Seven Things To Know About Oscar De La Hoya-Manny Pacquiao

Amidst all the OJ, Plaxico and Sean Avery talk, the fact there's a little fight happening out West got pushed to the back burner. Well, it's time to cook because two ring greats are going head-to-head in Las Vegas in less than 36 hours:

It's Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao this Saturday night.

There are a ton of interesting elements to this fight and a lot to be discussed before they touch gloves.

So to help you and make you more well edu-ma-cated, here are seven key things to know going into De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao. Enjoy the Fight!

Coach Controversy

Legendary trainer Freddie Roach is in Manny Pacquiao's corner. Normally, this isn't a huge storyline but Roach was in De La Hoya's corner for his battle against Floyd Mayweather. There is some bad blood there as Roach claims De La Hoya told him he would never fight again without him in his corner. De La Hoya essentially blames Roach for the Mayweather loss, claiming it was a bad plan going into the fight.

While this type of drama isn't new to boxing, it certainly provides an interesting twist.

Knockouts

Pacquiao has a record of 47-3-2, while De La Hoya is 39-5. Combined, that's 96 total bouts and 65 knockouts, a stunning 67.7 percent of their fights ending in someone hitting the deck.

They Love Gold

De La Hoya has won 10 world titles in six different weight classes, almost too many to list. Pacquiao is the current WBC Lightweight Champion and is a former WBC and Ring Magazine Super Featherweight Champion, Ring Magazine Featherweight Champion, IBF Super Bantamweight Champion and WBC Flyweight Champion.

Streaks

Pacquiao has won his last eight fights, five by TKO or KO, with his last defeat coming in March 2005 to Erik Morales. De La Hoya is 3-3 in his last six, last defeating Steve Forbes in May via decision and dropping a decision in May 2007 to Mayweather in their megafight.

Life Outside

Both are celebs. De La Hoya operates Golden Boy Promotions, which promotes fighters and events. He's also been involved in clothing lines, tv productions and more. He even released a Grammy-nominated CD in 2000. Pacquiao has also done some singing and acting and is a legend in his home country of the Philippines. Both are heavily involved in charitable work.

Age

De La Hoya is 35 years old and has been fighting pro since November 1992, winning the only boxing gold medal for the US in the 1992 Olympics. Pacquiao is 29 and has been fighting pro since 1995.

Size Differential

The fight will be a non-title affair at 147 pounds, heavier than Pacquiao has ever fought. There are those who feel the 5'10" De La Hoya will be too big for the 5'7" Pacquiao to handle.

Saturday night, the much-maligned sport will have another chance at national attention when these two meet in the ring. Our prediction? Pacquiao kicks it up a notch and wins a dominant Calzaghe/Jones-style unanimous decision over De La Hoya, putting another legend in his place and the golden era of the sport further in the rear view mirror.

- For the full four episodes of the awe-inspiring 24/7, here you go.
- Here's a clip of Mario 'Slater' Lopez interviewing De La Hoya during a five-mile run.
- For all sorts of clips to help you pass the time, here you go.

Josh Nason - josh [at] ropesringandcage [dot com] - has published MMA, wrestling and boxing blog Ropes, Ring and Cage.com since 2007. If you are using any content or recapping from this site, please include a link to www.ropesringandcage.com. Thank you for your support!