BY MARCUS HENRY
Just when I thought boxing was getting its act together...It had to come back with Mayweather-De La Hoya II. What a waste.
According to ESPN.com's Dan Rafael, Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya will hook up for the second time on September 13 or 20. The venue has yet to be determined.
Boxing had a great 2007. The matchups were excellent and the fights were great. Cotto-Mosley, Cotto-Judah, Pavlik-Taylor, Mayweather-Hatton, Calzaghe-Kessler, Vazquez-Marquez (twice) and Williams-Margarito were just a few of the great fights we saw in '07.
Floyd Mayweather-Oscar De La Hoya was a great event. The fight was okay, but the atmosphere surrounding it was incredible. All of that notwithstanding, I covered their fight on May 5th, and as a fight fan, I can think of at least five other matchups in the welterweight division I'd rather see. This doesn't mean I don't like the fighters. I've always been a fan of both fighters. But it's difficult to believe the outcome of the next fight would be any different. Mayweather is too quick, too elusive and too young for De La Hoya.
If the first fight was an epic battle that kept me on the edge my seat (and laptop) for 12 rounds, that's one thing. But I just don't see De La Hoya being able to hit Mayweather. That doesn't mean I wouldn't want to cover it if given the opportunity. (I know, shameless self promotion).
That fight pretty much dashes any hopes we had of seeing Cotto-Mayweather or even Cotto-De La Hoya this year. Making matters worse, it throws everything off for 2008. Talented welterweights like Paul Williams, Kermit Cintron, Antonio Magarito and junior welterweights like Paulie Malignaggi and Ricardo Torres will have to wait a bit longer for big fights and big pay days.
Mayweather-De La Hoya II will make headlines and money. But that's about it.
Comments (1)
I beg to differ, Marcus!! Many believe Oscar could have won that first bout with Floyd if showed more stamina in late rounds and/or had Floyd Senior as trainer!! It may be a chess match bout, but it WILL be very competitive!!
For more than just financial reasons, Oscar-Floyd II will be remembered long after Cintron, Margarito, Malignaggi and Torres have become trivia answers...of that group of 6 top welters you mention above, only Cotto and Williams have ANY shot at ever making it to IBHOF!!
RESPONSE TO DON: I know I'm killing the fight before it happenrs, but Oscar barely touched Floyd after the fifth round in the first fight. It's hard to believe that Oscar, who will be 35 when they fight, will be any quicker.
Marcus