16.11.06 – By Onur Tezucar: “There’s an old saying in Tennessee, I know it’s in Texas, probably Tennessee. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me…can’t get, fool me again.” (George W. Bush courtesy of You-Tube). A very accurate description of the new Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. “Mega-fight” coming in May. Boxing will always captivate its hardcore fans, no doubt. However, in recent years, boxing has sadly lost touch with its casual fan. There are numerous reasons that can be attributed to, of course, such as, the weak Heavyweight Division, faded stars and poor marketing of the young, up and coming fighters, are just to name a few. Still, at the end of the day, boxing has failed to provide the public with the best possible match ups available.
On May 05, 2007, I’m afraid we will be seeing the funeral service of boxing as we know it. The star power that fighters like Mayweather and De La Hoya possess, will unite the hardcore and casual boxing fan, only to lose the casual fan to another stylistic dud these fighters will showcase.
At this point, we all know for all his grace and defensive boxing artistry Mayweather does have, yet one thing he doesn’t hold, however, is any knockout power whatsoever at the welterweight level, let alone, at light middleweight (154 lbs), the weight class in which he’ll be fighting De La Hoya. Though, De La Hoya does have a vicious left hook, he still must be capable of throwing punches, swarming and pressuring Mayweather for a full 12 rounds, if he plans on being effective.
Obviously, this has been a problem area for De La Hoya, sd he tends to fade in the later rounds of his fights, and I can’t expect him to be any better now that he’d 34. So, what does this equal? Most likely, a drama-lacking, all you can stand, jab fest.
In essence, it will probably be similiar to Mosley vs. De La Hoya III. I know Floyd Sr. will be in Oscar’s corner, while I understand Roger will in Floyd’s corner. I recognize these guys have hall-of –fame names and credentials. Sure, that’s all great for pre-fight build up. However, in the ring, the styles of both fighters will lack any drama.
I don’t want to sound biased against this fight, in particular. It’s just that there are so many other fight match-ups, which would provide more drama, more action, and, especially, more fans. Potential fights of the year, whether it is egos, fear of opponent, money or lack of proper marketing, for one reason or another, have never happened. Fights, such as, Hatton vs. Cotto, Cotto vs. Margarito, Arce vs.Darchinyan, Calzaghe vs. Taylor, Wright vs. Miranda, Wright vs. Calzaghe, Margarito vs. Mayweather, Hatton vs. Mayweather, Paul Williams vs. somebody legitimate and the list goes on…….
Do these guys really need more tune-ups? It’s time for some of the aging star fighters to give the opportunity they are once given in there careers and fight a young potential star.
Styles make fights and this so-called “Mega Fight” in May, has pay-per-view fraud written all over it. I, for one, won’t be fooled again. There will be no “guy’s night” at my place to see this fight. There will be no promotion of a boxing fight party. No pay-per-view purchases, no beer, pretzels and six of my best buddies. I’ll be at Hooters with two friends, which is what’s left of boxing fans/friends that I know of and watch the fight for free. Ok, and maybe drink a beer or two.