16 years ago

Date: 6th December 2008

Venue: MGM Grand, Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas

Title: 12 Round Welterweight Bout

Promoter: Top Rank & Golden Boy Promotions

Tv: HBO PPV

Oscar De La Hoya
( 39 - 5 - 0 )
Weight: 145 lbs

Manny Pacquiao
( 47 - 3 - 2 )
Weight: 142 lbs

On December 6th, 2008, the MGM Grand, Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, hosted one of the most anticipated fights in boxing history. It was a clash between two legends of the sport, Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao. The fight was promoted by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions and generated 1.25 million pay-per-view buys and $70 million in pay-per-view revenue, making it the fourth-highest non-heavyweight event in boxing history.

The buildup to the fight was intense, with both fighters confident in their abilities to come out victorious. Pacquiao, the reigning WBC lightweight champion, moved up two weight classes to face the larger De La Hoya, who had previously won world titles in six different weight divisions. The fight was scheduled for 12 rounds, and the winner would be determined by the judges' decision or knockout.

As the fight began, it was apparent that Pacquiao was the more aggressive fighter, throwing a flurry of punches that kept De La Hoya on the back foot. De La Hoya, who was known for his powerful left hook, was unable to find his range, and Pacquiao's quick footwork and combinations kept him at bay. By the end of the fourth round, Pacquiao had landed twice as many punches as De La Hoya.

As the fight progressed, it became evident that Pacquiao's speed and accuracy were too much for De La Hoya to handle. In the eighth round, Pacquiao landed a powerful left hook that stunned De La Hoya and forced him to take a knee. Although De La Hoya was able to get up and continue fighting, it was clear that he was struggling and was no longer a threat to Pacquiao.

By the end of the ninth round, De La Hoya's corner had seen enough, and they threw in the towel, giving Pacquiao the victory by technical knockout. It was a dominant performance by Pacquiao, who proved that he was one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

Following the fight, De La Hoya announced his retirement from boxing, stating that he would focus on promoting the sport instead. He finished his career with a record of 39 wins, six losses, and 30 knockouts. Pacquiao, on the other hand, went on to become one of the most successful boxers in history, winning world titles in eight different weight divisions and cementing his place as a boxing legend.