Fight analysts and personalities involved in the much awaited December 6 “Dream Match” between Manny Pacquiao and Oscar de la Hoya have spoken on what they think both boxers need to win the fight.   

In the fight’s promotional video made by HBO, the main cast surrounding the Dream Match such as Pacquiao, de la Hoya, Freddie Roach, Nacho Beristain and even Top Rank promoter Bob Arum revealed the strategies each camp will have to employ to ensure victory.

“I'm gonna be looking for that perfect punch to take him away from his game plan, to make him think this is a whole different league,” said de la Hoya.

De la Hoya’s coach Beristain said he will exploit the talent his ward already has to make sure Pacquiao gets beat.

“I'm planning to use all of Oscar's natural abilities in order to come out with a victory," he said.

However, Roach and Arum believe Pacquiao will give the international superstar one hell of a fight. 

“We're not gonna give him any momentum whatsoever," said Roach, who once coached de la Hoya himself. “We're gonna make him fight every minute of every round.” 

Arum said Pacquiao will tire out de la Hoya before going for the kill.

“He has to wear down his opponent, bust him up, and finally throw the money punch that ends the fight," said the Top Rank honcho.

What fight analysts say

Fight analysts also have their own possible Dream Match scenarios.   

Carlos Arias of news daily Orange County Register said de la Hoya will have to use every advantage he has to stop a charging Pacquiao.

"He's gonna have to use every bit of his height, reach, strength," he said. 

Michael Rosenthal of the Ring Magazine said de la Hoya should find a way to take out his trademark quickness.

“He has to neutralize Pacquiao’s speed,” said Rosenthal.

On the other hand, Arias said Pacquiao should earn de la Hoya’s by throwing heavy punches. He thinks the Filipino should send the message that he’s all business.

“Manny has to get in close, he has to get Oscar's respect early make him feel his punches so that Oscar goes to think a little bit 'this guy's come to knock me out,'" said Arias.

David Avila of the Riverside Press-Enterprise said the Filipino can beat de la Hoya by outwitting him.

“The best strategy for Pacquiao is to take Oscar to deep waters," he said.

For boxing historian Bert Sugar and fight commentator Larry Merchant, the match is indeed a fight of the ages.

“This is gonna be a barn burner, a tactical and maneuvering fight,” said Sugar. “I like it for every reason that is to like a fight. And I like them both to win, how's that for a selection?" 

“It will be an electric emotional event that you will feel, no matter where you are watching," said Merchant.

Pacquiao, who enters that Las Vegas ring on Decembner 6 as an underdog, believes in one thing. 

“I can handle his power,” he said with confidence. “I'm stronger.” -- Dennis Gasgonia, abs-cbnNEWS.com