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'Pretty Boy' vs. 'Golden Boy'

The Oscar de la Hoya-Floyd Mayweather boxing match could keep thousands of fans glued to their screens

The Oscar de la Hoya-Floyd Mayweather boxing match could keep thousands of fans glued to their HBO pay-per-view screens rather than bellying up to their local bars on Cinco de Mayo.

Six-division world champion de la Hoya meets an unbeaten, four-division world champion in Mayweather; both are also former Olympians. The two take the ring at 6 p.m. in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

"The World Awaits" fight promises to eclipse pay-per-view numbers and the live gate is expected to shatter the record $16.8 million generated by the Lennox Lewis vs. Evander Holyfield match in 1999. Golden Boy Promotions officials predict $18 million in tickets will be sold. At prices starting at $350 and jumping to $2,000, that amount shouldn't be too hard to reach.

De la Hoya, known as the "Golden Boy" and a 1992 Olympic gold medalist for the U.S., holds a record of 38-4, with 30 knockouts. His opponent, dubbed "Pretty Boy Floyd," has built a solid 37-0 record, with 24 knockouts and holds a bronze medal from the 1996 Olympics.

Boxing buzz is putting the event on the level of the legendary Ali-Frazier bout and the pressure is not wasted on the two competitors.

"We've talked about it, the press and fans have asked for it, and now we're going to put it all on the line and fight. I can't wait for May 5," de la Hoya is quoted as saying in a promotional release.

"I respect everything Oscar has accomplished in this sport, but this time he's in over his head," Floyd responds.