Oscar, Manny Announce Boxing Press Tour Dates

ByBoxing Press

Boxing superstars Oscar de la Hoya and Manny Pacquiao will each make one of the biggest announcements of their respective careers when they officially announce their December 6 mega-fight at one of the most cherished landmarks in the United States-the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island in New York City. The press event, the first ever to take place on Liberty Island, will kick-off a six-city press tour marking the official announcement of what is a dream match-up for sports fans and one of the biggest fights in boxing history.

While the Statue of Liberty hosts more than five million visitors each year, this will be the first press conference ever held on Liberty Island. Dedicated in 1886, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States. Over the years, the Statue of Liberty has become a symbol of freedom and democracy as it was the first landmark that millions of immigrants saw upon arrival in the United States. In 1924 it was named a National Monument and is one of the most recognizable statues in the world.

“We are delighted to be hosting this event on Liberty Island,” said Brad Hill, President of Evelyn Hill Inc, the Concessionaire to the National Park Service. “This event is unlike anything we have ever done. By virtue of their great successes, Mexican American Oscar de la Hoya and Filipino Manny Pacquiao embody what the Statue of Liberty represents. We are working hard to ensure that this is not only a memorable day for the fighters and their camps, but everyone who attends.”

De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, Inc. and sponsored by Cazadores Tequila, Cerveza Tecate, Dewalt Tools and Southwest Airlines. The 12-round, 147-pound welterweight bout is set for Saturday, Dec. 6 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

“Having the opportunity to announce the fight at the Statue of Liberty is like a dream come true for me,” said De La Hoya. “As the son of immigrants and a very proud Mexican-American, I believe the Statue of Liberty is the United States’ greatest symbol of freedom and opportunity. I take great pride in what I have been able to accomplish as the son of immigrants and see myself as a true testament to the notion that with opportunity, hard work and determination anyone can realize their dreams.”

“Although I am from the Philippines, the United States has given me the greatest opportunity to advance my career and financial security for my family and me,” said Pacquiao. “Many Filipinos and some of my family members live there and the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of the great opportunities offered by the United States to the rest of the world.”

In addition to the Statue of Liberty stop, the De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao press tour will stop at other monumental locations across the country that reinforces the magnitude of the event. The tour schedule is as follows:

October 1 New York City-Statue of Liberty-Open to the Public (Noon)
October 2 Chicago, IL-Sears Tower-Media Only (Noon)
October 3 Houston, TX-Space Center Houston-Media Only (11:00 am)
October 3 San Antonio, TX-The Alamo-Open to the Public (3:00 pm)
October 4 San Francisco, CA-Golden Gate Park Chrissy Field-Open to the Public (Noon)
October 7 Los Angeles, CA-Whittier Boulevard Arch-Open to the Public (Noon)

The De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and 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. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.