

Bayliss is notoriously strict with boxers who clinch – a tactic that would favour Pacquiao as he sets about making life as difficult and uncomfortable as possible for Mayweather inside the ring.

“History shows that Kenny Bayless protects Mayweather,” said De La Hoya. “Pacquiao is now up against two guys in the ring instead of one. So I would have to say that Pacquiao is already one point behind and the fight hasn’t even started.

“It’s surprising to me, given the history. But it’s Vegas and it’s Mayweather’s hometown and they’re going to obviously do what’s best for him.”

As for who punches harder – Pacquiao or Mayweather - De La Hoya was unequivocal. “Pacquiao. I can remember every one of them!”