DE LA HOYA VS PACQUIAO: ALMOST OFFICIAL?

Tsk tsk tsk...This news comes not just from any boxing site but from a reputable sports news organization.

At 4 p.m. Wednesday, a contingent from Top Rank, led by CEO Bob Arum, will arrive at the Los Angeles offices of Golden Boy Promotions to begin -- and hopefully finalize -- negotiations with Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer for a December welterweight bout between Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Paquiao.

While the results of the negotiations are not considered academic, Schaefer told SI.com on Tuesday that the odds were "70-30" that a deal would get made while a high-ranking HBO executive said that the network was holding Dec. 6 "specifically for Pacquiao-De La Hoya."

In other words, don't expect any last minute announcement that Pacquiao will be replaced by WBA welterweight champion Antonio Margarito, who established himself as the premiere fighter in the division last month when he stopped Miguel Cotto in the 11th round.

But Schaefer also may be covering for what has become obvious to many in boxing's inner circle: De La Hoya does not want to end his career a bloody mess and flat on his back -- two very probable outcomes for the Golden Boy in a matchup with Margarito.

source

Need I say more?

What if ODLH beats Manny?

De La Hoya-Pacquiao will be captivating and worth watching. But even if De La Hoya beats Pacquiao, he'll have only beaten a fighter who is two weight classes out of his league. Just as quickly as it happened, it will be forgotten.

By the way De La Hoya pick on somebody your own size!!! There's a worthy challenger by the name of Antonio Margarito calling you out. Yeah I thought so shades of Mayweather...chicken! And for Pacquiao - I hope you know what your doing...if the fight pushes through I'll pray for your safety.