By Rick Reeno
On Saturday night, the most anticipated boxing event in years will take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Six-division world champion Oscar De La Hoya (38-4, 30 KOs) defends his WBC junior middleweight title against unbeaten, four-division world champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (37-0, 24 KOs).
"This is what boxing is all about. Fighting Floyd Mayweather is the type of fight that truly gets me motivated to go through a hard training camp and make the sacrifices I have to make to be the best," said De La Hoya. "We've talked about it, the press and the fans have asked for it, and now we're going to put it all on the line and fight. I can't wait for May 5."
"I'm excited to get this opportunity to once again show why I'm pound-for-pound the best in the world and to add another title to my collection. I respect everything Oscar has accomplished in this sport but this time he's in over his head," Mayweather said.
The staff of BoxingScene comes together to voice their opinions, predications and strategies for the big fight.
Tim Smith - De La Hoya might have the size, but he will have to catch Mayweather to press that advantage. And with Mayweather's speed that will be tough to do. Mayweather doesn't have the power to stop De La Hoya, but he does have the skills to outbox him. Mayweather 12 round decision.
TK Stewart - Here's the one thing you need to know about this fight. Oscar De La Hoya has really lost a step because he has only fought once in the past 32 months.
In watching him lately, I don't see the spring in his step or the snap in his punches. My view is that in order to be sharp a guy has to be active and De La Hoya has been semi-retired for a while now.
"The Golden Boy" fooled a lot of people with his performance in the Ricardo Mayorga fight last year. Oscar fooled them into believing that he's still the same guy that he always was. I must admit that I too, was fooled. But, Mayorga was tailor-made for Oscar and truth be told, Mayorga was in no condition the night he fought Oscar as evidenced by his failing the post fight urinalysis.
I see in De La Hoya a guy that has become a heavy-footed fighter who is a little slow to pull the trigger on a guy that moves a little. Even a limited guy like Mayorga had some success against him, although fleeting.
More and more I believe that Floyd's confidant, Leonard Ellerbe was right. There is no way a part-time, one handed fighter is going to beat Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Floyd is going to paint him up and before Oscar can get in to unload shots Floyd will be gone. Mayweather will make it a stinker because his father has warned him about Oscar's power. Floyd probably won't do too much standing around.
This fight has come about two years too late for the 34 year-old De La Hoya and at just the right time for Mayweather.
Mayweather will look great early but the fight will tighten up in the second half. Still, Floyd will do enough early to win it. Mayweather by decision in a fight that will look a lot like Leonard vs. Hagler - without the intensity.
Tom Donelson - Mayweather in a squeaker. If this fight was held three to five years ago, De La Hoya would be the favorite. Here is what you need to know:
De La Hoya is 34-years-old and has fought only six rounds since Hopkins. Mayweather is 28 and at his peak. Mayweather will be best defensive fighter De La Hoya has faced and the fastest as well. Mayweather can fight inside and outside. He can go from plan A to plan B. Finally, Mayweather needs this fight more for his legacy than De La Hoya. De La Hoya's greatness is already set, but for Mayweather, this fight can define his career.
This will be close and maybe this fight turns out like Hopkins-De La Hoya, with De La Hoya playing the role of Hopkins as the bigger fighter who simply dominates.
I am favoring Mayweather in this one by a close decision.
Sergio Martinez - The fight is finally here and it is good to see so many people looking forward to this Saturday night. I will dispense with the longwinded explanation and just give you my prediction straight from my heart. I am going with Oscar De La Hoya in eight rounds. Enjoy the fights.
Alphonso Costello - This is how the fight will go down: Mayweather jabs, tucks in his chin, does the shoulder roll and side steps De La Hoya's left hook. A high speed pursuit ensues when De La Hoya chases Mayweather around the ring. And like most high speed police pursuits, this fight will end when the bad guy is caught.
Oscar De La Hoya KO's Floyd Mayweather in round 11.
Sammy Rozenberg - Oscar De Le Hoya by knockout in ten.
Paul Gallegos - Gentlemen, start your engines and get ready for the Floyd Mayweather Invitational Track Meet. There is a greater chance of this fight being a major bore and snore rather than the first of an epic trilogy. If Floyd is on his game, then he could conceivably pitch a shutout. Oscar has proven time and time again that his biggest nemesis is a fighter with speed - see Whitaker, Mosley etc.
