Dubai: Those worried that Manny Pacquiao has left it too late to fight Floyd Mayweather Junior should rest assured, according to Oscar De La Hoya.
The Mexican American boxer who fought and lost against both Mayweather and Pacquiao before his retirement in 2008, has said that the time it’s taken to organise this US$300 million (Dh1.1 billion) mega-fight - billed ‘The Fight of the Century’ - may just stand in PacMan’s favour.
When asked if this would have been a better fight if held five years ago when both fighters were arguably in their prime - particularly Pacquiao, De La Hoya replied: “You can say that because Pacquiao has been in tougher fights, he’s been the tougher fighter, he’s been knocked out and been in the wars throughout his career, he has a bit more wear and tear in his body.”
The boxer was in Dubai on Friday competing in the Icons Cup all-star golf tournament at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht club,
“But, I feel that this fight taking place now and not five years ago is probably going to be more exciting. Because Mayweather’s legs are not the same, he’ll probably stay more stationary in front of Pacquiao, therefore Pacquiao’s going to have a lot more of a better chance at landing punches. I think, yes, this fight should have happened a while back but I think it will be a more exciting fight today.”
