Oscar De La Hoya predicts Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao rematch: “He’ll pull it off”

Oscar De La Hoya gave his predictions for the proposed rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, two fighters he faced in their prime.

Various reports have indicated that Mayweather and Pacquiao, two boxing legends, are in negotiations for a second meeting.

The pair brawled in 2015, when Mayweather notched a clear points victory in what has since maintained its status as the most lucrative boxing event of all time.

Secondly, the American’s last professional fight was against Conor McGregor, which he stopped in the 10th round in 2017 before participating in a series of exhibition matches.

As for Pacquiao, it was little surprise when the 46-year-old ended a four-year layoff and tied with WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios last July.

During his hiatus from the professional circuit, the Filipino competed in only two exhibition matches, but still captured an instant world title earlier this year.

Although widely considered the weakest beltholder at 147 pounds, many believe WBC champion Barrios would be too fresh for the aging Pacquiao.

But now, it appears the eight-division world champion has no desire to return to retirement, especially with a rematch with Mayweather still on the table.

According to Hall of Famer De La Hoya in an interview with talkSPORT, he believes Mayweather, whether it’s an exhibition or a professional bout, should have an advantage over his rival.

“I think Mayweather will take it.

“The one thing about Mayweather is he’s always taken care of himself. He’s always doing something, physically, and that’s the big advantage he has.

“He’s a world-class athlete, and when you watch Pacquiao’s last fight, you feel bad for him. He’s definitely not the same Pacquiao I faced, the guy who benched me.

“But I still think Mayweather will pull it off if that happens.”

De La Hoya is one of the few men to have faced both legendary fighters, having lost to Mayweather by split decision in May 2007, before an eighth-round retirement defeat to Pacquiao in December 2008, so he’s in a better position than most to share his view on the potential bout.

It remains to be seen whether or not a rematch will come to fruition, as it was recently reported that Pacquiao may have once again turned his attention to a bout with WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero.