LAS VEGAS, NV (May 2, 2007)…Everyone is talking and weighing in on the outcome of the Oscar De La Hoya vs Floyd Mayweather “The World Awaits” mega-bout Saturday, May 5 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas live on HBO Pay-Per-View. From “The Donald” to Miami Heat’s “D Wade,” find out what the celebrities, professional athletes and fellow pugilists are saying about the hottest and most highly anticipated bout in boxing history..
“Oscar has always been under-rated—he will win!” Donald J. Trump
“That right there is going to be … that’s a good one cause a lot of times everybody counts De La Hoya out. He’s always the underdog. And he’s at his best when everyone counts him out. I think this is gonna be one of the biggest challenges for Mayweather. I mean I think it’s gonna be a tough fight. I can’t pick a winner on this one. I really can’t. I’m not gonna bet on it. I’m just gonna go there and enjoy it.” Hip-hop mogul Diddy
Hmmmmmmhmmmm, De La Hoya.” A drian Grenier, Entourage (Vince Chase)
“Mayweather has a huge edge in a few key areas—speed and defense being two. Floyd is closer to the prime of his career and Oscar is way past his. I like the fact that Oscar was willing to take this fight. It would be a great story if he should stop Mayweather. Mayweather will be just too much for him to handle though. It might go the distance with a small percentage of a TKO in the late rounds. Win to Mayweather.” Dale Earnhardt Jr., Professional Race Car Driver, NASCAR Nextel Cup
“I love both of them…Oscar.” Chris Tucker, Actor
“Mayweather.” Lebron James, NBA All Star, Cleveland Cavaliers Forward
“Oh man, you know, that’s a tough one you know because Mayweather may be the pound for pound best. But I love Oscar and I love his heart. I’m gonna have to go with Oscar. I want De La Hoya and I’m not a gambling man because I bet with my heart, so I say De La Hoya.” Jeremy Piven, Entourage (Ari Gold)
“I think De La Hoya upsets everybody and I think De La Hoya knocks out Mayweather. And there I said it, and you can play it before and after the fight because that is what’s gonna happen. I’m gonna say the 8th round.” Kevin Connolly, Entourage (E)
“I think its gonna be crazy. Floyd has the complete package but I think it’s going to be one of the biggest tests of his career. I think this could be one of those moments that defines his legacy and what it is he wants to be recognized for after he’s done fighting. And I think its one of those fights. Then you talk about Oscar who’s just a warrior. He always comes through in the clutch you know when you think you can count him out he pulls it off. I will say that I think Floyd has the best chance but I’m not counting Oscar out. Rap Star Nelly
“I think its gonna be a great fight. At first when I heard about the fight I thought Mayweather, but now I’m not so sure. I’m not pulling for either now. I’m just ready to see a battle.” Reggie Bush, Running Back, New Orleans Saints
“Mayweather is going to win. Pound for pound he’s the best. And I like his style, he is young, rich, and flamboyant. I like the fact that he is confident. And his drive and passion for what he does. Plus DeLaHoya can’t take the speed. That’s what’s going to kill him.” Bow Wow
“You know Mayweather, he’s one of the greats. But two of the greats are going to be in there and it’s gonna be a tussle for sure. Neither one of them are gonna go down. De La Hoya he doesn’t fall to easy so you know he’s gonna make it a fight. By the 11th round, I’ll pick whose side I’m on.” Robert Wisdom, Actor, The Wire (Howard “Bunny Colvin)
“Floyd wins because he is young and hungry. The fight will be close and goes the distance because Oscar raises his game to the level of his opponents and the challenge especially when he fights in his weight class. Both are too good to allow the other to dominate.” Barry Sanders, NFL Hall Of Fame Running Back, Detroit Lions
“I’m a big boxing fan so hopefully I’ll be there. Man it’s tough, you know. It’s hard to go against Floyd because he hasn’t lost a fight and he’s pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world. And I think Oscar’s gotta have a good game plan against Floyd. If he does that, I think he’ll have a chance. But I’m gonna go with Floyd.” Ladainian Tomlinson, Running Back, San Diego ChargersRasheed Wallace, Forward, Detroit Pistons
“Mayweather is the best fighter of this era. He has overcome adversity, works hard, and will win on Saturday night.” Caron Butler, NBA All Star, Washington Wizards Forward
“I love Mayweather. I think he’s absolutely the closest thing in the last 20 years to Muhammed Ali you know. I just love the dance. I mean I really think he’s very skilled. I was very impressed with him. I saw him fight Gatti for the first time in Jersey, in AC, and I’m telling you, one minute he was on this side of him the next minute Gatti’s face was all torn up and he was on the other side of him. I think this fight can go the distance. I’m not expecting a short fight, so I’m looking forward to it. Sonja Sohn, Actor, The Wire (Detective Shakima “Kima” Greggs)
“De La Hoya-Mayweather will be the biggest fight that we have ever known. Literally anyone in this generation will ever know. Mayweather is a huge contender and he’s undefeated. De La Hoya he’s the golden boy. It’s gonna be amazing.” Nick Stahl, Actor
