Manny Pacquiao says he is not concerned about Oscar De La Hoya's power, insisting he has enough of his own to beat the Golden Boy.
Pacquiao insists he can carry his power up to welterweight
Manny Pacquiao says he is not concerned about Oscar De La Hoya's power, insisting he has enough of his own to earn victory over the Golden Boy.
The Filipino legend has been feeding himself up for his first attempt at welterweight but has plenty on his plate on Saturday night if the big-fight stats are anything to go by.
Pacquiao may be the recognised as the pound-for-pound king of boxing but he has little to lose against a man so much bigger than himself.
Victory would be truly remarkable - Pacquiao began his career at 106lbs and it was only in his last fight against David Diaz that he made the successful step up to 135, fully 12 pounds below Saturday's weight limit.
By contrast, the four inch taller De La Hoya - who also has a six inch reach advantage - has successfully boiled down to 147 after spending most of the last five years at middleweight and light-middle.
Food for thought
But although it is De La Hoya who has been talking about a knockout victory, Pacquiao appears unconcerned by the Golden Boy's stiff jab and legendary left hook, saying his own speed and power will give Oscar plenty of food for thought.
"It's going to be boxing history if I win this fight," said Pacquiao. "I believe my power and my speed can beat him.
"Even when I'm fighting at lightweight, I'm sparring with light-middleweights, middleweights. I'm always fighting a big fighter in the gym. That's why I tell myself I can fight at welterweight.
"Physically, I feel the same. My speed is still there. I respect Oscar. He is a good fighter, a great warrior in the ring. But I'm not worried about his power. I have both speed and power. And I believe my speed and power can beat him.
"If you sacrifice and dream about a fight, you can win. It's hard to explain how happy I am right now."
