By Vivek Wallace: In every major sport with the exception of college football, there’s some type of playoff styled system that requires the best to prove themselves against the formidable, clarifying its position as the ultimate contender amongst an ocean of pretenders.
In the world of Boxing, pairing that group of quality opposition against each other isn’t always an easy task. One thing that makes this tougher is a crop of promoters who have been very successful in finding lucrative ways to force feed fight fans big-money fights, as opposed to best-talent fights.
This act is a huge detriment to not only the sport, but the careers of underground talents that remain buried somewhere beneath the radar.
To underline this point, we have to look no further than one of the sports biggest draws, (both in and outside of the ring), the “Goldenboy”, Oscar Dela Hoya.
Currently a fighter and promoter, Oscar Dela Hoya has put himself in a prime position to not only influence some of the sports biggest matchups, but take part in them as well. As a promoter this is a non-issue, because he’s simply brilliant. But as a fighter, this can strike a chord quickly when one realizes that he hasn’t done anything lately to solidify such a position.
Against surefire Hall-of-Famers in recent times, Oscar Dela Hoya is a staggering 0-5, with two of the losses coming at the hands of Shane Mosley. His all-time record against Hall-of-Famers slightly increases to 4-5 with two victories over Chavez, and one over both Whitaker and Camacho.
Now you consider the fact that he hasn’t fought in the welterweight division since March of 2001, (Arturo Gatti), and you have to ask yourself, how is it that his mere discussion of returning to the welters enough to place him in a mega-fight with either of the two men who are firmly entrenched at the front of its line?
Wide speculation has it that the Dela Hoya is considering to fight either Miguel Cotto, or possibly even a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. If true, this would come at the grave expense of silent-but-deadly welterweight supporting cast members such as Paul Williams, and perhaps even the Antonio Margarito’s of the world who will have no chance at mega-fights until the sports love affair, or perhaps the “Goldenboy” himself, fades to a bronze finish. This is another clear indication that more than actual ability determines the success of athletes in the sport.
Years ago, the world of Boxing fell victim the same way to the troubled, yet amazingly talented “Iron” Mike Tyson who’s annihilating efforts of yesteryear have
us once again pondering a third fight between he and Evander Holyfield. Like Dela Hoya, Mike Tyson transcended all barriers and made himself a global household name, and despite coming up short in most of his biggest mega-fights, he also somehow managed to whet the appetites of fight fans well beyond his heyday.
No man has probably ever met a bigger Mike Tyson fan than myself. Hell, if he walked on the local grounds right now, in a very unapologetic fashion I’d walk away from this incomplete article for a chance to share airspace with him. But as it relates to the sport, aside from his brilliant ring knowledge, there’s nothing he can currently offer us that may not be lurking behind the scenes already. However, for some odd reason, the powers-that-be continue to put a high premium on has-beens who awkwardly still hold the key to putting butts in seats.
Will this aspect of the fight game ever change? Never. Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather recently said it best when he stated, “If it don’t make dollars, it don’t make sense”.
No doubt, better fights are currently being made, but if the money isn’t right, there will be tons that may never come to fruition. I.E., Mayweather/Cotto, Williams/Cotto, Mayweather/Williams, etc. And just to think, that’s only the welters.
Considering that this fact won’t change anytime soon, us fight fans are left with two options. Either put down the sport and walk on, or put down the money and watch on. For those that wonder which option I choose, here’s a quick hint. I’ll tell you at the next fight!
Long live the fight game!
(Got feedback?: Write ESB’s Vivek Wallace at vivexemail@yahoo.com or show some love at www.myspace.com/anonymouslyinvolved)