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 has been signed for the once-belittled fantasy clash of ring hotshots.

The December 6 blockbuster at Vegas’ MGM Grand 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 in weight retaining his power and speed?

Their handlers are emphatic Oscar can lose weight while Manny won’t go over the limit.

What is puzzling is the haste with which the promoters fast-tracked the Pinoy marvel’s three-fight ‘08 calendar with de la Hoya leaving the colorful Ricky Hatton out in the cold.

More puzzling is the imposition of a matchup that smacks of outright edge in height, weight and heft for Oscar?

Manny will have to outdo his past ring “spectaculars” to survive a bigger Oscar.

Not that the Pinoy idol will fail. It’s such a large leap from 135 to 147 pounds. Why not go after Hatton first. A less risky move I say than a headlong 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.

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 ‘greats’ in the light flyweight division where he started up to his current lightweight throne.

But can Manny bulldoze his way and beat 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 a minimum of 20 million dollars not to mention the monstrous pay per view orders.