By Mark Vester

Most pundits have given Oscar De La Hoya the edge in punching power when he meets Floyd Mayweather, Jr. on May 5 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Mayweather, moving up to 154-pounds against the larger man for the WBC junior middleweight title, does not agree and boasts that his own punching power will surprise the media, and De La Hoya.

"I've got a hell of a knockout ratio and I feel that's what is going to be the surprise for Oscar on May 5 - my punching power. My hands are strong and I feel good. Weight doesen't win a fight. Fame doesn't win a fight. Smartness and intelligence win a fight," Mayweather said. "Everybody says Oscar has a good left hook. Well Floyd Mayweather has a good left hook, a good right hand and can dig to the body with both hands. He has the best defense in boxing and can beat you inside or outside."

Mayweather noted that while De La Hoya is the bigger man, he also has big issues with stamina, and Mayweather plans to exploit those issues in the fight.

"You've got one fighter in the best shape of his life but he always gets tired. Against Floyd Mayweather you better not come out and shoot your load. If you do, it'll be your ass early. He's always in the best shape of his life, but he still gets tired. Once I get in that square circle I know what to do. I'm the master when it comes to that. I feel good, I'm happy and there's no chip on my shoulder. Fighters that wear their heart on their sleeve tend to come up short - I don't do that," Mayweather said.