De la Hoya officially hires Beristain for Dec. 6

Source: ESPN.com

ESPN.com's Dan Rafael reports that Oscar de la Hoya has officially hired famed Mexican trainer Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain for his December 6 fight with Manny Pacquiao, ending any speculation as to what man would be his second for that bout.

While de la Hoya had said he was trying to figure a way to work with his preferred trainer, Floyd Mayweather, Sr., it appears as though Mayweather and Oscar simply could not come to a good enough agreement. Mayweather is obligated to train Ricky Hatton for the first time in preparation for Hatton's November 22 showdown with Paulie Malignaggi, for Hatton's junior welterweight championship.

Beristain had been the leading candidate since it was reported a few weeks ago that Mayweather may not be in Oscar's corner for the Pacquiao fight.

Beristain is probably best known for his recent work with the Marquez brothers (lightweight champion Juan Manuel and ex-junior featherweight champion Rafael), but he has trained Hall of Fame fighters like Daniel Zaragoza, Ricardo Lopez, and Chiquita Gonzalez, too.

Having worked with Juan Manuel, of course, Beristain is very, very familiar with Pacquiao's style, and that could lend Oscar some outstanding insight as to how to attack the smaller, but younger and faster man. He also obviously knows the habits of Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach.

Personally, I think it's an excellent hire, and probably the perfect choice with Floyd, Sr., unavailable. Nacho is a brilliant trainer and will give Oscar a lot of help, if he does indeed need any.