De La Hoya-Pacquiao Final Presser
Posted by Ramon Aranda on 12.03.2008
Details from today's final press conference in Las Vegas.
Photos by Laura De La Torre / 411mania.com
LAS VEGAS, NV – Earlier today inside the MGM Grand's Hollywood Theatre, the final press conference was held for the upcoming mega-bout between Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao. The theatre was filled to the top with members of the media along with members of both Oscar and Manny's camps. As has been the case throughout the media tour, both fighters remained quite respectful of each other. "For me, it's nothing personal. It's my job to do my best in the ring and beat my opponent," said Pacquiao. Pacquiao also made some comments regarding the ‘Mexican Assassin' moniker that he's been given as of late. "It's my job to do my best in the ring and beat my opponent. There just happens to be a lot of Mexican fighters in my division. I don't want to be called a Mexican assassin. I just want to give exciting fights and make people happy," proclaimed Pac-Man.
Manny looks all business
De La Hoya was just as amicable towards his foe.
"Manny Pacquiao is a great fighter and I'm looking forward to it," exclaimed De La Hoya. "It's going to be fun; it's going to be interesting. A lot of people are curious to see how it's going to unfold. My motivation has been his skills, his speed, his power and his relentlessness inside the ring. That's what really drove me to go to the gym every morning."
Oscar also jokingly thanked training partner Victor Ortiz who gave him that nice shiner that we all saw during his media day in Big Bear and on De La Hoya/Pacquiao. "I want to thank Victor Ortiz for the shiner I got training. He made me train harder to move my head," said De La Hoya.
De La Hoya is focused and ready to go
During the presser, Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions took offense to the ‘Mexicans for Manny' stickers that had been shown around during the media tour and jovially introduced a handful of Mexican greats that are in Las Vegas to support the Golden Boy. Ruben Olivares, Carlos Zarate, Pipino Cuevas, Chiquita Gonzalez, Rudolfo Gonzalez, Chango Carmona, Juan Manuel Marquez, Rafael Marquez, Israel Vazquez, Daniel Zaragoza and Oscar Larios were all brought up to show their support for Oscar De La Hoya. Schaefer also announced that 50 canvas pieces which were used for the Marquez-Barrera bout have all been signed by the legends in attendance. The pieces will be sold in a charity auction which will support families of Mexican fighters.
Some of Mexico's best
With the fight just days away, the odds have continued to shrink as they are now -170 for Oscar De La Hoya and +140 for Manny Pacquiao. The fight had been declared a sellout but some new tickets have become available throughout the arena, for those still looking to attend.
Friday afternoon will mark the final weigh-in and 411mania will be on hand to bring you all the details. Then, on Saturday night, De La Hoya and Pacquiao will finally step into the ring at the MGM Grand to give fight fans the fight they've been looking forward to. May the best man win.