Oscar's biggest asset is just that - his size. He will be the bigger fighter and therefore try to use his power to negate speed. Speed, in general, negates power. Floyd should be able to control the pace, but if he decides to get a streak of "macho" in him instead of rabbit, then we could have an interesting bout. The Freddie Roach factor could play a significant role over the Mayweather family. Roach hates to lose and he gets his point across to any one of his champions who is willing to listen to his instructions. If Oscar went on the Manny workout, then maybe he can pull one last rabbit out of his hat and take a decision.
This is an interesting case of speed vs power. Both men are fairly equally skilled and can beat 99% of the guys in their respective divisions.
But, on a more important note, these two are basically the only two individuals that the boxing world has left. I am not saying that there aren't other great fighters out there, but these two are the only ones that the average individual in American society will basically be able to identify in a police lineup on their notoriety. If this fight comes off as a bogus decision, then everyone from the fans to the fighters and even to a certain extent, the promoters will all be punished. A shoddy decision or bore of fight and boxing is drowning in its own filth. Boxing has no one to blame for this quagmire, except itself.
As much as I hate to say it, Mayweather earns the nod, via a steady volley of jabs that consistently beat the bigger man to the punch. Mayweather by UD 116-111 on all three cards.
Richard McManus - This is what Oscar does. Mega-fights. Mayweather has the speed and skills. But when has he fought a fighter even close to Oscar's ability. Zab Judah? Jose Luis Castillo? On the other hand, Oscar has fought everybody over the last 8-9 years.
Oscar is in an interesting position in that people are saying that he'll have to make this an fight and cut off the ring. Most seem to think that if Mayweather has his way he'll just run, stay away and box. And that would be smart. If Mayweather wins, it's a boring fight. That could happen.
But Oscar still has an excellent jab and isn't exactly slow. Plus, I've heard Freddie Roach has been working on Oscar punching his opponents arms. If Oscar catches him with a left hook, I think it's over. Mayweather has been hurt by almost everybody he's fought. And he can finish.
Oscar by mid-KO.
Patrick Kehoe - De La Hoya-Mayweather is a clash of two boxing maxims: "a good big man beats a good smaller man" (De La Hoya) and "speed kills" (Mayweather).
Well, the deciding factor is where each fighter is chronologically with respect to their primes. Floyd Mayweather is at the summit of his powers and Oscar has trained manically to restore himself to something like his best. And look for Mayweather to be stronger than Team De La Hoya believe.
The pick here is Mayweather TKO 11.
James Blears - Statistically the good big guy, usually defeats the good little guy. But throw this out of the window with Oscar and Floyd. Floyd is phenomenal, undefeated and the best pound for pound. Oscar is appreciably past his best. He's no longer the Golden Boy. He's getting wrinkled around the eyes and he's looking middle aged.
Talented as he is, Oscar has often fallen short in the big fights against Felix, Shane (twice) and Bernard. While Oscar is fretting down to the weight, Floyd is growing into to it. But make no mistake, he'll be comfortable and pretty strong at it.
Oscar's going to need to be very fit, because he's going to do a lot of chasing. Floyd would be silly to stand and trade. In those circumstances Oscar's going to tire in the last four rounds. This is what he's done before, and it'll loose him this fight too. I hope it goes the distance, so we see both's capabilities and brilliance. Floyd will win by unanimous decision. I hope the fight stays controversy free. And I've got a feeling that Oscar's going to pick up a cut, which I hope his corner will successfully deal with.
Jose Aguirre - Oscar De La Hoya over Floyd Mayweather, Jr. by twelve round decision.
Ronan Keenan - It's hard to doubt that Folyd Mayweather is the most talented fighter on the planet right now. Meanwhile,it was easy to be impressed by De La Hoya last time out against Mayorga. But remember, Felix Trinidad looked unbeatable stopping Mayorga, but then had his ring rust and slowing reflexes exposed by the skilful Winky Wright. Oscar will probably follow in the footsteps of his former rival. He looked awesome against a shopworn Mayorga, but will have his limitations exploited by a supremely gifted fighter in Mayweather. You just can't fight someone of his ability coming off so much inactivity. Trinidad found out against Wright, De La Hoya will get his wake-up call on Saturday.
