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Commentary, news, analysis and reader-driven discussions focusing on professional boxing.
De La Hoya-Mayweather Superfight
9:59 p.m. EST - The accessibility of boxers never ceases to amaze me. In the hours leading up to the megaubersuper fight between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather, the faded red carpet of the MGM Grand casino boasted a veritable Who's Who of the boxing world. At any given time, the average fan (or the equally average reporter) could find themselves immersed in a conversation with Tommy Hearns, Bernard Hopkins, Winky Wright, Wladimir Klitschko, Lamon Brewster, Floyd Mayweather Sr. (who was accompanied by a considerable entourage -- not sure what camp they were from), Teddy Atlas, Juan Manuel Marquez, Rafael Marquez or Roberto Duran, each one willing, if not eager, to brave the smoke-filled environment for a few minutes to engage in a spirited conversation about the sweet science. With two fights to go before the main event (and the one going on 40 feet in front of me between Sergio Medina and Rey Bautista is a war), I must confess the opinions among pundits has taken a decidedly De La Hoya turn. A week ago the consensus was Oscar had little more than a punchers chance; that is to say, outside of landing one good left hook, the Golden Boy was going down. But in the last few hours, there has been a surge of support for De La Hoya. Perhaps it is due to the hundreds of De La Hoya supporters crowding the Boardwalk. Or maybe, just maybe, the 10-time world champion is finally getting the respect he deserves. 10:08 - Bautista just won a unanimous decision. I'm now off to find Rafael Marquez to ask what round he's more likely to stick his fist through one of their kidneys. 10:10 - Hey, John Madden is here. Wouldn't it be great to have Madden doing color commentary? "See what we have here is Floyd trying to get around the backside of Oscar when ... BOOM! Oscar hits him with the left hook." 10:19 - WBC Junior Featherweight champion Rafael Marquez has weighed in, via cell phone. "Bautista is not that good," says Marquez. "I'd knock him out." Well put, Rafael. 10:23 - A nattily attired Floyd Mayweather Sr. has arrived, taking a seat five rows back from De La Hoya's corner. We'll keep an eye on that one. 10:27 - How is HBO billing Rocky Juarez as a co-main event? Funny, I didn't see a Juarez-Hernandez 24/7. I don't know what to think of Juarez. He's supposed to be this up-and-coming featherweight, but he got spanked twice by an aging Marco Antonio Barerra. He just seems to be the kind of fighter destined to toil on the undercard of Friday Night Fights. 10:31 - This fight is screaming for SI.com colleague Arash Markazi. You can't get more on the scene than this. 10:32 - Jim Carrey is here ... John Cusack is here ... OK, that's the last celebrity sighting you will hear from me. Though "Serendipity" was a good movie -- seriously. 10:36 - Except to say what is the deal with Carrey starring in all these dramas. I mean, give me "Liar, Liar 2" or "Dumb and Dumber: We're Sorry For That Crappy Sequel." Serious acting is for suckers. Just ask Will Ferrell. Who, by the way, just showed up. Now I'm done. 10:41 - Wladimir Klitschko has taken a seat on celebrity row. Great guy, Klitschko. The man speaks four languages and can drop a one-liner in any of them. At lunch this afternoon, I casually asked him if he had ever fought an amateur. "You mean other than Ray Austin," he replied with a laugh. 10:45 - Juarez is looking incredibly unimpressive against Jose Hernandez. I wonder what Rafael Marquez thinks of him? 10:47 - Marquez's phone is off. Must be the battery. Riiiight. 10:56 - Mayweather Sr. just gave an interview with HBO. This man will do ANYTHING to keep the spotlight on him. I'm half expecting him to sing the "Star Spangled Banner." 11:04 - The Juarez-Hernandez fight has mercifully come to an end. I think I saw Sugar Ray Leonard on the apron offering Juarez a spot on the next season of "The Contender." 11:08 - A PR rep just announced that after the main event, they would be ushering journalists in groups to the press conference. I resisted the urge to ask her if we should follow single file. 11:09 - It's Juarez by unanimous decision! Care ... 11:14 - Mario Lopez wins the Worst Celebrity Introduced To The Crowd By Michael Buffer Award. I still can't forgive Slater for that awful "The Other Half" talk show. 11:15 - Kenny Bayless will be your third man in the ring tonight. Apparently, Jay Nady has been banished to the Golden Gloves for his awful no-knockdown call in the last Marquez-Barrerra fight. 