07.05.06 – By James Slater, photo by David Martin Warr / DKP: I was as shocked as everyone else by the magnificent timing and complete lack of ring rust displayed by Oscar De La Hoya last night. Don’t get me wrong, I did expect him to defeat Ricardo Mayorga – it’s just that I expected a much slower start from Oscar, along with the initial sluggishness one would expect from a fighter who was having his first fight in almost two years. But no, Oscar was as sharp as ever and decked the trash talking “El Matador” in the very first round with a fine left hook. The stunned look on the champion’s face told the story. From then on in, despite remaining dangerous and showing heart, the fight was un-winnable for the Nicaraguan. He , like practically everyone else, was banking on De La Hoya being rusty and easier to hit. What Oscar somehow did, however, was box in a manner that was akin to the glorious days of his prime! As such the sixth round KO victory over a fighter that managed to get as deeply under his skin as no-one before was instantly ranked as one of “The Golden Boy’s” most satisfying. It must also rank up with his most impressive. To come back from twenty months of idleness and box in such a smooth, punch perfect way, once again proved just how great a fighter Oscar De La Hoya is..
So, what does the excellent win mean for Oscar? Firstly, I think it gives him a superb chance of being the recipient of Ring magazine’s comeback fighter of the year for 2006. It also sets up some absolutely mouth-watering and fascinating possibilities for Oscar’s farewell bout in September. And finally, the crushing win removes the previous image we had of De La Hoya as a fighter – namely him pounding the canvas in frustration and pain after tasting the body shot Bernard Hopkins hit him perfectly with.
Who then, will Oscar fight in September?
Well, it’s worth noting what he said to Larry Merchant post-fight first of all. Oscar hinted that he may very well exit the sport on this high note, without another bout. Only after some serious thinking will De La Hoya make a decision. But supposing he does decide to go ahead with a farewell fight – who will he square off with?
I think a bout with Floyd Mayweather Jnr is a long-shot. Mayweather snr, Oscar’s trainer said he will never train him for a fight against his own son. De la Hoya would therefore have to break up the long and arguably successful partnership with Floyd snr if he went ahead with the fight against the pound-for-pound king. A I said, a long shot. Winky Wright’s name could very well enter the picture- but first he has Jermain Taylor to contend with up at middleweight. Should Winky defeat Taylor, would he be willing to step back down to 154? Oscar, as we know cannot box effectively as a middleweight. Maybe the two will box at a catch weight? Money, I believe will have the final say on Winky’s decision, and who could blame him? Fighting “The Golden Boy” is a sure way to please your bank manager. What about Felix Trinidad? Reportedly he had a verbal agreement with Don King to make a return to face Mayorga should he defeat Oscar. Now that hasn’t happened Felix may still be tempted to have a second fight with De La Hoya. Oscar would surely love the chance at avenging his first ever loss. And what a way to leave the sport. We think Oscar looks content now! A convincing win over “Tito” would be the icing on the cake of a great career.
The three names mentioned above seem to be the most obvious candidates for Oscar’s final ring appearance. One thing is for sure though, whoever boxing’s highest earning star fights – if indeed any one at all- it will result in yet another high profile, sell-out event. And this is what boxing always needs – true superstars.
Thanks to his magnificent victory last night, Oscar De La Hoya is very much a superstar still. At age thirty three he shone as brightly as ever before!