Troy Ondrizek - De La Hoya will be incredibly focused for this fight. The stigma of losing to the best of his era haunts him. Seriously, how can De La Hoya be called the best when he has lost to all the hall of famers that weren't past their prime like Hopkins, Trinidad, and Mosley (even though he really should've beaten Trinidad). De la Hoya knows he needs this win to give himself a legitimate legacy, not just as a great fighter, but as one of the greats. With that said, I feel that the intelligence and poise of Floyd Mayweather will overcome an exasperated De La Hoya. The magnitude of the event in regards to De La Hoya's career will be his undoing. Mayweather will have somewhat of a rough go at it at first, but will adjust and counter De La Hoya until De La Hoya unravels and gives up his gameplan. I also believe that Mayweather will set the pace of this fight and will start to run once De La Hoya hits him squarely. Thus making the fight a bit boring, but a win for Mayweather nonetheless. Mayweather by unanimous decision.
Johnny Ortiz - I cannot even begin to imagine Oscar losing, but stranger things have happened, a bad decision, an injury, a bad cut, who knows? If everything goes the way I see it, Oscar De La Hoya will be the victor in what should be an exciting confrontation, both Oscar and Floyd will be in tremendous shape when they take center stage
Joe Harrison - When De La Hoya gets in the ring with Mayweather, he should have his hands full. Although I respect De La Hoya for everything that he has accomplished, his time has passed. Mayweather will once again show everyone why he is today's most gifted boxer and the best pound for pound. He won't have the power to knock out De La Hoya but he will have the necessary speed and skills to be victorious and add another title to his resume.
Mayweather by decision
John Hively - This would be an easy pick if this was a peak De La Hoya come May 5th; Oscar by knockout. But the peak of the Golden Boy was about eight to ten years ago. Even then he was only a borderline all-time great.
By all rights, Floyd should win this one easily. He’s at his peak, he’s been active, he’s an all time great but he’s not in the same league as Harry Greb, Mickey Walker, Sugar Ray Robinson, Tommy Hearns, Sam Langford, Sugar Ray Leonard and lots of others; at least not yet. That seems to be what he’s aiming for. On the other hand, Oscar has had only one fight in two years, and he is way past his prime. De La Hoya’s lack of recent activity may affect his stamina, and this may prove his undoing. The longer the fight goes, the greater are Floyd’s chances.
I like Floyd in this fight by decision, but there is a danger for him. Watching Floyd and Oscar fight over the years has convinced me that Floyd may be made to order for Oscar. Styles make fights. Mayweather has most likely never faced anybody with Oscar’s skills, power and hand speed. I can see Oscar knocking out Mayweather in two rounds because of a flaw in Floyd’s style that makes him vulnerable to Oscar’s fistic assets. Now if only Oscar or his trainer Freddie Roach sees it. It’s a tough choice for me to make. How badly does Oscar want to win? Don’t know. Is he just in there for one final paycheck? Hard to say. Is he going to fight like his legacy is important to him? Maybe, but then, maybe not.
A guy that doesn’t fight much at all suggests that he really doesn’t want to fight much at all. But if Oscar comes to engage in a real combat, knowing his legacy is on the line, and that it really matters to him, hmmm….
Floyd’s going to come to win, no doubt about it. I say Floyd by decision, but I can see Oscar beating the tar out of him, or even eking out a decision. I change my mind. Oscar by a knockout, or Floyd by decision if the fight goes beyond eight rounds. But then I can see Oscar running out of gas starting about round six.....
Ronnie Nathanielsz - Mayweather must surely be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world today especially after Manny Pacquiao failed to strengthen his claims with not a particularly impressive showing against unknown Jorge Solis. Mayweather's biggest asset is his speed and his ability to slip punches and throw combinations from all directions.
De La Hoya is not much slower either and is a smart fighter too and he's got Freddie Roach - calm and collected - in his corner which may contrast with the mayhem in Floyd's corner , what with brothers Roger and Floyd Sr being as they are.
Besides, we have never seen a more determined De La Hoya. He wants to win, badly. And he has the advantage in weight which means additional power over Mayweather who is moving up. Oscar also has a terrific left hook plus his right which Roach has developed just like he did with Pacquiao.
This fight is what boxing needs and although I admire Mayweather my heart goes out to De La Hoya because for one thing he has treated Filipino fighters really decently and well and with sincerity. Beyond that, I simply admire Freddie Roach. It should be a great fight and I pick De La Hoya to win a fairly close decision.
