Los Angeles, CA -- (Sports Network) - Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao will meet in the ring on Saturday, December 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The 12-round, non-title fight will be contested at the 147-pound welterweight limit.

De La Hoya (39-5, 30 KOs) last fought on May 3, 2008 and won a unanimous decision against Steve Forbes.

"Manny Pacquiao is considered the best fighter in boxing today and I always want to fight the best," said De La Hoya, who has taken on some boxing's best in a storied career that began with an Olympic gold medal in 1992.

The Golden Boy has won titles in six different divisions, and has fought big names in the sport that include Floyd Mayweather Jr., Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosley, Felix Trinidad and Pernell Whitaker.

"I am glad we were able to make this fight happen because while Pacquiao is at the pinnacle of his success and has defeated all of the top fighters he has faced, I am going to show the world that it stops with me. December 6 can't get here soon enough."

Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35 KOs) has never fought above 135 pounds and has held titles in four weight classes.

"This is my greatest challenge," said Pacquiao. "When I take that walk to the ring to fight Oscar, I will carry all the people of the Philippines -- the entire country -- on my shoulders. I promise I will fight with all of my heart and that I will give everything I have."

The 29-year-old captured the WBC lightweight belt in his last bout on June 28 against David Diaz.