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Chat Reel: Nick Charles
CNN/Sports Illustrated correspondent can't wait for fight
Posted: Friday June 16, 2000 08:07 PM
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CNNSI's reporter Nick Charles thinks Oscar De La Hoya will have to punch more and sing less if he expects to win. AP |
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's boxing chat with CNN/Sports Illustrated's Nick Charles. Hi Nick, thanks for joining us.
Nick Charles: You know it's always a pleasure when it's big-fight time.
From Tony Licata in Chicago: I notice that Oscar is the favorite in Las Vegas. How do you evaluate these two in a match-up that looks so even?
Nick Charles: Oscar is relying on his aggression and superior power. I just spoke with Oscar in his hotel room. It's clear he is banking on what he thinks is his superior power and the fact he told me it's the best training camp he ever had.
As for Mosely, even De La Hoya had nothing bad to say about him, and he's correct. Mosely is a full-fledged welterweight and is the kind of guy who never wears down. His greatest fear would be running into a power punch and getting shocked. But, as the fight goes longer, Mosely must be cautious of coming out strong early and trying not to prove to De La Hoya that he is in fact the stronger puncher. I think Mosely's best bet is to try and empty Oscar's tank because clearly Mosely is a guy who's waited for this chance all his life. He's not going to melt in the spotlight in the biggest moment of his life. He feels destined for this and isn't anxious. The confidence level of both guys is amazing. De La Hoya has something to prove. He wants to look spectacular. Mosely wants to grab worldwide acclaim with a win here. A lot of pride is on the line he
From Guest: Will this be a cat and mouse fight or a Hearns and Haggler slugfest?
Nick Charles: It will not be a cat and mouse fight because Mosely is going to make De La Hoya fight. Oscar vows he won't be pushed back. Oscar told me that earlier today. Oscar said, "The more speed Mosely uses, the faster I'll be." A good fighter will bring that out in me. They have tons of respect for each other. They're going to be smart and I think it's going to be a highly charged fight. It's not going to be a lot of coasting, I think they have to fight intelligently. They're going to bring it to each other.
From Ramon Hernandez in Dallas: Who do you feel has the advantage in hand speed and power between De La Hoya and Mosely? And do you believe this fight will go the distance?
Nick Charles: I like Mosely's hand speed because he fights with both better than De La Hoya. De La Hoya is basically relying on that big left hook. In terms of power, I think Mosely is a lot stronger, he's a full-fledged welterweight. Some say he's as strong as Oscar. I think Oscar has the power advantage. Oscar's best path to victory is to knock Mosely out and Mosely's best path is to win on points, to use his combinations and his speed, his elusiveness, to win a decision.
From Nick in Greenville, N.C.: Why do all the so-called "experts" think Oscar will KO Shane? I think Shane is probably the next Roy Jones Jr. and will prove it. What do you think?
Nick Charles: Oscar wants to make this a brawl, an inside war. Most "experts" think he has the superior power to prevail and I tend to agree. I would think that Oscar is going to be hit in this fight more than he has ever hit. He's the better puncher, but Mosely has a chance to do it by accumulating a bunch of punches with his combinations.
Larry Ward in Vicksbrg, Miss: Do you think Ray Mosley should have fought a few more fighters in that weight division before fighting the champ?
Nick Charles: Yes, and De La Hoya thinks so to. But this was his chance for world-wide acclaim and transcend boxing and become a star. But this was an opportunity to fight De La Hoya and he to grab the chance to beat this guy and become a star. He had to take advantage of it now. Who knows how much longer De La Hoya would be a welterweight. But I think Mosely could have used a few more fights.
From Oscar Jose Seguban in Florida: I commend De La Hoya for not ducking anybody. But I think he's gotten caught with this Hollywood, La La Land ego trip. Why would he want to be a singer during his prime age? He should be training for his upcoming fight. My question is, do you feel that this activity hurts his training?
Nick Charles: That is an excellent observation. Many insiders, including myself, think that it's hurt his career. However, he told us this is his best training camp ever. In the past, he has prepared just enough to win. This is different. He says nothing's distraction. But I agree with your observation that this isn't the best time to try to be the next Ricky Martin.
From Phillip Bateman in Biloxi, Miss.: Who do you favor in the De La Hoya/Mosley fight?
Nick Charles: If Mosely gets to the inside, connects with a high volume of punches and avoids Oscars deadly left hook it will be a long night for De La Hoya. But Oscar's power seems to be the great equalizer. And he combines that by using his recently-neglected tools - he has to do more than what we've seen lately to prevail. Given Oscar's full range, I think it'll be the prevailing factor. This is "live fight." You can make a great case for both fighters. The tempo and exciting is going to be great. It has all the ingredients.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have for today. Thanks again for joining us, Nick. Enjoy the fight on Saturday.
Nick Charles: If I weren't working it, I'd still be there. I'm just as excited everyone who logged on today.
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