Oscar De La Hoya believes a rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will end the same way as it did first time around.
That night, in May 2015, Mayweather comfortably outpointed Pacquiao at Las Vegas’ Grand Garden Arena in the most commercially successful event in the history of boxing.
Oscar De La Hoya gives stunned first reaction to Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao talks
Flash forward to the present day, and reports have emerged linking the pair to a money-spinning rematch.
Netflix are said to be interested in broadcasting the event, which would take place next year, providing it gets past the negotiation table.
It remains unclear whether the spectacle will be an exhibition bout or a professional contest, but Pacquiao has made it clear that he wants a ‘real fight’.
At 46 years old, Pacquiao stunned the boxing world in July by holding WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios to a majority draw following a four-year hiatus from the paid ranks.
Mayweather, who is 48, hasn’t competed professionally since his stoppage victory over Conor McGregor in August 2017.
He has instead been keeping busy in a series of non-scoring bouts against influencers, reality television stars and everything in between.
De La Hoya, who lost to both men at the peak of their powers, was stunned to hear that his former foes were in talks to fight again.
Speaking to talkSPORT.com one hour after reports dropped, the legendary six-weight world champion remarked: “Wow! Well, maybe I can be the referee. Let me get some action.
“Look, the first fight was many years ago, and it was an okay fight.
“Now, they are going to do it again, apparently. Look, it is all entertainment, that is how I see it.
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De La Hoya is picking Mayweather, whom he pushed all the way to the final bell in May 2007 in a split decision lossCredit: Getty
“I don’t know if it is going to be an exhibition or a fight with real rules and small boxing gloves.
“If they make it a real fight, with real rules, then it is an okay night for boxing.”
Oscar De La Hoya’s prediction for Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao
Pressed on his prediction if the fight does, in fact, take place next year, De La Hoya added: “I think Mayweather will take it.
“One thing about Mayweather is he has always taken care of himself.
“He’s always doing something physically, and that is the big advantage that he has.
“He is a world-class athlete, and watching Pacquiao’s last fight, you kind of feel bad for him.
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De La Hoya was retired on his stool by Pacquiao in the eighth round in December 2008Credit: AFP
“He did pull off a surprise in his last fight with a draw against a world champion, but you tend to feel that it is not the same Pacquiao.
“It definitely isn’t the same Pacquiao that I faced, the one who retired me on my stool.
“But I still think that Mayweather will pull this off if it does happen.”