Oscar De La Hoya has one of the most impressive resumes in recent boxing history, as he is a true legend of the sport.
From De La Hoya defeating Julio Cesar Chavez to beating one of the greatest lightweights of all time in Pernell Whitaker, ‘Golden Boy’ often showed elite talent.
As a former six-division champion, De La Hoya fought some of the best talents in recent decades. This includes De La Hoya having a huge money fight with Floyd Mayweather.
Floyd Mayweather defeated Oscar De La Hoya via split decision
Fighting in May of 2007, De La Hoya’s WBC World Super Welterweight title was on the line when he faced Mayweather in Las Vegas.
‘Golden Boy’ had a professional record of 38-4 going into the bout, as De La Hoya had just defeated Ricardo Mayorga. As for Mayweather, he had a perfect 37-0 record.
In a close bout, the judges could not unanimously decide on a winner. Two of the scoring officials had the bout in favor of Mayweather, with scores of 116-112 and 115-113. As for the third judge, he scored the fight 115-113 for De La Hoya.
This would be the only time in his career that Mayweather won a fight via split decision.
- READ MORE: Oscar De La Hoya was stopped for the first time in his career by devastating body shot knockout
Oscar De La Hoya lists the qualities of Floyd Mayweather
Despite having such a close affair with Mayweather, there were plenty of reasons why De La Hoya feels his former rival is such a great fighter.
Speaking to Club Shay Shay, De La Hoya was asked what some of Mayweather’s key qualities are that make him unique. The former champion started by saying that Floyd Mayweather Sr. was “The best trainer I ever had,” as Mayweather Jr. had ‘pedigree.’
“That’s what Floyd Jr. grew up with, a teacher who disciplined him to be the very, very best.”
In terms of aspects of Mayweather’s game that he admired, De La Hoya said, “I love his patience. I love the fact he’s a hard hitter and he has a chin. People discredit him for not having a chin.”
De La Hoya added, “What makes him unique is obviously his boxing ability, but also his ring generalship… He knows how to make you tired without throwing any punches. It’s crazy!”