-Photo Courtesy of HBO-

If publicists, high profile trainers/advisors, cheerleading relatives and sponsors decided this fight, Manny Pacquiao wouldn't even have to climb into the squared circle; the victory would go to part-time fighter, full-time capitalist Oscar de la Hoya hands down. However, boxing doesn't work that way, and come Saturday night two men -and two men only- will step up to face each other.

Manny Pacquiao may be an underdog in this fight, but he is a very live underdog, and I feel that in the end, Pacquiao's motivation will help him prevail.

The Filipino champion fights for a cause, for his country and its people; that's what fuels his fire, and in his mind he simply cannot disappoint. De la Hoya fights to feed his bank account, (let's not forget his ego), and that may not be enough to get by a motivated and hungry Pacman.

If game -but light punching- Stevie Forbes could hang with Oscar for 12 rounds leaving a facial impression on the Golden one in the process, Manny Pacquiao has to be considered a serious threat. (A sparring partner seemed to have inflicted similar punishment during camp, as it was painfully obvious in one of the 24/7 promotional shows, where Oscar sported an ugly shiner).

HBO's 24/7 episodes are turning out to be a double edged sword, as they have shown a less than self-assured De la Hoya, constantly searching for an answer to the riddle he is about to face on Saturday night. He has been showcased hanging on every word uttered, like a so-so amateur about to turn pro. Not a pretty picture. And if that isn't bad enough, Bernard Hopkins is brought in to elevate the cheerleading team to the next level. For Oscar's sake, I hope Bernard's tenure in Big Bear included a chapter on how to safeguard against "leever" shots. Ouch!

Oscar de la Hoya's quest to become a billionaire, as he has openly acknowledged, places him in a no win situation against Manny Pacquiao. Should Oscar win, well, if the Earth is round and boxing theories hold up, isn't he supposed to win? In this case, the win will be of little (non-monetary) value to Oscar de la Hoya. But, dare I say it? What if he loses to Manny Pacquiao? What then? Will it be his last fight? Could Oscar's ego survive such a loss? Talk about a no win situation!

Call me crazy, but I favor Manny Pacquiao to win this fight.

The De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao pay-per-view telecast will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes.  The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD.  For De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.