11:20 - The world continues to wait. It's as if HBO is using every minute of airtime to keep the fans focused on the Rockstar energy drink signs on the ringposts. 11:22 - Lopez is seated next to Eva Longoria. Somewhere Tony Parker is laughing hysterically. 11:24 - I'm on the record already but ... Mayweather by decision. 11:26 - Mark Anthony just sang the national anthem. No truth to the rumor they asked Ben Affleck first. 11:31 - Mayweather is on his way to the ring wearing a sombrero. Floyd told me a couple of weeks ago that he thinks Oscar "hates black fighters." That must have been code for, "I'm going to alienate all Mexicans." 11:33 - Floyd Mayweather in the house! He has entered the ring accompanied by rapper 50 cent, who appears to be wearing a bulletproof vest. Good sign. 11:35 - Deafening applause for Oscar De La Hoya. As if we didn't know who the fan favorite was already. 11:37 - Disclaimer: SI's scoring of this fight will be a cumulative effort by myself, SI senior boxing editor Rich O'Brien, and SI Latino associate editor Luis Fernando Llosa. 11:38 - More deafening applause as Buffer introduces De La Hoya. Seriously, I don't think Floyd even hears it. 11:39 - Roger Mayweather is already arguing with a security guard. Nice, Roger. ROUND 1 De La Hoya dictates the tempo in Round 1, but Mayweather connects on the cleaner shots. SI CARD: 10-9 Mayweather ROUND 2 Big second round for De La Hoya. I don't know what the strategy is in Mayweather's corner, but allowing Floyd to be pushed against the ropes shouldn't be it. Mayweather looks a little tight. SI CARD: 10-9 De La Hoya ROUND 3 Oscar seemingly can control the tempo of this fight. De La Hoya was excellent with the jab and landed a couple of potent power punched. SI CARD: 10-9 De La Hoya ROUND 4 Tremendous defense by De La Hoya. Floyd's jabs are getting nowhere near Oscar's head and De La Hoya's counterpunches are finding their mark. Right now, De La Hoya is the more active fighter. SI CARD: 10-9 De La Hoya ROUND 5 A near-knockdown of De La Hoya by a terrific short right hand by Mayweather has hurt De La Hoya. Another late right nearly sends De La Hoya to the canvas. Big round for Mayweather, De La Hoya may still be hurt. SI CARD: 10-9 Mayweather ROUND 6 A few flurries by De La Hoya, who still looks stunned from Mayweather's assault last round. But his hands are lower than they were in the first round and Mayweather is picking him apart from the outside. Edge on big shots to Oscar. Round to Mayweather. SI CARD: 10-9 Mayweather ROUND 7 Oscar needs to throw the jab more. Floyd laughs every time it connects, but De La Hoya's stinging jabs are keeping Mayweather at bay. Eventually, it will lead to a bigger punch. SI CARD: 10-9 De La Hoya ROUND 8 De La Hoya's jab is clearly the most effective punch of the night. De La Hoya, however, appears to be tiring. His hands are down, and he is throwing the jab with less frequency. A late flurry by De La Hoya isn't enough. SI CARD: 10-9 Mayweather ROUND 9 Oscar is tired. Mayweather pot-shotted De La Hoya several times and his confidence is rising. Unlike De La Hoya's hands. SI CARD: 10-9 Mayweather 12:15 a.m. - Our first fight has broken out in the stands. About time. ROUND 10 Oscar has stopped throwing punches and Floyd continues to pick up steam. A late, straight right hand punctuates the round. You have to wonder what Oscar has left in the tank. SI CARD: 10-9 Mayweather ROUND 11 Mayweather's right hands are starting to hurt ME. Oscar continues to try to line up that big shot but refuses to set it up with the jab. Mayweather Sr. has a stoic look on his face. He may be witnessing the end of his prized pupil. SI CARD: 10-9 Mayweather ROUND 12 Floyd Mayweather simply cannot be KO'd. He is just too fast. A courageous round by De La Hoya. Floyd may regret mailing in this one. SI CARD: 10-9 De La Hoya 12:26 - Tremendous fight. Some uncertainty on press row, though. SI SCORING: Mayweather 115, De La Hoya 113. 12:28 - Mayweather wins by split decision! 12:29 - The crowd hates it, but the pundits and press nod in agreement. De La Hoya was the better fighter early but Mayweather's superior conditioning carried him in the end. That said, I smell a rematch. 12:32 - Without question Mayweather's toughest fight to date. A rematch seems to be the consensus, but I'm not sure the outcome will be any different. Thanks for reading, this is SI signing off!
