The Neutral Corner

Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy, has already likened the Oscar De La Hoya-Manny Pacquiao fight to the Super Bowl. He believes this fight will transcend the realm of sport and become a global event.

And it's Pacquiao's Filipino fan-base that will make the difference.

"Manny Pacquiao is a national hero in the Philippines," said Schaefer. "He will be carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. The whole country of the Philippines will be behind him, supporting him."

When the Pacquiao-De La Hoya press tour stopped at the Statue of Liberty in New York City, a throng of Filipinos attended the press conference. Schaefer, who sites statistics stating the Filipinos are now among the fastest growing immigrant group in the U.S., expects many Filipinos to be in Las Vegas on Dec. 6 for the fight. He said that 33,000 additional tickets will be available to see the fight on Closed Circuit television.

There was one more twist that Schaefer added to the equation: "Pac Man has already beaten all the great Mexican fighters of this generation, Barrera, Morales and Marquez."

So is Oscar now fighting for the hopes of two nations -- America and Mexico?

"Oscar will do his best to represent his heritage," said Schaefer. "Anyone who has seen Oscar's fights and anyone who has seen Pac Man's fights won't be disappointed."

-- CASSIDY