‘Golden Boy’ Oscar De La Hoya helped to define an era of boxing as he was one of the most entertaining fighters in the sport during his career.
Retiring in 2008, De La Hoya was involved in huge money fights with Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. As well as this, the now-boxing promoter is a former six-division world champion.
Ending his career with a professional record of 39-6, De La Hoya’s losses were handed to him by only the best fighters of his era. From being stopped by Bernard Hopkins to his first loss to Felix Trinidad, De La Hoya was not an easy fighter to beat.
In 2000, De La Hoya was narrowly bested by one of his rivals in a razor-thin fight.
Oscar De La Hoya was narrowly beaten by Shane Mosley in 2000
Despite dropping his WBC World Welterweight title to Trinidad in September 1999, De La Hoya regained his title the following year after being promoted from number one contender.
To defend the title for the first time in his second reign, De La Hoya faced ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley in June 2000. The welterweights would headline an event in Los Angeles, as Mosley put his unbeaten 34-0 record on the line.
Having an entertaining fight from the first round to the last, De La Hoya and Mosley’s headline bout delivered for the fans. Although De La Hoya was seemingly leading the bout in the opening stages, Mosley would find his form in the second half of the fight.
As the fight was close on the judges’ scorecards, De La Hoya and Mosley exchanged damaging blows in an epic 12th round. As the crowd was in full voice, the commentator said, “The crowd goes wild” in the final moments of the fight.
Both competitors also showed one another a great deal of respect in the closing stages of the title bout.
The judges would not be able to score the bout unanimously, as Mosley edged out a split decision. Dethroning the champion, ‘Sugar’ extended his professional record to 35-0.
Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Mosley rematched three years later
Despite De La Hoya and Mosley having a close and entertaining affair in their first meeting, they would not have an immediate rematch.
The pair would not meet again until September 2003, this time competing at super welterweight. Unified champion De La Hoya would once again be looking to defend against Mosley, with the WBA and WBC belts on the line.
De La Hoya had won four fights since his meeting with ‘Sugar’. As for Mosley, he had three wins, two losses, and a no-contest after beating ‘Golden Boy’.
Despite De La Hoya being the in-form fighter, he would once again suffer a defeat. Another close victory for Mosley would see his record improve to 39-2.