posted by SI.com | View comments |
Comments:what time does this fight start?
Everyone knows Mayweather Sr. trained De La Hoya for 8 fights and will be supporting De La Hoya! How can you be a Boxing Analyst for SI.com and not know that?!
This is great! Keep the commentary coming!
JT i think that mayweather will get beat till he cant take it and give up
mayweather is gonna kill it
may the best win :-)
thanks for doing this.
how close to fight time?
What? Mayweather Sr. singing "The Star Spangled Banner?" Why not "Living in America?"
What's your prediction, Chris? I'm going with Floyd on a decision. Maybe, maybe, a late TKO if he decides to put Oscar away instead of box.
Wakka wakka.
Poor Oscar... Ouch, it's gonna hurt.
Still, PACQUIAO is the best !!!
I pick Mayweather by decision. I don't think he has the power to knockout De La Hoya (knock-down maybe). De La Hoya is a heck of a fighter, but Floyd has great defense, speed and stamina.... This will go the distance.
directv has locked us out of this fight....
We are so mad anyone know of an internet radio station covering the fight
Wow it took Mannix less than an hour to pull out the "care" card.
I just wanted to say thanks as well!
very cool stuff and enjoying your comments :) i could punch someone at direct tv!!!!!
PACMAN......baby!!!
gonna be Haglar in 3
i truly think mayweather is going to win this fight although his arrogant attitude makes me want to see de la hoya beat his ass raw
Can we watch the fight online anywhere
De La Hoya has everything to prove tonight. He will win!
Mayweather KO in the 8th round. De La Hoya is too old and trained in the wrong place.
starts in about 25 minutes right?
8 minutes until the fight starts.
** Y A W N **
lets go manntixx more of the blog please
Does De La Hota think he's fighting an over the hill boxer like in his prevous fights. This will be another time he will retire again.
Big thanks for this blog! I'm a police dispatcher and stuck at work tonight... wish I could be watching with a 6-pack of corona, but so be it! thanks chris!
Wow..I thought Mayweather would win, but what speed! I can't believe he did that in 1:25!
what time does it start?
good looks mannix on doing this you lucky b@$t@rd enjoy the "superfight" and lets go la hoya para los latinos. mayweather's mouth needs to be put in place aint cant imagine what hes gunna be saying if he wins. let the more humble man win not the loose cannon with ali's mouth but tyson's class
who is tony parker?
Golden boy by decision!
blog it up manntrixx faster what the heck are they paying you for. Tell Wlad I said what's up and look forward to the revenge he is going to give L. Brewster.
would love to see hoya shut mayweather up, by shoving his fists down his throat
Anyone know when the fight starts?
Oscar's in shape but not fight sharp. Pretty Boy by TKO in 10
well, how long till the fight starts?
Besides Lopez, who will be saved by the bell tonight?
De La Hoya has lost his edge, too much preoccupation with hollyweird!
How can you not know that Wladimir Klitschko won an Olympic Gold Medal as an amateur?
i am so geeked for this fight. i'm going to blow up direct tv if the freaking rain stops by sat. trasmission.
Fights just about to start - National Anthem
When I was a kid, I would sit (in the Caribbean) with my great uncle and listen to fights on the radio. Now I'm sitting here with my son, reading the fight on the net. The more things change...
Basket ball Player. Eva's Fiancee. Are they still together?
Tony parker plays for the SA Spurs
Floyd doesn't have great power, so don't be surprised to see Oscar win this fight.
result of dela hoya, mayweather fight!
Sweet! A written blow-by-blow analysis. The rest is up to our imaginations...We're counting on you.
