This was a very interesting fight. I just finished watching the download after avoiding the news (successfully) for the last few days.
It went on a split decision to Mayweather, which is a bit unfortunate. I always thought that the champion should only be dethroned if he was beaten. De La Hoya was largely unmarked, definitely the more aggressive of the two fighters and never fazed by Mayweather's punches. So while Mayweather had an advantage in punches landed, it didn't seem to hurt De La Hoya and I saw the fight as the closest to a draw I've ever seen.
In any event, it wasn't a great fight though it had great interest. Could the 34yr old De La Hoya survive and even do well against a boxer with great hand speed. Tactically, De La Hoya did much of what he needed to (though as the guy calling the fight said, he gave up on his jab too early). He forced Mayweather back into the corner, gave him some good body shots (which definitely helped slow down Mayweather in the middle rounds), and kept him on the defensive with his jab.
I couldn't really see why Oscar went away from the jab. It would have brought his punchstat numbers way up (useless really but I guess the judges use it) and it had the great benefit of keeping Mayweather on the defensive, and not using his handspeed to get through Oscar's defense.
Perhaps I just like Oscar because he's very erudite. Not just for a boxer, either.
Well, best of luck if there is a rematch.
Posted by artandscience at May 9, 2007 09:24 AM