Cliff Rold - Mayweather by unanimous decision over De la Hoya.
It would be better for boxing for Oscar to win and be tempted to continue. At 34, that's not likely. I'm one of the geniuses that picked Baldomir over Floyd; it was the only time I have ever picked against Floyd and I'm not doing it again...at least not against a faded name well past his prime. This fight is going to be one-sided with Oscar winning, maybe, three rounds. Hope I'm wrong.
Eric Alan Rineer - Neither one of these fighters is anything short of great. Oscar De La Hoya has proven himself as a champion and warrior. Floyd Mayweather, meanwhile, is arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world today. I've been looking forward to this fight, like everyone else, since the day they signed to meet. It should be a terrific fight and I see Floyd playing it cautiously in the early stages of the bout. Oscar will try to make Floyd respect him early as he presses the action and lands some hard shots. I believe the first half of the fight will live up to its hype. I expect to see both fighters impressing the judges early but Floyd should continue to gain ground as the match wears on. His speed, above all, will frustrate Oscar, who won't be able to duck many punches later on.
Floyd will test Oscar to the body where De La Hoya has proven susceptible in the past. As bad as Oscar wants this fight, I believe Floyd wants it even more to cement his legacy. Floyd is an unbelievable talent and he has picked the perfect time for this fight to happen. Look for a masterful performance from one of the greatest fighters of the past decade. I'm picking "Pretty Boy" Floyd by 11th-round TKO.
Dave Sholler - I want to like Floyd Mayweather Jr., I really do. I want to appreciate the speed and power he packs, not to mention the way he marks his spot in the boxing ring like a lion defining his territory.
But the more I listen to “The Pretty Boy” spew venom, the more I want someone to take his spot as boxing’s lead lion. I want someone to pummel him from pillar to post in a manner that brings him back to reality.
Floyd talks a great game, but critics contend that he is covering up glaring psychological weaknesses that have haunted him for years. He wants to be the villain. He wants to be a showboat. But more than anything, he wants to be noticed.
He will be noticed on May 5th. After his 12-round war with Oscar De La Hoya concludes this Saturday, Floyd Mayweather will exuberantly extend his arms in triumph well before the announcer reads the card. As the announcer takes the mic, all of Mayweather’s cronies will begin celebrating for their leader.
Here’s the problem, Mayweather’s crew won’t have much to celebrate. A cocky, overconfident Floyd Mayweather will not do enough to beat De La Hoya. Oscar De La Hoya will push the pace, force Floyd to make mistakes and impress the judges with precise punching.
On May 5th, Floyd Mayweather’s reign as the top lion in the boxing pride will end.
Dave Wilcox - I haven't been so excited for a bout in many years. We have the pound for pound king in Mayweather vs Boxing's last mega-star in Oscar DeLaHoya. Oscar DeLa Hoya needs this bout to secure his ever-elusive "Super-Champion" moniker and dare I say Boxing needs him to win as well. With Boxing being on down slide for some time because of the lack of Superstars that transcend the sport, an Oscar victory over Mayweather is just what we need to help lift our sport. This is an event that reminds me of the days of yore when Sugar Ray Leonard was taking on the likes of Duran and Hearns. I for one, cannot wait to sit my fat behind in front of the 58" HD screen and watch history unfold.
As far as the bout goes, I think Mayweather's speed will be very troublesome for Oscar, but the size and strength of Oscar will be tougher for "Pretty Boy" to handle than many think. Mayweather has never fought anyone with the combination of power, chin and Boxing ability that Oscar brings to the table. The first time that left hook lands on the chin of Mayweather, he will realize that he is fighting a true Junior Middleweight. I see Mayweather winning the majority of the early rounds with his nifty Boxing.
All the time he is winning most of the early rounds, Oscar will be smacking the body and roughing up Mayweather on the inside. By round eight, you will start to see something very unfamiliar. Mayweather will show signs of fatigue, and Oscar will go in for the kill. I think Oscar will surprise Mayweather with his power and Floyd will taste the canvas in the later rounds. Mayweather will show his fighting heart and make it to the final bell. The early lead Mayweather had will keep the decision close.Oscar DeLaHoya will get the nod by split decision. Can you say rematch?
Jaime Estrada - Oscar De La Hoya by split decision
Dan Creighton - I got Mayweather in a clear decision, 8 rounds to 4.
