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Well, he won because of Chavez getting a horrible cut, but Julio was fighting back until that point, it was not a dominant win by Oscar.
Anyhow, what diminished De La Hoya's accomplishments in my view at that time was the reek of establishment that accompanied his figure. He did win some important fights, but the hype he could enjoy in the 90s was unprecedented. Sometimes he threw quick flurries that hit the air, or the opponent's gloves at best, but that was enough for judges to give him rounds (also because they were influenced by the hordes of screaming chicks underlining each and every move by Oscar).
So, he was a champion in terms of titles won, for sure, and fought most everybody they put in front of him. But he was also a product of mega-hype by the boxing establishment, and received opportunities that many fighters of superior level never had. That he has become a promoter at this level, that he fired Nigel Collins after purchasing The Ring Magazine, are both proofs of who he is and where he comes from. Tim Kawakami's book "Golden Boy: The Fame, Money, and Mystery of Oscar de La Hoya" gives a good perspective of the guy's real essence. If you never read it, I encourage you to do so. Basically, the book reveals how fake this man has always been.
Anyhow, what diminished De La Hoya's accomplishments in my view at that time was the reek of establishment that accompanied his figure. He did win some important fights, but the hype he could enjoy in the 90s was unprecedented. Sometimes he threw quick flurries that hit the air, or the opponent's gloves at best, but that was enough for judges to give him rounds (also because they were influenced by the hordes of screaming chicks underlining each and every move by Oscar).
So, he was a champion in terms of titles won, for sure, and fought most everybody they put in front of him. But he was also a product of mega-hype by the boxing establishment, and received opportunities that many fighters of superior level never had. That he has become a promoter at this level, that he fired Nigel Collins after purchasing The Ring Magazine, are both proofs of who he is and where he comes from. Tim Kawakami's book "Golden Boy: The Fame, Money, and Mystery of Oscar de La Hoya" gives a good perspective of the guy's real essence. If you never read it, I encourage you to do so. Basically, the book reveals how fake this man has always been.
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