MANILA, Philippines?Oscar De La Hoya is putting together a ?Dream Team? of sorts in his corner.
Already training under a Hall-of-Famer, the Golden Boy hooked up yet another ring legend in Angelo Dundee, who will act as a consultant for De La Hoya?s corner for the Dec. 6 bout against Filipino ring sensation Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The tie-up was revealed Thursday in a special press event mounted by De La Hoya?s Golden Boy Promotions, which is co-promoting what is expected to be the year?s biggest ring showdown.
Dundee, a Hall-of-Fame trainer who has worked with 15 world champions?including such greats as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and George Foreman?told reporters during the media conference that the deal allowed him to work with yet another boxing great also headed for the Hall of Fame.
?After working with Ali and Leonard, I think it?s only fitting that I now get the chance to work with the most important fighter of this era,? Dundee was quoted by ESPN?s Dan Rafael as saying Thursday. ?This fight against Pacquiao is the biggest fight boxing has seen in years and I?m excited to be a part of it and to help lead Oscar to victory.?
De La Hoya already inked Nacho Beristain as his chief trainer, but the 87-year-old Dundee will help out in plotting strategies against the Pacman, who is acknowledged as the world?s best pound-for-pound fighter.
While having the two trainers may be a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth, Dundee said he will give way to Beristain?s decisions for the fight.
?They?ll dictate the role, but whatever is necessary I will do,? Dundee said. ?I will speak with De La Hoya and Nacho, but I am not a guy who pushes. I?m there to help. I?m not there to mix anybody up.?