Don Colgan - Mayweather by unanimous decision, in a hard fought, fairly close fight. Don't be shocked in Mayweather is dropped for the first time in his career. If DeLaHoya can work the body and get inside, he can do damage. Mayweather has never fought in the trenches over an extended period and we may find a lot about his heart.
However, Mayweather is an extraordinary talent and it is impossible to pick against him. He is a great champion in his prime and he will ultimately have too much firepower and speed for Oscar.
Amy Green - Mayweather by decision. It may not be the popular decision, but it's my decision and I am sticking to it. Floyd will be able to weather everything Oscar brings with speed and skill, and his conditioning will also play a major role in this decision. Floyd's power will come in his volume of punches and that will overwhelm the Golden Boy. Also adding to Oscar's frustration willl be any defensive tactics the battling Floyd. Sr. and Uncle Roger have armed their champion with. Another plus in Floyd's arsenal may have well been the addition of Anthony Thompson early on in his camp-- Thompson was present in Oscar's camp for Bernard Hopkins, who brought him to his knees. I've not purchased PPV since Lewis/Tyson and am counting on this being worthy of my $55.
Jake Donovan - From the moment this bout was announced, "Mayweather by decision" came immediately to mind. Months later, I have yet to hear the relevant argument that convinces me otherwise. My only hesitance would be the late odds shift, which creep closer and closer to Even as May 5 draws nearer. But shady Vegas scoring practices aside, Floyd by decision in a 116-112ish type fight that's not a complete stinker, but not exactly Corrales-Castillo I.
Ron Gallegos - As much as I would like to say this will be a fight for the ages, I don't think it will. As much as I would like to see Oscar prevail, I don't think he will. Floyd has only gotten stronger and he has lost none of his speed. The only thing that would make me think twice about Oscar's chances is the fact that he taking this fight dead serious, as evidenced by the six pack he's sporting on his body. The training is rigorous in both camps. Floyd with all of his showboating gets a little tiresome, but the times when he was interviewed in a serious vein, he showed a little of the real Floyd, not the flamboyant braggadocio, but a sensitive caring young man. Oscar, on the other hand, is always professional. That's been his trademark throughout his career.
Initially when the fight was announced, I gave Oscar virtually no chance. After getting into the hype of the fight, I then began to think, maybe the Golden Boy can pull it off. Now reality has set in. Floyd is just too quick and too much the best in the world at his weight. If he elects to trade, it will be interesting. If he slips and boxes, it will be boring but an easy decision win for Floyd.
Carlos Irusta - Mayweather by points. He's too fresh and fast for Oscar, who must provoke a war in the short distance, cutting the ring for to take advantage. Oscar was in trouble with good walkers, and Floyd has a tremendous pair of legs. He likes to be the counter puncher, using all the opponents mistakes. Floyd will win without tanking any risk.
Bob Canobbio - Floyd Mayweather, Jr. by unanimous decision.
Larry Tornambe - Boxing needs more intriguing fights like this one. Floyd's speed will be his edge, but Oscar's size could be Floyd's biggest problem. I am going on Oscar's temper being fired up during training. Something tells me he'll build a nice early lead and it will carry him to victory, despite his slow down in the final two frames.
De La Hoya by decision.
Ernest Gabion - I am going with De La Hoya by controversial decision. DLH will be the stronger aggressor. Add to the pro DLH crowd will roar every time DLH throws let alone land and I think it will sway the judges to the point of it going Oscar's way.
George M. Phillips - Floyd Mayweather, Jr. by an 8th round KO.
Bradley Yeh - For months the outcome of this fight has toggled in my mind. At first I saw Mayweather’s style and smarts causing way too much confusion for Oscar, particularly considering that (aside from Vargas) De La Hoya has not dominated the big fights of his career. Then I got thinking about some of Mayweather’s questionable opponents over the last few years, and that combined with the trouble Mayweather had in the earlier part of the Judah fight started to turn me the other way again, against a Mayweather victory. What sealed the change of heart for me (that time) was when I contemplated the fact that Mayweather performed far too defensively with Baldomir. After all, De La Hoya is certainly no Baldomir.
