17.02.04 – Superstar Oscar de la Hoya, 31, is targeting WBO middleweight champion Felix Sturm, 25. Universum CEO Peter Kohl confirms: „We are in talks with the Oscar de la Hoya camp for a bout with Felix Sturm. It was a surprise offer for us, however Felix Sturm is skilled, hungry and willing to fight his idol. De la Hoya is the biggest name one could imagine in the middle weight classes. The fact that he has aproached us is an obvious proof of our recent achievements and a proof of our reputation in world boxing.”
There are negotiations about place and time at present. “It is likely that the negotiations will proceed very quickly, once we have agreed on the fight“, said Kohl. “The next steps would be very easy.“ When Kohl informed Sturm about de la Hoya’s offer, the young champion had to swallow. Said Sturm: “He is my idol, since I started boxing. I have always said that I am patient enough to wait for another year or two for the big fight against one of the U.S. superstars. However, this is charming.”
Sturm’s coach Michael Timm has followed de la Hoya’s career very closely. “He is an idol for many of the Universum fighters, his movements, his punches are lessons for everybody in boxing. If Felix gets a chance to box him, he needs a special preparation, including physical fitness and a mental strength he has not though of at any moment of his career yet. We are confident enough to say we can even beat de la Hoya – although we do not want to sound bold or arrogant.”
Oscar de la Hoya has won 36 (29 KOs) out of 39 pro fights in various weight classes: super feather, lightweight, superlight, welterweight, lightmiddle, including world championships of different sanctioning bodies: WBO, IBF, WBA, WBA. His hardly less famous opponents were the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez, Felix Trinidad, Shane Mosley, Hector Camacho Sr., Ike Quartey, Pernell Whitaker, Fernando Vargas, etc. Oscar de la Hoya lost to Shane Mosley in their world championship (WBC/WBA) on September 13, 2003 – the day Felix Sturm won his middleweight title against Hector Velazco in Berlin. If de la Hoya beats Sturm, that would be his next title in another weight class. Said Sturm: “If . . .”