INQUIRER Sports

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines—World Boxing Council (WBC) Lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao said Friday he considered his December 6 bout with Oscar Dela Hoya "the biggest fight" of his boxing career.

"I have to prepare hard for it," Pacquiao told reporters here.

The Filipino boxing icon said he was aware of the odds in facing Dela Hoya, who is much taller and bigger than him or his previous opponents.

The Filipino boxing champ will have to move up in weight from 130 pounds to 147 pounds to be able fight Dela Hoya.

Asked if he would venture any prediction, Pacquiao said: "It's hard to talk about it at this time."

As to Dela Hoya's statement he wanted to avenge the loss of several Mexican boxing champions to the Filipino pugilist, Pacquiao said: "He's not sure yet."

Pacquiao has been tagged the "Mexican Assassin" for demolishing several Mexican boxing greats such as Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, Oscar Larios and American-Mexican David Diaz, among others.

"First, he should think that we're going to use eight-ounce gloves during the fight. The fight is not over yet," Pacquiao said.

What he can promise is to put up a good fight against the Golden Boy.

"You know me. I fear no one when I'm atop the ring," Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao also said he and Dela Hoya were set apart by their own desires.

He said Dela Hoya was motivated by his desire to avenge the defeat of his fellow Mexicans while he (Pacquiao) was inspired by his love for his country and people.

Meanwhile, reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental Flyweight king Richie Mepranum was expected to get a big break in his boxing career after he was offered an undercard bout by Pacquiao.

Mayor Anecito Lopez Jr. of Maasim town in Sarangani said the offer was made last August 18, 10 days before Pacquiao agreed to fight Dela Hoya.

Mepranum, who has a record of 18 wins, a loss and a draw, is under Lopez's management.

Mepranum, a southpaw like the Pacman, is considered one of the promising boxers in Lopez's stable.

Aside from being the WBO Oriental champ, Mepranum is also the reigning Philippine Boxing Federation flyweight champion.