it's gonna happen: pacquiao vs. de la hoya

Last week, it was announced that boxer Manny Pacquiao, pride of the Philippines, will face off against Oscar De La Hoya at MGM Grand in Las Vegas on December 6, for what will undoubtedly be the biggest fight of 2008: Pacquiao to move up two weight classes to fight De La Hoya.

The two have agreed to fight at 147 pounds. At a listed 5-10 1/2, De La Hoya, who has never fought at a weight lighter than 130, is 4 inches taller than Pacquiao, who is listed at 5-6 1/2 and started his career in the Philippines at a reported 107 pounds. Whatever happens, both stand to make a lot of money.

This is going to be huge. According to Pacquiao promoter Top Rank, within minutes of the official announcement, telephone lines at its Las Vegas office were flooded with ticket requests, even though tickets have not yet been priced and aren't available. Expect the streets of Manila to come to a standstill on the eve of December 6.

Hell, I don't even follow boxing, but this gets me very excited. I might actually order up the match on pay-per-vew, just to see what the hype is all about.