Manny Pacquiao’s star-making victory over Oscar De La Hoya only happened because of Floyd Mayweather refusal

Oscar De La Hoya was looking for an alternative to Floyd Mayweather when the idea of him fighting Manny Pacquiao, then a lightweight, was first proposed.

It was none other than the respected HBO analyst Larry Merchant who first detected the ability in them to combine in an occasion capable of transcending boxing, but when he did so Pacquiao, for all of his undoubted ability, had never fought above 135lbs.

HBO Boxing had largely come to define the sport during what represented the glory era of the noughties.

Their 24/7 series had first enhanced De La Hoya’s standing as the world’s highest-profile figure and contributed to Floyd Mayweather succeeding him in that status; when De La Hoya vs Pacquiao was signed for December 6, 2008, it then started the process of transforming the exciting Pacquiao into a crossover star.

If De La Hoya had been frustrated by Mayweather’s refusal to commit to a rematch – in May 2007 Mayweather had earned a split decision over him at super-welterweight – Pacquiao had come to represent the next most lucrative opponent.

Pacquiao had also been viewed as fortunate to earn a decision over Juan Manuel Marquez in March 2008 at super-featherweight – it was widely concluded that even after impressing in victory over David Diaz at lightweight three months later, he would be too small to trouble De La Hoya, who had previously fought at 160lbs.

“The size difference won’t be a big deal to me or Manny,” said the “Golden Boy” when their welterweight contest was agreed to.

“I understand the relentless style Manny has. For me, as a 35-year-old fighter it really is a big challenge to me. I felt challenged, especially from an expert trainer who trained me and trains Manny.

“He knows my style and knows Manny. If he thinks I can’t pull the trigger, we’ll see December 6.”