Golden Boy plans to silence ‘young lion’ Pacquiao

BOXING’S most recognisable name takes on the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter tonight when Oscar De La Hoya meets Manny Pacquiao in a 12-round welterweight bout at the MGM Grand (2am, Sky Sports pay per view).

The biggest fight of the year so far is being held at the 147lb limit with four-weight world champion Pacquiao, who most recently fought at the 135lb lightweight division, moving up in weight, with De La Hoya moving down to welterweight for the first time in more than seven years.

Some experts have called the bout a mismatch, considering Pacquiao began his career at 106lbs and is jumping two weight classes to meet De La Hoya.