By Mark Vester
In a recent interview with the Times Herald-Record, boxing trainer/analyst Teddy Atlas gave his thoughts on the May 5 Las Vegas showdown between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Unlike Mayweather's bout with Zab Judah, Atlas feels that De La Hoya has a very good chance to pull off the upset.
"It's not hard to like the youth and speed of Mayweather. But you can make a case for De La Hoya. You look at Zab Judah (vs. Mayweather) — he didn't have any substance," Atlas said.
Most experts do not believe that De La Hoya will be able to get past the speed of Mayweather. Atlas says that if De La Hoya has a tight plan of attack and times his punches, he can beat Mayweather's speed.
"De La Hoya has the substance. He can make out if he has a very, very specific fight plan. He needs to recognize and stay away from Mayweather's strengths. (De La Hoya) is longer, he's taller. If he keeps it on the outside, now he has a chance to use timing. Timing beats speed. He has the experience and substance. He can do it late and he can do it early." Atlas said.
