Five Reasons Oscar De La Hoya Should Fight Manny Pacquiao

With his retirement drawing closer by the day, numerous opponents have been announced and unannounced for Oscar De La Hoya. First Floyd Mayweather retired, Ricky Hatton said no, then the rumors began.

Felix Tito Trinidad, Shane Mosley, and Sergio Mora are the most recent names thrown into the De La Hoya Sweepstakes. Most recently, pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao's name has surfaced as a potential contender

Manny Pacquiao's last fight was at 135. Oscar's last fight was at 147.

Before you scratch your head thinking this is an awful choice of opponent, I'll give you five reasons this fight should take place.

1. A Tornado is blowing thru 147

If you saw Cotto vs. Margarito last weekend, you already know what I'm talking about. Margarito is a destroyer—a Mexican terminator with an iron chin and will. He would brutally beat down Oscar should Oscar fight him in his last fight.

2. Tito is too fat

Rumor has it that Trinidad can't make it below 170 to fight. Oscar has no business fighting at that high of a weight. At 160 Oscar looked soft and pudgy. At 170 he need not even train. He could just show up and fight.

3. Mora won't sell

Sergio Mora is a good choice of opponent if a win is all De La Hoya wants. I have a feeling, however, that De La Hoya wants to go out with a bang. A matchup with Mora might do well in Southern California, but the casual fan won't care. What has Sergio Mora ever done? He beat an ancient Vernon Forrest and won the Contender. WOW!!!

4. Manny can win

Oscar will no doubt have the height/reach/weight advantages in this fight. He will also have a substantial advantage in power. The advantages he won't have are speed and heart. Manny is lightning quick, and will not quit. I think these factors could take him to a decision win, if he can keep a fast pace, and work all night long without taking too much damage.

5. Oscar can "Put Manny Over"

Last, but not least, this fight would be a win for both fighters. If this fight were held in the Philippines it could be the biggest sporting event held there in recent memory, if not ever. In Vegas, this fight draws 20,000 easily. With HBO and their 24/7 series, this fight could put up huge ppv numbers. Manny is already a rock star in his country, a win over De La Hoya could send his popularity skyrocketing in the states as well.

A win over De La Hoya could set up an even bigger matchup for Manny with Ricky Hatton which would be big in England.

This fight could just be the biggest fight in boxing in some time.