Oscar De La Hoya: “Maybe I’ll Be the Referee for Mayweather–Pacquiao?”

Golden Boy Promotions founder and CEO Oscar De La Hoya shared his thoughts on the potential rematch between former world champions Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

“Wow! Maybe I’ll be the referee for that fight? I want a little action. Look, the first fight was many years ago — it was a decent fight, but nothing more. And now it looks like they’re going to do it again. For me, this is just a show, entertainment — that’s how I see it.

I don’t know whether it will be an exhibition or an actual fight under professional rules with small gloves. If it’s a real boxing match with real rules, then sure, it’s a proper night of boxing.

My prediction? I think Mayweather wins. You know, Floyd has always taken care of himself. He’s always in great shape — and that’s his biggest advantage. He’s a world-class athlete. And when you watch Pacquiao’s last fight, you do feel a bit of sympathy.

Yes, he surprised everyone by earning a draw against a world champion — but you can tell he’s not the same Pacquiao anymore. Definitely not the Pacquiao who once forced me to withdraw from a fight. But still, if the fight happens, I believe Mayweather wins,” said De La Hoya.

Floyd Mayweather (50-0, 27 KOs) and Manny Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) previously met in May 2015, with Mayweather winning by unanimous decision.

Mayweather’s last official fight took place in August 2017, when he stopped Conor McGregor in the 10th round.

In July, Pacquiao returned after a four-year layoff, fighting WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a draw.