World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao said on Friday that he will fight Mexican-American boxing superstar Oscar de la Hoya on December 6 in Las Vegas, the United States.

The slated fight is considered, by boxing fans and media in the Philippines, as "the biggest boxing bout of 2008."

Pacquiao, who started out years ago fighting as a flyweight, said the match will be the most important bout of his career, and he will be preparing thoroughly for this.

"This is the biggest fight of my career. I will prepare hard for this," he said.

Pacquiao, even though smaller than his opponent de la Hoya, is confident that he will defend his title.

The reigning WBC lightweight champion, born in 1978, sees his younger age and speed as an advantage for him to defeat his 35-year-old opponent.

"I saw his last performance on the last fight and I think I'm faster and younger. Oscar de la Hoya's height and bigger muscle built is his advantage, but I believe that I'm stronger than him," Pacquiao said on a TV interview.

Pacquiao is 1.69 meters tall while the height of De la Hoya is 1.78 meters.

The bout will be a 12-round, non-title fight contested at the 147-pound welterweight limit, reports said.

Source: Xinhua