“I don’t know much about boxing but it’s hard not to be fascinated with all the intrigue of this fight. You know with Mayweather’s dad being formerly De La Hoya’s trainer. And I just think Oscar’s a fascinating guy. He’s so low hey. He’s a singer. He’s pretty. And then you know he just kicks your but. He’s amazing to watch. He’s one of the few guys I’d pay to watch anytime anywhere. So um anytime De La Hoya’s in the ring, I’ll turn it on. So I think its gonna be De La Hoya just on heart alone and I think it will be a decision.” James Denton, Actor, Desperate Housewives (Mike Delfino)
“I think I gotta go with Mayweather. I think youth will win out come May 5th. You know, Oscar, I’ve been a big fan of his. But I don’t know if he’s ever met anybody that’s got the skill that Mayweather does. You got two great fighters. and I think its one of the fights fans have been waiting to see for a long time. It’s almost like a throwback to the great fights when I was growing up and used to watch with my dad.” James Pickens Jr., Actor, Grey’s Anatomy (Richard Webber)
“Mayweather is going to dominate the whole fight. He’s going to knock De La Hoya out.” Willis McGahee, Running Back, Baltimore Ravens
“I gotta go with Floyd Mayweather Jr. He’s one of the best, pound for pound. De La Hoya’s getting a little old. I’m gonna go with Floyd.” Vernon Wells, Center Field, Toronto Blue Jays
“Oscar De La Hoya is going to take this one. He’s a boxing legend and it could be his last fight. He’s going out on top.” Justin Verlander, Pitcher, Detroit Tigers
“This event will be a clash of the titans… Pretty Boy Floyd has an undying will to be an all-time great and will refuse to lose. Mayweather wins.” Jalen Rose, Guard/Forward, Phoenix Suns Guard
“I think it’s going to be a really good, closely-contested fight, but I’m going with Mayweather in a decision.” Alex Smith, Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers
“They don’t call you the best in the world unless you can back it up. Mayweather without a doubt. He’s so fast and elusive in the ring. Oscar is not going to be able to pull this one off.” Justin Morneau, First Baseman, Minnesota Twins
“Mayweather’s speed and power will be too much for Oscar to handle. Oscar is tough and prideful…this will work against him as he’ll be standing toe-to-toe and taking Mayweather’s best shots. Mayweather in a unanimous decision. Oscar hits the canvas at least once.” Julius Jones, Running Back, Dallas Cowboys
“Actually I was just bowling with Floyd not too long ago. So I’m bankin on my boy Floyd. He’s an incredible athlete. He’s tough in the ring. I’ve seen him in action plenty of times. I expect him to pull out another victory.” Alonzo Mourning, Center, Miami Heat
Boxers
“De La Hoya has the stronger punch. Mayweather is not used to facing bigger men. [ Carlos] Baldomir didn’t have the talent of De La Hoya and Mayweather couldn’t finish him. If De La Hoya cuts him early, Mayweather is going to be limited. De La Hoya by decision.” Roberto Duran, Former World Champion
“As far as my prediction, I lean toward Oscar. I’ve changed my mind a couple of times. But Oscar has a little bit more desire, strength, size. Oscar has never one that big one, the most defining moment in his career. I think that this allows him to rise to the occasion. But if Mayweather wins then he can be called great, because right now it’s premature, but if he beats Oscar that label fits him fine.” Sugar Ray Leonard, Former World Champion
“I’m looking forward to seeing De La Hoya and Mayweather on May 5th. I think is going to be a great fight and it’s a fight that’s good for boxing, but I think Floyd’s speed and youth will work well for him in this fight. I think the fight will go 12 rounds with Floyd winning a close decision over De La Hoya.” Jermain Taylor, Middleweight Champion
“…On paper you would have to say that Oscar comes into this fight having all of the intangible advantages experience, power, quality of opposition, and I believe maybe just a bit more focused for the job at hand. In order to counter those advantages you’re gonna need someone with natural God given talent and ability. That is when a fighter as gifted as Floyd Mayweather has a great chance of over coming all the advantages with raw speed and the will to win at all cost. I like his chances, so your guess is as good as mine.” Antonio Tarver, Former Light Heavyweight Champion
“I think De La Hoya’s naturally bigger size is going to make a difference. I think Oscar will dominate Floyd with his left jab that will carry him to a decision victory.” Juan Diaz, WBA, Lighweight Champion
“De La Hoya vs. Mayweather will be a great fight, it will go the distance, and I think Oscar has a slight edge, but I do not know who will win.” Vernon Forrest, Former Welterweight Champion
De La Hoya vs Mayweather “The World Awaits” is for the WBC super welterweight championship, Saturday, May 5 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, the fight will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will be available to more than 61 million pay-per-view homes and in 176 countries around the world.
The final episode of the four-part HBO series “De La Hoya/Mayweather 24/7” premieres Thursday, May 3 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. All four episodes will air on Friday, May 4 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT and Saturday, May 5, starting at 10:00 a.m