ABS-CBN: World awaits 'The Dream Match' Pacquiao-De La Hoya

Expect boxing fans from both sides of the Pacific, and even the Atlantic, to keep focus as two of the biggest prizefighters of today slug it out for "The Dream Match" Saturday in Las Vegas (Sunday in Manila).

And if the silence between them during weigh-in Friday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena was a sign of things to come on Saturday, then both Manny Pacquiao and Oscar de la Hoya have certainly studied each other closely as they packed up their respective arsenals while on training.

No verbal tussles were made, no pushing and shoving incidents were recorded.

The two, who have only high regard for one another, just trained eyes on his foe, seemingly sizing him up.

Pacquiao and de la Hoya both made the weight for the welterweight super fight.

Pacquiao, the reigning World Boxing Council lightweight champ and the younger among the two fighters, did not have any problem making the 147-pound limit. He tipped the scales at 142.

Six-division and 10-time world champ de la Hoya, meanwhile, was two pounds shy of the limit at 145.

The ring rivals came out to the main stage of the MGM Grand Garden Arena as an estimated 7,000 fans cheered them on.

Pacquiao took off his shirt while de la Hoya did some shadow boxing, waiting for his turn.

The Filipino ring icon looked strong as he flexed his full muscles. The "Golden Boy", meanwhile, showed his top, solid form.

Both had their fight faces for the cameras and showed the fans how they wanted to get it on.

Big meal

After the weigh-in, Pacquiao ate his traditional meal of "nilagang baka" (beef in vegetable soup), barbecue, lots of rice and fruits.

There was also some discussion among members of Team Pacquiao about the weigh-in since the Filipino champ wondered how he came in at 142 when he weighed four pounds heavier an hours before.

There is a penalty of $3 million for every pounds over the 147-lb limit.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, has declined to come out openly to say that he suspects cheating took place during the weigh-in.

He, however, said that de la Hoya had trouble making the weight.

All's well between Don Jose, Manny

Pacquiao obviously had no trouble making the cut since the agreed upon limit is 12 pounds heavier than his last fight at 135 lbs.

On Friday morning, Pacquiao was relaxed and spend some time playing chess.

A limousine later picked him up for the trip to the MGM Grand.

While waiting for his name to be called, a fight doctor checked him up.

He also met with WBC president Jose Sulaiman. The two hugged, showing signs that all has been resolved as far as Pacquiao's allegedly unpaid sanction fees to the WBC were concerned.

Sulaiman said they have reached an agreement with regard to the fees.

Undercards step up

Meanwhile, other boxers who had their weights measured as part of the undercard were reigning World Boxing Organization super bantam champ Juan Manuel Lopez. He was at 122 lbs while Argentinian challenger Sergio Medina had a similar weight.

The two will slug it out for the WBO junior featherweight crown.

Victor Ortiz was at 140 lbs, as well as opponent Jeffrey Resto. They will face off for the North American Boxing Organization junior welterweight title.

Can Oscar pull it off after 8 years?

De la Hoya last fought at 147 lbs when he lost by split decision to Shane Mosley on June 17, 2000. The following year, he won against Arturo Gatti at 146.

Since then, de la Hoya saw action above the 150-lb weight class, even stepping into 160 for the fight that he won against Felix Sturn in 2004.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, stepped up two weight divisions to meet de la Hoya in the 147-lb division.

He last fought and won the World Boxing Council lightweight crown against David Diaz in Las Vegas in June this year.

For their fight, de la Hoya carries the distinction of having won an Olympic medal when he represented the United States in the 1992 Barcelona Games. He is a 10-time world champ in six weight classes.

The Filipino, meanwhile, reigned over four weight divisions and has demolished a string of Mexican boxing legends, thus earning him the monicker "The Mexicutioner." Pacquiao, however, has declined to accept the tag.