By Hermie Rivera

With the lesser lights out of the running in the Manny Pacquiao derby, the Philippines’ ring icon makes a decisive move to cement his future by jumping over two weight divisions to take on Oscar de la Hoya in a welterweight brawl.

A contract could be signed in Las Vegas or Los Angeles where Bob Arum and Richard Schaefer are to finalize details of a once-belittled fantasy clash of ring hotshots.

The December 6 blockbuster will test Pacquiao’s toughness as well as de la Hoya’s resolve to win a huge one at a time he is ending his lifelong romance with the Sweet Science.

Now, the question is whether Oscar can make 147 pounds. or if Manny can go up with his power and speed intact?

Their handlers are emphatic Oscar can lose weight while Manny can meet the required limit.

Something intrigues me though and that is the haste with which the promoters are fast-tracking the Pinoy marvel to complete a three-fight 2008 calendar with de la Hoya’s adios fight rather than working out a deal for a mega-sized tab with the colorful Ricky Hatton.

Now, can somone explain the imposition of a matchup that smacks of outright edge in height, weight and heft for Oscar? A veteran who’s gifted as a slugging boxer.

Manny will have to outdo his past ring “spectaculars” to survive a bigger walloper in the Golden Boy.

Not that he’ll fail. It’s such a large leap from 135 to 147 lbs. Not at this time. Why not go after Hatton first. A less risky move I say than a precipate vault into the welterweight podium?

Sure, his handlers are insisting the Pacman can beat the lone six-division ruler with an Olympic gold medal to boot.

But are we talking here of a pile of greens the certified warriors are likely to rake in? More money for Pacquiao? Not really since he has a lot stashed away already.

For Oscar? Nah. The ultra- rich East Los Angeleno has now earned a bundle which he can’t dispose of in his lifetime.

In today’s declining market of the once-lucrative sport, Manny Pacquiao is playing by his own rules at a time of his choosing.

So far, he’s had his way with the various ‘greats’ in the light flyweight division where he started, up to his current lightweight throne.

But can Manny bulldoze his way and beat a favorite in Oscar? Can a fattened but sweet-punchin’ lightweight defy the odds and trounce the Golden Oscar? Your call.

One thing is clear as day bells The loser will get the brunt of a harsh retribution but richer by 20 million U.S. dollars not to mention the monstrous pay per view orders.