You can go on from there with all the tangibles to this fight, as there are so many. You can consider the (yet to be known) effect on Mayweather that a decent left hook from DLH will have. If you're of the view that Oscar will connect at some stage in the fight, it’s certainly a worthwhile and significant consideration, as aside from Oscar’s undeniable pedigree and natural power, Mayweather is certainly no welterweight, let alone whatever the weight may be that DLH will arrive at come fight night. Can Mayweather take that power that we know DLH carries.
More interestingly perhaps; will PBF live up to his own hype and prevent Oscar from landing his telling power shots?
Then of course there is the fact that DLH appears to have the marquee fight experience down pat to the point where stage fright hasn’t yet appeared to significantly eat at his performance.
Everybody told me that Oscar’s preparation with Mosley will hold him in good stead for PBF. I wondered about that in a backward way. Sure Mosley is one of the best guys to prepare for a Mayweather fight with. But then you could also say that Mosley clearly beat DLH the first time they met. The second time they fought, although DLH officially won, he didn’t dominate. More importantly for this prediction though, Oscar didn’t do anything in those two fights that PBF would not have been able to evade or handle, unless of course you believe Mosley pulled moves against DLH that PBF could not. I think not, as clearly Mosley, at this or even that stage of his game, is not in possession of superior all around skills than Mayweather.
I don’t believe that Mosley did anything in his fights against Oscar that Mayweather now couldn’t do, and it was at this point of consideration that I flipped back to thinking PBF may win this fight again.
When that viewpoint changed again, I began to seriously wonder how I would ever predict this fight with so many tangibles. How I did it was to just write down the prediction today and see what I felt, rather than what I thought. Here it is…unedited
It’s hard to know whether all the ego surrounding this fight presents benefit or risk for each of the owners. There's no doubt that ego can be a dangerous when it is not a direct reflection of your ability. It’s easy to believe Mayweather has the biggest ego here, but that doesn’t mean it’s more of a danger to him than Oscar’s commercially refined persona. If you follow the line of thought that Mayweather knows what DLH really can bring and is not underestimating him, (which I believe is true), then there are serious considerations for DLH in the fact that PBF does not see him as a risk, not at all. Not even considering the well known weight advantage DLH will have. Not even considering that over the past years as Oscar’s trainer, and even recently, Floyd senior has undoubtedly informed team Mayweather of the extent of Oscar’s capabilities.
None of this has swayed Mayweather’s enormous confidence.
That kind of confidence is a very powerful thing if you can utilize it properly. And with Mayweather’s experience and skills, he most likely can. Of course that kind of confidence is also a danger if you find yourself hurt as a result of it.
I don’t believe DLH can bring more speed and complexity to the fight than PBF was dealt when against Zab Judah. I do believe that Mayweather would have performed as well as Mosley has against DLH. And I believe this fight, for many reasons, was the wrong fight for Oscar to change trainers in such a way so that there is a guy (Floyd Senior) that possesses information all about his capabilities and weaknesses that has several good reasons to use it for Oscar’s demise.
Furthermore, I don’t believe DLH would handle a fully focused Jab Zudah as well as PBF did either, and for those who doubt that comment please cast your mind to DLH’s fights with Pernell Whitaker. Now, staying with that Whitaker fight for a moment, Oscar had better hope Floyd doesn’t turn southpaw, as Pernell did, because that move alone completely befuddled Oscar, and Whitaker wasn’t even in his prime then. Whilst DLH was younger then, he was also very lucky to get that decision. But that’s another story.
Mayweather’s advantages mean that Oscar’s strategy to win makes him a little predictable to PBF, well more predictable than PBF will be to Oscar anyway. DLH will not win this fight without the delivery of power shots that change Mayweather’s approach. And to deliver them in the required quantities to win, DLH must set a pace that will provide the needed opportunities and openings. That pace will concern Oscar, and it may not align with his visions of how fresh looking he imagined himself finishing this fight.
PBF will be very aware of this. He knows Oscar can't afford to sit back and fight with a points based mindset. Mayweather also knows what that rushed pace will mean to the infamous DLH stamina reserves in the later rounds. Of interest is how the Roach DLH corner will manage such a crisis on the big stage in its infancy.
