MANILA, Philippines?There was no small way to announce it.

The Big Apple played host to what is being billed as the year?s biggest fight as boxing?s biggest names announced their showdown below the Statue of Liberty on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila).

Before a big crowd that included scores of Filipinos who were ferried to the famed New York landmark, Manny Pacquiao said he will ?fight with all my heart and give everything I can? to win against Oscar De La Hoya, who towers over him in height, size and stature.

?I think I have what it takes to win the biggest fight of my life,? the website quoted Pacquiao as saying.

De La Hoya also welcomed the opportunity to take on Pacquiao on Dec. 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

?Manny Pacquiao is considered the best fighter in boxing today and I always want to fight the best,? said De La Hoya. ?I?m glad we were able to make this fight happen because while Pacquiao is at the pinnacle of his success and has defeated all of the fighters he has faced. I?m going to show the world that it stops with me.?

Pacquiao?s stature grew exponentially after a string of eight victories capped by a win over Juan Manuel Marquez for the WBC super featherweight crown and David Diaz for the WBC lightweight title this year.

The press tour was the first of a six-city stop to promote the 12-round, non-title fight.

Pacquiao stayed at the Le Parker Meridien Hotel at 118 West, 57th Street, a couple of blocks away from Central Park, according to the website.

A ?meet and greet? affair is also arranged at the Sheraton, Newark Airport, where fans can have a chance to dine with the four-division champ at a cost of $25 per person, according to reports.

The cable TV giant HBO will also come out with a four-part ?24/7? show to further drum up interest in the fight. Marc Anthony Reyes