Oscar De La Hoya believes the forthcoming superfight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao will provide a better spectacle than if the pound-for-pound stars had met at the peak of their powers.

Calls for the undefeated Mayweather to take on eight-weight world champion Pacquiao date back to 2010, although numerous disputes between the fighters' respective camps prevented the bout from taking place.

They will finally square off in Las Vegas next weekend but there are strong arguments that five-division champion Mayweather, 38, and the 36-year-old Pacquiao have seen better days.

Nevertheless, the welterweight rivals remain widely recognised as two of the finest boxers in the world and De La Hoya, who lost on a split decision to Mayweather in May 2007 before being stopped in eight rounds by Pacquiao in his final bout 19 months later, feels both men not being as elusive as they once were will work in the favour of fight fans.

"The fact that it's taking place now instead of five years ago I think will make it more exciting now because both guys are probably more stationary and don't move as much so therefore the fight will be more exciting," he explained. 

"You're going to see more punches landed on Mayweather, more on Pacquiao, so I think it's a case of who wants it more. I think both guys are in great shape and it should be a fun fight to watch."

De La Hoya feels Pacquiao boasts the prodigious skills and excellent conditioning to pose problems for Mayweather.

However, the Mexican identified the twin factors of the match-up taking place in the American's virtual home venue of the MGM Grand Garden Arena and Kenny Bayless' selection as referee to be elements that favour the older man.

"I believe he [Mayweather] does have an advantage," De La Hoya added. 

"Fighting in Las Vegas and having the referee who they chose for the fight - history has shown that Bayless protects Mayweather whenever he can so it's a huge advantage for Mayweather. 

"But it doesn't matter. When you're inside the ring you have to fight, no matter what. I just feel that Pacquiao is now up against two guys instead of one, so Pacquiao has to go out there and fight his heart out."