Oscar De La Hoya hit the canvas after a legend nailed him with a right hand.
In his esteemed career, ‘The Golden Boy’ cemented his status as an icon of the sport, putting on dazzling displays en route to winning world titles in six weight categories.
During his career, De La Hoya set foot inside the ring with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao and produced huge wins over Pernell Whitaker and Arturo Gatti.
However, arguably his greatest nights came when he avenged a knockdown in sparring against one of the greatest of all time.
WOW: Oscar De La Hoya made shock claim about the financial split for fight with Floyd Mayweather
Oscar De La Hoya got dropped in sparring by Julio Cesar Chavez
On both occasions they clashed in the professional ranks, Oscar De La Hoya triumphed over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, winning via stoppage each time.
However, the first time they shared the ring, it was ‘El Gran Campeón Mexicano’ who came out on top.
During their session, the older fighter detonated a marvelous shot that sent the future sporting superstar tumbling toward the canvas.
In an interview with Youth Inc, De La Hoya reminisced: “I had just turned 15 years old. I believe he was preparing himself for Meldrick Taylor, which was an amazing fight. So, they called us to spar with him.
“Julio Cesar Chavez’s sparring sessions—it’s kind of like a circus. It’s funny because he’ll have 1000 people there, he’ll have mariachi playing, it’s pretty crazy.
“So, he hits me with that right hand. I swear I’ve never been hit harder in my life. That’s why he was like the greatest of all time. This guy was the best.”
‘Dangerous’ former world title contender earned nickname by handing out beatings in Julio Cesar Chavez’s gym
Training in the same building as Chavez certainly wasn’t easy, with even De La Hoya touching the canvas.
However, while some struggled, others reveled in the atmosphere.
One American boxing star moved to Mexico with the intent of honing his craft in a facility full of fantastic fighters.
In an impressive turn of events, this future world title challenger was nicknamed ‘Dangerous’ for his performances inside Chavez’s gym.