Despite no title belts being disputed, the bout received a lot of publicity since the two boxers were decorated, with Pacquiao being the current number one pound for pound boxer in the world as judged by The Ring, and a five-time world champion in five different weight divisions (Pacquiao was the reigning WBC lightweight champion at the time of the bout).

Meanwhile, De La Hoya was an Olympic gold medalist and past holder of 10 world titles in six weight divisions.

"[citation needed] Pacquiao had made his US debut on the undercard of Oscar De La Hoya's bout with Javier Castillejo in June 2001.

De La Hoya defeated Stevie Forbes in the May tune-up bout in preparation for Mayweather.

Due to Mayweather's unexpected retirement however, Ricky Hatton was the new potential candidate to fight De La Hoya on September 20.

[3] Presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, Inc., the bout was scheduled as a 12-round, non-title fight contested at the 147-pound welterweight limit.

Although Pacquiao went into the fight recognized as the leading pound-for-pound boxer in the world, some boxing pundits speculated that 147 pounds could be too far above his natural weight against the larger De La Hoya.

Boxing analysts stated that Oscar's size, reach, experience, and good chin made Manny the underdog in this mega fight.

Training for the fight Oscar hired trainers Angelo Dundee, Ignacio "Nacho" Beristáin, and young boxing talent Edwin Valero.

[8] Pacquiao unleashes a flurry of punches in round 5; De La Hoya saw it coming but wasn't able to react fast enough.

De La Hoya himself lands a body shot and a couple of hooks, but the two boxers exchange punches at the end of the round.

[9] Pacquiao pursues De La Hoya's body but is warned by referee Tony Weeks to "keep them up" (keep punches above the belt).

Another left by Pacquiao dazes the Mexican-American, as the Filipino follows up with another combination which wobbles De La Hoya.