There were no smiles from Oscar De La Hoya last week at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills last week during the press conference to announce the September 18 superfight between "The Golden Boy" and Bernard Hopkins. For De La Hoya, this fight is about history, and that's serious business.

"I took this fight because I know I have to work hard, because if I don't he knocks me out," said a deadly serious De La Hoya. "I don't want to get knocked out and be the laughing stock of the world. I want to prove to every single person out there all over the world that I can do this."

"Quest for History" a 12 round bout for all the belts at 160 pounds, as well as recognition as boxing's best, "Pound for Pound", will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

"This is the Super Bowl of boxing, an event that is bigger than the sport, an event which will capture the attention of people from around the world.and yes against all odds Oscar De La Hoya will prevail," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.

Hopkins, middleweight champion since 1995, is the favorite going into the fight, but he's definitely not looking past the six-division world champion.

"It's going to be a tougher fight than (Felix) Trinidad," said Hopkins. "Trinidad was one-dimensional. Oscar's not that guy. I'm looking for a hard fight. I know his heart; I've watched him fight. I will not underestimate him."

Strangely enough, De La Hoya enjoys being in the underdog role.

"Every other fight out there was always the same story," said De La Hoya. "I'm always the favored fighter to win, with the pressure, the expectations. For the very first time in my career, there's no pressure. Zero."

De La Hoya and Hopkins are coming off decision victories on the June 5 doubleheader at the MGM Grand over Felix Sturm and Robert Allen, respectively. De La Hoya knows that while Sturm is a high-quality fighter, he's no Bernard Hopkins.

"Having this man in front of me, Bernard Hopkins, is not a joke," said Oscar. "This is the fight of my life. It's the fight of my life because he can end my life and I know that. All it takes is ten seconds. I get tired for ten seconds and its over."

Moving his training camp back to Big Bear for this fight, Oscar De La Hoya is primed, ready, and serious for his greatest challenge. On September 18, he looks to make history.

"I love what I do," said De La Hoya. "I love to fight. I love to rise to the occasion and prove every single one wrong, and to prove to myself, especially myself, that I'm going to do this."