By Sammy Rozenberg (AP Staff Writer/BoxingScene Staff Writer)
BoxingScene's very own Sammy Rozenberg caught up with Oscar De La Hoya at the Mosley-Wright rematch in Las Vegas and spoke with him regarding his move to the welterweight division, future opponents and the partnership with Hopkins.
Sammy Rozenberg (BoxingScene) - You told members of the press at your conference with Bernard Hopkins, that you are planning a move down to the welterweight division. Does this decision stem from the loss to Hopkins or do you feel that your more comfortable with the weight?
Oscar De La Hoya - The decision has nothing to do with my fight with Hopkins. I felt great at welterweight. My speed, my power, my stamina...everything came together because 147 is my natural weight. I wasn't able to fight at my best when I moved up to 154 and 160.
Sammy Rozenberg (BoxingScene) - Is there anyone in particular that you would want to face at welterweight? Cory Spinks has all the belts, he seems the most obvious choice.
Oscar De La Hoya - Spinks is a great boxer, a great champion and he could be a possible opponent. It would be a great fight for the fans, I want the best fights out there.
Sammy Rozenberg (BoxingScene) - Spinks would be the easiest fight to make. There are no network roadblocks as there would be with guys like Kostya Tszyu if he decides to move to 147. Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been calling you out since he was 130 pounds, he does plan a move to 147, you guys are both HBO fighters, his father trains you, Floyd Sr.'s brother trains Floyd, what about that fight?
Oscar De La Hoya - Floyd is a great fighter, but the fight will never happen, it's not even an option. I'm very close with my trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr., I look at him like a member of my family. I would never do anything that would threaten my relationship with him. I would never put him in a position like that.
Sammy Rozenberg (BoxingScene) - Now Bernard Hopkins is your partner in Golden Boy Promotions, how will Bernard benefit the company, other then name recognition?
Oscar De La Hoya - Bernard brings whole new level to Golden Boy, he brings plenty to the table. Bernard is one of the smartest guys in this business and built his career with almost no help from promoters. We share the same vision for this sport, I'm proud to have him as my partner....his involvement in Golden Boy Promotions will be a huge benefit to the company and the sport of Boxing.