Does antone really think De La Hoya could win? He's just about the dollar.
de la hoya, by KO in the 6th round
tony parker plays basketball and is married to eva longoria
De la Hoya needs to beat this guys ass... he is too cocky... Oscar just needs to land one shot and Floyd will be a bad situation, like he never has been before! Go Oscar!
fight will start immediately after the first bell . . .
i hope they kill eack other
Freddie Roach is a great trainer and strategist so I wouldn't count De la Hoya out. I think Oscar will pull thru. But I'm looking at knockdowns on both sides
Mayweather to fast, to quick, to agile for slowmo hoya.
OMG...are there any DLH fans out there???
fight must start tomorrow.
damn... Tony Parker is the all-star point guard of the San Antonio Spurs - he's also married to Eva Longoria.
I posted El Nino Oro in Ocho on the HBO board... not confident, but sure as heck hope so.
Has it started yet
Has it started yet!??!?!?
This awesome - have to babysit and can't get to the bar. THANKS!!!!!
i wish i had $54.95 to waste on this fight.
Mayweather has an unfair advantage! He could open his 25 gallon mouth, grab De La Hoya's glove and hold while he rabbit punches Oscar! Go De La Hoya! Stop that punk!
Is ANYONE able to watch it online or at least listen to it? Friggin DISH wont let me get it now
fight what fight
A sombrero? Classic A-hole Floyd.
lee trevino gave merryweather the sombrero
When you post the commentary, please be as detailed round by round as you can.
Mayweather is a great fighter. There is no doubt but thats not why is fans root for him. Everyone seems to love the big mouth annoying and arrogant athlete. He's a punk whether he wins or loses. Ali may have had a mouth but he still had class. He could never live up to Ali. Even if he goes undefeated. I hope Oscar will be able to just shut him up. I have to admit though, it will be very hard. Go Oscar!
I'm hungry !
Mayweather is classless
De La Hoya by KO, late.
I wonder if the sombrero is bulletproof? It would be awesome if Oscar Came in with The Game and Fitty and he fought afterward.
mayweather is going to decapitate that mexican.
Mayweather KO's Golden Boy in the 5th.
50 uh, bentley uh
i want to see mayweather-taylor
Maybe more people would care about boxing if they actually got going with the fight and didn't restrict viewers to pay-per-view.
its on right now
HOW MUCH LONGER ??
Right now
I thought you could listen to live round by round action and I cant find the link on si.com anywhere
hey! r u the REAL rusty staub?/?
blog faster
Mayweather is a punk thug. I hope Oscar makes his face look like 50 Cent meets Quasimodo on a bad day.
yao
Oscar, by KO, rd 5
down goes mayweather, down goes mayweather.
I hope that Oscar knocks Mayweather out, and Mayweather pisses his boxing trunks in public
Jonathan Mckerchers birthday dwarfs this fight in terms of overall impact
Prediction - Golden Boy by TKO in 8.
The fight starts when the ref says "let's get it on"
My guess is 10:44 CST Finally someone will shut up Mayweather. Who brings 50 cent to ringside with them?
pls give us an update from time to time.. were a li'l bit delayed telecast here.tnx
Mayweather by decision. i think he will outbox De La Hoya and hopefully his hands will hold up.
I hope Floyd doesn't retire. I would love to see him fight Cotto, Hatton, Margarito, Cintron or Mosley. That's what's wrong with boxing, none of the big fighters want each other and when they do, the promoters don't. Jonathan Mckerchers birthday dwarfs this fight as an event in general.
Lets get it on- Mills Lane
Is anyone broadcasting this fight online?
this is sweet i love this blog
Go Oscar!!! Wish I had the 55 bucks to watch it live!!
Some girls like boxing too. HELLLLOOOOO, Has the freaking fight started yet????????
Too bad Paris Hilton is in prison... she could make a comeback with a new video (Live from Vegas - Paris does the undercard).
de la hoya wins in the 9th round by KO
Jonathan Mckerchers birthday dwarfs this fight.
mayweather's a roy jones jr. without the power
oscar won 1st round 10-9
Dude, you're way behind Yahoo's blog
It was too bad the fight ended so fast. At the "golden Boy" fans will be happy.
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