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Bernard is Oscar Nominated

Mar 9, 2004  By Tom Gray

There are a lot of fans who are of the opinion that Oscar De La Hoya is a coward, who hand picks opponents at just the right time. This is of course absurd and De La Hoya’s decision to fight Bernard Hopkins should bury such foolishness forever. Right? Wrong!

There is a large percentage of the boxing fraternity who think that Oscar is taking on the Undisputed Middleweight Champion of the World for the money and while that may be a factor, it is not all that makes De La Hoya tick. The money generated in a big fight is always important, but “The Golden Boy” can make upwards of $10 million fighting easier fights against a Yori Boy Campas or even Felix Sturm, his next engagement in June. It would be impossible for Oscar to spend the money he has already grossed and he isn’t about to squander a career fortune like Mike Tyson appears to have. I can only think that Oscar has seen a chink in Bernard’s armour, but I plead ignorant to what that could possibly be.

The Executioner is a freak of nature, who at 39, is more formidable than ever. Since finally gaining acclaim three years ago, at the expense of Felix Trinidad’s senses, he has been regarded as the sports most avoided champion. He hasn’t lost in eleven years and that was at the hands of a ring legend in Roy Jones, JR., who defeated him by unanimous decision.

Nobody has come close since, although it could be argued that the division was hardly talent laden, as Hopkins struggled to secure a defining fight. Regardless, when it came against Tito, he put on a master class and became the first Undisputed Middleweight Champion in fourteen years.

Over the last half decade Oscar’s fortunes have fluctuated. He has lost to Trinidad, albeit controversially and Shane Mosley, who will unify at 154lbs against Winky Wright in two weeks time. He gained momentum after a TKO win over Fernando Vargas in 2002, but the “Sugar Man” got the nod again in a debatable decision last September. Oscar remains a huge PPV attraction, but is in major need of a stand out victory.

Hopkins vs. De La Hoya is massive and I actually started watching both combatants recently, in their key performances. I am of the opinion that Oscar can cope with Bernard on the outside, his jab is faster and more versatile and his foot speed is excellent early on. The problem is when Oscar slows and Bernard mixes it up on the inside. Hopkins is a ring veteran and knows all the tricks; he goes to the body like a surgeon and inflicts massive punishment throughout twelve rounds. His chin is solid and he has rarely been hurt by fully fledged middleweights, so it’s hard to envision Oscar putting a dent in him. Oscar would have to be in better condition than ever to be effective for twelve rounds and at an unnatural weight against a pressure fighter like Hopkins that could be asking a lot. The champion is also rough as hell and Oscar can forget about looking good after the fight, win or lose.

Do I think Oscar can do it? Sure I do! Hopkins is where the smart money is, but I learned never to write off quality a long time ago. Whatever happens on September 18th, one thing is now indisputable and that is Oscar De La Hoya’s heart, it is every bit as big as his bank account!.

Questions or comments email Tom at: tomgray24475@hotmail.com
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