Pacquiao, de la Hoya 'can relate' to Liberty promotion

MANILA, Philippines – The six-US city promotional tour for the Manny Pacquiao-Oscar de la Hoya tussle will begin with the bout’s kickoff media conference to be held on October 1 at the Statue of Liberty in New York City. It will reportedly be the first press conference of any kind to be held on Liberty Island, widely considered as the symbol of freedom and democracy. "Having the opportunity to announce the fight at the Statue of Liberty is like a dream come true for me," de la Hoya said. "As the son of immigrants and a very proud Mexican-American, I take great pride in what I have been able to accomplish … and I see myself as a true testament to the notion that with opportunity, hard work and determination anyone can realize their dreams," the former Olympic champion added. "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," Pacquiao said. "Many Filipinos and some of my family members live [in the US] and the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of the great opportunities offered by the US to the rest of the world," the Filipino slugger added. "We are delighted to be hosting this event on Liberty Island," Brad Hill, president of Evelyn Hill Inc., the concessionaire to the National Park Service, said in a report Wednesday by Eastsideboxing.com. "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," Hill said. After the New York City appearance, the boxers will promote their December 6 fight at famous landmarks in five other major cities which include stops at the Sears Tower in Chicago on October 2, the Space Center in Houston (October 3), The Alamo in San Antonio (October 3), the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco (October 4), and the Whittier Boulevard Arch in Los Angeles. – GMANews.TV