Barrera vs. Peden headlines Golden Boy Promotions next venture.
By Mike Indri
Retired Boxers Foundation
Very few professional boxers are fortunate enough to truly say that entering the punches for dollars business was a decision beneficial to their long-term overall mental, physical or financial being.
While all fighters, the champions on down to the four rounders, can explain first hand how dangerous and demanding the sport of pugilism is, very few have the wherewithal to defend themselves against the real crippler in boxing - it’s business.
This may change one day, hopefully in the not too distant future, if Oscar De La Hoya has anything to say about it.
No one has to tell Oscar that he is one of the "lucky ones". Winning the gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games was the stepping stone towards a fabulously enriching career for the five-time world champion.
Intensely aware of his Mexican heritage, as well as his unique diverse appeal and popularity, the aptly named "Golden Boy" was a big winner, figuratively and financially, before he had even set foot in the squared circle for his pro debut.
Smartly promoted, and intelligent in his own right, Oscar won his first title fighting in only his twelfth pro bout. There’s been no turning back for the immensely popular fighter; who has culminated his success and sits atop the boxing world as it’s biggest, and most sought after star.
Taking his career to another level De La Hoya forged into uncharted waters in 2001 by launching his own promotional company; Golden Boy Promotions. With a mission to revolutionize the boxing business and provide fighters the opportunity to take charge of their own careers, De La Hoya recently welcomed Shane Mosley and Marco Antonio Barrera to the Golden Boy family, as equity partners - joining Bernard Hopkins.
That was the reason for Oscar’s trip to Manhattan’s trendy and upscale Hudson Hotel this past week.
Speaking to a select group of boxing writers, in a very non-boxing like intimate setting, De La Hoya, along with Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaeffer, proudly spoke in regards to their newest partners, "now with Barrera and Mosley - joining Bernard Hopkins and myself , we have all the pieces in place to change the way business is done in the sport of boxing for the better."
Barrera, the current WBC jr. lightweight champion, will assume the role of President of Golden Boy Mexico; responsible for developing and recruiting talent in his native country.
Mosley, a former three-time world champion, takes the position of President of fighter relations. "Sugar" Shane will advise Golden Boy’s existing fighters, as well as scouting and development of U.S. boxing talent in the amateur and pro ranks.
First order of business for both fighters will come September 17th from inside the boxing ring at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, as part of the HBO Pay-Per-View "Parade of Champions" fight card.
Barrera (60-4, 42 KO’s) in a title unification bout takes on IBF 130 pound champion Robbie ‘The Bomber" Peden (25-2 with 14 KO’s) in the show’s main event. Peden, the pride of Brisbane, Australia didn’t get his nickname from backing up or side-stepping and promises a battle against Barrera.
In the co-feature, "Sugar" Shane looks to continue on the path leading to regain what is rightfully his; another world title. Taking on the tough and undefeated Jose Luis Cruz (32-0-2, 27 KO’s) won’t be an easy task for Mosley as the heavy handed Mexican fighter has upset on his mind.
The rest of the "Parade of Champions" undercard will be announced shortly. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased through the MGM Grand ticket box office, www.mgmrand.com, or at www.ticketmaster.com.
Oscar De La Hoya needs to be commended for taking the initiative towards the betterment of boxing and enabling the fighters to having more of a say in the own fighting careers. With all the wins and success in the "Golden Boy’s" career, Oscar De La Hoya now has a chance to be a "real champion" for all fighters.
