Boxing world champions Manny Pacquiao and Oscar de la Hoya, with their impressive ring record and charisma, are on course to leaving a lasting legacy. Both fighters have earned their worthy spots in the pantheon of sports legends no matter what the results of their dream match on December 6, 2008 turned out to be. On that night, the world watched a stunning and dominating victory by Pacquiao over de la Hoya via an 8th round TKO at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

(Video from youtube.com; posted by redspot19 09.16.08)

But did the de la Hoya-Pacquiao fight really determine who is the best pound-for-pound boxer on the planet? The most prudent reply would be that "A true champion does not a single fight make". But of course, there are afficionadoes who will assert that was the reason for the fight in the first place. In which case, then the lion's share of the laurels would be accorded Pacquiao. And then there are some who will contend that the best way to assess a boxing champ's enduring legacy is to go over the overall fight record plus whatever achievements or positive influence generated beyond boxing. Not only are they mere gladiators in the ring but are idolized as role models by fans and supporters regardless of age, country, or gender; and, as economic bellwethers for the sport, they helped elevate the level of compensation for world-class boxers.

The story of Pacman and the Golden Boy include their ascent to the zenith of their chosen calling, not thru shortcuts, but thru hard work, perseverance, and determination. They had to prove their mettle first in the amateur ranks and then in international tourneys. Notably, de la Hoya had a headstart since he was a gold medalist in Olympic lightweight boxing in the 1992 Barcelona Games. Although Pacquiao's amateur career was not as sterling, his stock skyrocketed in the professional ranks, especially in recent years as he defeated Erik Morales (twice in 2006), Marco Antonio Barrera (2007), and David Diaz (2008) in succession.  

The final verdict will be in the perception of the fans, boxing-related professionals (promoters, managers, coaches, trainers, cut men, fellow boxers, and boxing historians) who know the drill first-hand, and most of all, to themselves - down to the core of their personal ego, pride, courage, and conviction. The caveat is that history or fate itself remembers but does have a fickle memory. There will always be a new hero or king of the sport ready to bask in his own reign of glory, but until then, the legacy of world boxing champs Pacquiao and de la Hoya - as enduring sports legends - has been defined, cemented, and redefined for posterity.