Oscar’s superior punch resistance probably almost guarantees that PBF can't take DLH out early when he’s fresh, particularly since DLH has acclimatized to fighting guys in the middleweights. But it’s feasible that PBF could take Oscar out later in the fight if PBF is fighting an offensive fight and landing, which sadly he didn’t do with Baldomir. Aside from DLH catching PBF and knocking him out, which also is possibility, a case for PBF winning on points can be made so much more easily for Mayweather than DLH, as PBF has superior, skills, speed and fitness, and he also has a tried and proven relationship with his corner that fully understands his capabilities beyond the point of the dollar.
DLH is a great champion. He should be commended forever in the hall of fame for his use of botox and tweezers, making great fights and taking risks in the higher weight divisions. With this fight he has corrected the weight disadvantage that he has handicapped himself with these last few years. But, as with any great fighter, mistakes have crept into his show over the years. Mistakes that Mayorga wasn’t capable of capitalizing on, but mistakes that Mayweather will both see and use.
DLH’s need to win this last big fight for his own history means the pressure is new and real. That pressure will noticeably steal from the calm and pressure free approach Oscar normally carries into his big fights. There will be no point in pretending the danger is not real just because the weigh in favored the golden boy.
Notwithstanding all the marketing that has taken place, DLH knows he needs to win this and in that sense Oscar has more to lose. I don’t see PBF losing this one, although if it’s a close fight I do believe that in Las Vegas, against the outspoken Mayweather, DLH will get the sympathy vote.
For whatever that will be worth on the scorecards.
Rick Reeno - I have to go with youth and speed. De La Hoya has managed to achieve the same exact "pre-fight" effect as Felix Trinidad. He fooled the boxing public with a win over an overmatched Ricardo Mayorga. Like De La Hoya, Trinidad was the favorite to beat the smaller, weaker man in Winky Wright. Like Trinidad, De La Hoya may find out how difficult it is to beat a quicker, defense minded fighter like Mayweather. A past his prime Pernell Whitaker gave De La Hoya some fits.
Mayweather by unanimous decision.
Celebrities/Athletes
Donald J. Trump - "Oscar has always been under-rated—he will win!"
P. Diddy - "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."
A drian Grenier, Entourage (Vince Chase) - Hmmmmmmhmmmm, De La Hoya."
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Professional Race Car Driver, NASCAR Nextel Cup - "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."
Chris Tucker, Actor - "I love both of them…Oscar."
Lebron James, NBA All Star, Cleveland Cavaliers Forward - "Mayweather."
Jeremy Piven, Entourage (Ari Gold) - "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."
Kevin Connolly, Entourage (E) - "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."
Rap Star Nelly - "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.
Reggie Bush, Running Back, New Orleans Saints - "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."
Bow Wow - "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."
Robert Wisdom, Actor, The Wire (Howard "Bunny Colvin) - "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."
Barry Sanders, NFL Hall Of Fame Running Back, Detroit Lions - "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."
Ladainian Tomlinson, Running Back, San Diego Chargers - "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."
Rasheed Wallace, Forward, Detroit Pistons - "They are both legendary fighters in this game, but neither one can beat Bernard Hopkins."
Caron Butler, NBA All Star, Washington Wizards Forward - "Mayweather is the best fighter of this era. He has overcome adversity, works hard, and will win on Saturday night."
Sonja Sohn, Actor, The Wire (Detective Shakima "Kima" Greggs) - "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.
Nick Stahl, Actor - "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."
James Denton, Actor, Desperate Housewives (Mike Delfino) - "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 Pickens Jr., Actor, Grey's Anatomy (Richard Webber) - "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."
Willis McGahee, Running Back, Baltimore Ravens - "Mayweather is going to dominate the whole fight. He's going to knock De La Hoya out."
Vernon Wells, Center Field, Toronto Blue Jays - "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."
Justin Verlander, Pitcher, Detroit Tigers - "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."
Jalen Rose, Guard/Forward, Phoenix Suns Guard - "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."
Alex Smith, Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers - "I think it's going to be a really good, closely-contested fight, but I'm going with Mayweather in a decision."
Justin Morneau, First Baseman, Minnesota Twins - "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."
Julius Jones, Running Back, Dallas Cowboys - "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."
Alonzo Mourning, Center, Miami Heat - "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."
Boxers
Roberto Duran, Former World Champion - "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.''
Sugar Ray Leonard, 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."
Jermain Taylor, Middleweight 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."
Antonio Tarver, Former Light Heavyweight 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."
Juan Diaz, WBA, Lighweight 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."
Vernon Forrest, Former Welterweight 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."