De La Hoya vs Mayweather; Looking forward
 By Ian Keogh (May 4, 2007) Doghouse Boxing (Photo © HBO-PPV)
Saturday night in Las Vegas, NV two of boxings biggest names will face off in this centuries version of a super fight. While this fight might pale in comparison to Ali v Frazier I or Leonard v Hearns I it's going to break records and undoubtedly be the largest grossing non heavyweight pay-per-view of all time. What tickets were available to the general public were scooped up in a mere three hours and the live gate has grossed a reported $19M. Add to this the money generated from closed circuit viewings and this fight will generate some major money. Good thing too, Mayweather needs some more to count. De La Hoya v
Mayweather would sell a lot of pay-per-view buys as is but when you throw in the 11 city press tour along with HBO's 24/7 series this fight could end up being the event future pay-per-views are compared to. So after all is said and done, the fight is over, the MGM is empty, where do Oscar and Floyd go from here?
If Mayweather wins:
Mayweather has stated that this will be his final fight. Most find this hard to believe and this writer is no different. Mayweather is in his prime and a win over Oscar, especially an impressive win, will only push Mayweather towards other big money fights. Shane Mosley has stated that he wants Mayweather next and HBO would love to give the fans this fight later in the year on pay-per-view. Mayweather will earn more the $12M for the De La Hoya fight. More then enough money for any person to live happily ever after. However, when all you know is boxing what else is there for you to do? We know Floyd enjoys counting money but how long until that gets old? Big money fights with fighters like Mosley, Cotto, Margarito and Hatton should keep Mayweather from collecting his 401 K.
Should Floyd defeat Oscar Saturday night the Golden Boy's career is all but over. Sure he could fight on generating more big money bouts but at 34 years of age, with a promotion company in full swing and millions in the bank, what would be the point? Would Oscar risk becoming a stepping stone? Does he want to be a fighter that a young up and comer beats and uses the De La Hoya name to advance his credentials? It can be said that this is exactly what's happening now, Mayweather beating Oscar would just add a household name to his resume. While true, it should be noted that De La Hoya is still a very capable fighter. However, he's probably more interested in being a capable promoter after May 5th.
If De La Hoya wins:
If Oscar beats Mayweather this Saturday it will be the biggest victory in his storied career. 10 years ago Oscar defeated Pernell Whitaker in a very close decision. At the time many considered Whitaker to be the #1 P4P fighter in the world. Imagine defeating the best fighter in the world twice, 10 years apart. If he wins this Saturday he really has nothing left to prove. He's a first ticket hall of famer with a successful promotional company and a young family. So is it that simple? Beat Mayweather and retire? Probably, unless, and this is a big unless, Oscar can coax Felix Trinidad out of retirement for a rematch of their 1999 welterweight title fight. Oh but wait, there is one other option. Another rematch. De La Hoya v Mayweather II. We'll wait and see.
A loss to Mayweather would be a crushing blow to his ego and status. Mayweather doesn't see any way Oscar can beat him and truly believes he's the greatest fighter of all time. While that's a stretch he is the best fighter in the world today. A loss to Oscar would change all that. If he loses to Oscar a rematch with the Golden Boy is an obvious, providing De La Hoya obliges. If for whatever reason a rematch with Oscar doesn't pan out a return to welterweight will follow. Floyd will fall back on the opinion of some that Oscar was just too big. He can chalk it up to size and continue his career at 147 fighting other big name fighters such as Mosley, Cotto and Hatton. Even with a loss to Oscar you can bet to see Floyd Mayweather fight again.
In my opinion Mayweather will win a decision. If he does so in impressive fashion he may become a pay-per-view attraction. There are other big fights out there for the world’s best fighter. Either way he's not going to retire. The same can't be said for Oscar. He'll hang up the gloves and focus on Golden Boy Promotions and make his acceptance speech in Canastota in 2012.
Quick hits:
-With Oscar and Floyd making a boat load of money this Saturday I'm not surprised to see an average at best undercard. However, had HBO suggested Oscar include GBP partner and friend Shane Mosley on the undercard the pay-per-view buys would be higher. Put Mosley in with a top 10 welterweight with the suggestion a Mosley win on the undercard sets up a fall clash with Mayweather. The stage is so huge and HBO didn't capitalize.
- HBO's triple header in July is a very solid card. Gomez v Gatti could be a war!
- Hopkins v Wright is apparently taking place at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Over/Under... 5000 people in attendance?
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